Aviation Global Leaders

In this episode of the Aviation Leaders podcast, Steven Townend, CEO of BOC Aviation, speaks with Joe O’Mara from KPMG about the aviation industry’s performance in 2025 and what lies ahead. From shifting demand across regions to improving supply chains, strong lease rates, and the outlook for consolidation, this conversation offers a deep dive into the trends shaping global aviation.

Welcome to Aviation Leaders interview series from Airline Economics and KPMG, the podcast where we explore the trends shaping aviation leasing and finance. In this episode, James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG, sits down with Vinodh Srinivasan, Managing Director and Co-Head of the Structured Credit Group at Mizuho Americas. Together, they unpack the strong performance of aircraft lessors over the past 12 to 18 months, the resilience of aircraft as an asset class, and the return of the ABS market—on track to exceed $9.6 billion in 2025. They also discuss OEM supply challenges, rising lease rates, and how private equity and infrastructure funds are driving a more institutionalized sector. Plus, what’s next for M&A and structured equity products? Stay tuned for insights you won’t want to miss.

Welcome to the Aviation Leaders podcast, brought to you by Airline Economics and KPMG. In this episode, we’re joined by Kalash Pandey, Global Head of Transportation Finance at Goldman Sachs. Kalash takes us inside the latest trends in aviation finance—from airline traffic growth and leasing sector consolidation to ESG considerations and the resurgence of the ABS market. If you want to understand where aviation finance is headed and how investors are shaping the future, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Welcome to the Aviation Leaders podcast, where we bring you insights from the industry’s most influential voices. In this episode, Mike Inglese, CEO of Aircastle, sits down with James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG Ireland, to explore the trends shaping aircraft leasing.

Mike discusses Aircastle’s position as a leading secondary lessor with 275 aircraft and $8.5 billion in assets, the impact of geopolitical tensions and supply chain challenges, and the future of lease rate factors. He also shares Aircastle’s trading strategy and the importance of maintaining an investment-grade rating.

Tune in for a conversation packed with market intelligence and strategic insights.

Welcome to today’s episode, where we sit down with Greg Conlon, CEO of High Ridge Aviation, for an in-depth discussion on the aviation industry’s outlook. Greg takes us through High Ridge’s journey, the global demand-supply gap for aircraft, and how supply chain and engine availability are influencing lease rates. He also shares insights on secondary trading, sale-leaseback competition, and the potential for M&A deals – ending on a note of optimism for aviation’s future.

Stay tuned for a conversation packed with market intelligence and strategic perspectives.

New Aviation Global Leaders video is live! Watch Joe O’Mara, Head of FS Tax at KPMG, as he interviews Firoz Tarapore, CEO of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), about the latest trends in the aviation market at Airline Economics Growth Frontiers in Singapore. They discuss aviation’s resilience, supply chain improvements, stable lease rates, and DAE’s growth following the NAC acquisition. Firoz shares why scale matters and why he’s optimistic about the industry’s future. Listen now!

In this episode, Anne-Bart celebrates TrueNoord’s significant milestone of inducting its 100th aircraft—a remarkable achievement since the company’s inception in 2016. Despite a two-year growth delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TrueNoord has experienced a surge in activity, acquiring over 40 aircraft in the last two years and expanding its team of professionals across Amsterdam, Dublin, Singapore and London.

In this episode, Victoria Tozer-Pennington, editor of Airline Economics speaks with Gerry Laderman, an independent airline expert who was formerly CFO of United Airlines. The conversation explores the airline industry’s impressive recovery after the global pandemic, while Laderman shares insights on the rapid resurgence of leisure travel, the gradual return of business traffic, and shifting industry dynamics. From managing fuel prices to navigating Boeing’s manufacturing delays, Laderman provides a comprehensive outlook on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Join us as we look towards 2025 with cautious optimism.

Welcome to the latest episode of Airline Economics and KPMG’s Aviation Global Leaders podcast. Today, John Evans, CEO and founder of Azorra, joins Victoria Tozer-Pennington, editor of Airline Economics to discuss the company’s growth in commercial aircraft leasing, focusing on regional and alternative assets such as Embraer E2s and Airbus A220s. With a fleet worth $2.7 billion and spanning more than 30 airlines in more than 25 countries, Azorra has found success even amidst global challenges. John shares insights into Azorra’s diverse financing strategies, the demand for regional aircraft, and the recent rise in lease rates. Tune in to hear how Azorra is navigating OEM delays and technological shifts, all while providing critical support to airlines and OEMs across the globe.

In this episode, Kieran O’Brien interviews Marc Iarchy, Partner at World Star Aviation, to discuss the evolving landscape of the aviation market in the post-COVID era. As a mid-tier lessor with $1.9 billion in assets, World Star Aviation focuses on midlife passenger aircraft, cargo, and engines. Marc dives into the current market dynamics, including the overpricing of midlife assets and a shift in investor behaviour as capital chases fewer deals. Despite challenges, Marc shares his optimism about World Star’s growth potential and the importance of alternative financing sources like ABS markets in navigating these complexities.