Aircraft Leasing

Aircraft leasing companies and lessors

Aircraft leasing companies own aircraft and engines and rent them to airlines and operators, who avoid the cost of buying outright. Under an operating lease the lessor keeps the asset and its residual value risk, while a finance lease works more like a loan with ownership passing at the end. A dry lease provides the aircraft only, whereas a wet lease (ACMI) also includes crew, maintenance and insurance. Sale and leaseback deals let an airline sell aircraft it already owns and keep flying them.

Before signing, compare lease rates, maintenance reserves, return conditions, insurance requirements and the lessor's experience with your aircraft type. Many large lessors are based in Ireland, which is a long-standing centre for aircraft leasing.

There are 15 leasing companies listed, most in Ireland (4) and the United States (2), with others in Lithuania, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. They include Avolon, CDB Aviation and ORIX Aviation, as well as:

• Azorra, a lessor of regional and crossover aircraft
• Engine Lease Finance Corporation, an independent aircraft engine lessor
• Jetstream Aviation Capital, specialising in turboprop leasing
• Victoria Helicopters, covering helicopter sales, brokerage, appraisals and leasing
• Aircraft Value Analysis Co, providing aircraft valuation and lease analysis

If you are weighing the alternatives, compare aircraft financing and aircraft sales companies, and arrange cover with aviation insurers. Our guides explain wet lease, dry lease and leaseback and financing versus leasing a private jet.