The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Quebec's Caisse pension fund is teaming up with the world's second-largest lessor of aircraft to launch a $1.5-billion (U.S.) platform for financing and leasing airplanes, capitalizing on strong commercial demand. The Globe's James Bradshaw writes that the Caisse and SMBC Aviation Capital are planning to invest $500-million (U.S.) each year for the next three years. The Montreal pension fund manager will provide most of the capital to help SMBC build up its fleet, which will be focused on the newest aircraft models -- mostly from Airbus and Boeing -- that are typically more fuel-efficient. Dublin-based SMBC will source transactions and service the platform, which will operate as Maple Aircraft Company Holdings, and also invest in opportunities alongside Maple Aircraft. SMBC owns and manages a fleet of more than 900 aircraft. This is the first time the Caisse, or CDPQ, has invested with the leasing company. The partnership is the latest of several investments the Caisse has made in aircraft leasing, and its expansion in the sector comes as lessors are benefiting from higher rental revenues. The Caisse has previously invested in other aircraft leasing companies.