In this episode of the Aviation Global Leaders 2025 podcast, we’re thrilled to bring you an in-depth conversation between Joe O’Mara, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG, and Mark Streeter, Head of Aviation Credit Research at JP Morgan. Streeter offers a comprehensive analysis of the 2024 airline landscape, highlighting the strength of high-margin carriers like Delta and United, the challenges facing low-cost operators such as Spirit, and the impact of supply chain constraints on aircraft production. With an eye on 2025, he predicts a positive trajectory for the industry despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Tune in for expert insights on the future of aviation.

In this episode of the Aviation Global Leaders podcast, we’re joined by Joe McConnell, Deputy Co-Chief Investment Officer at Castlelake, in conversation with Joe O’Mara, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG, to explore the resilience of air travel demand, which has grown 1.5-2 times GDP over the past 50 years—even through economic downturns and a pandemic. McConnell discusses how supply constraints are impacting the leasing market, leading to higher lease rates and longer lease agreements. He also emphasizes the importance of scale in the leasing industry, with larger, well-run companies continuing to thrive despite challenges like higher interest rates and the need for greater lease rate factors. With a significant amount of capital ready for investment, Castlelake remains optimistic about the future of the aviation sector. Tune in for this insightful discussion on the evolving dynamics of aviation finance.

In this episode of the Aviation Global Leaders podcast, we are joined by Austin Wiley, CEO of SKY Leasing, for a discussion on how the aviation market evolved throughout 2024. In conversation with Joe O’Mara, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG, Wiley highlights the impressive 12% growth in RPK, the increasing demand for international and long-haul traffic, and the influence of geopolitical risks and OEM delays on the aircraft supply chain. He explains SKY Leasing’s focus on new and current-generation aircraft with long-term leases, the resulting lease rate increases, and the thriving trading environment driven by high residual values. Looking ahead, Wiley shares his optimism for 2025, pointing to strong demand and limited supply as key drivers of the market. Tune in for expert analysis on the future of aviation leasing and finance.

In this episode of the Aviation Global Leaders podcast, Joe O’Mara, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG, is joined by Robert Korn, President and Co-Founder of Carlyle Aviation Partners, to discuss the company’s $12.1 billion in assets under management, which includes nearly 400 commercial aircraft, including aircraft on order, leased to over 110 global airlines. Korn highlights the robust demand recovery, particularly in Central and Southeast Asia, while addressing concerns about inflation, geopolitical risks, and the ongoing Boeing strike. He emphasizes the resilience of the aviation sector post-Covid and the critical role of scale in managing compliance and the industry’s sustainability efforts. Carlyle Aviation is investing in new technology aircraft, which Korn believes will drive growth moving forward. Despite current challenges, he remains optimistic about the future of the aviation leasing industry and its prospects in 2025. Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on aviation’s evolving landscape.

In this episode of the Aviation Global Leaders podcast, Steven Townend, CEO of BOC Aviation, offers an in-depth look at the factors driving 2024’s aviation resurgence. He explores Asia’s rapid return to pre-pandemic demand levels, domestic travel strength in China, and the ongoing supply chain issues affecting aircraft deliveries. Townend discusses the rise in lease rates driven by supply-demand imbalances and the influence of current interest rates on financing. He also highlights BOC Aviation’s strategic resilience, with a majority of its fleet made up of the latest generation aircraft, and growing interest from European and Chinese equity investors. Looking ahead, he anticipates an increase in aircraft deliveries in 2025, with a cautiously positive view despite industry constraints. Tune in to hear Steven’s expert take on the path forward for BOC Aviation and the global aviation market.

In this episode of the Aviation Global Leaders podcast, we’re excited to feature Edward O’Byrne, CEO of AviLease, a rapidly growing name in aircraft leasing. Since launching 2.5 years ago, AviLease has expanded to 190 aircraft assets across five offices worldwide, and now sets its sights on a $20 billion portfolio. O’Byrne shares insights on how the company is capitalizing on robust air travel demand and regional opportunities, particularly in Saudi Arabia, while navigating supply chain constraints that have impacted lease rates. He also highlights AviLease’s focus on diversifying funding sources and the value of a potential investment-grade credit rating to strengthen financing and global competitiveness. Don’t miss this deep dive into AviLease’s strategy and the future of aircraft leasing.

In this episode of the Aviation Global Leaders podcast, Joe O’Mara, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG, is joined by John Plueger, CEO of Air Lease Corporation (ALC), to discuss the surging demand for aircraft and the production constraints facing Boeing and Airbus. Plueger highlights ALC’s impressive fleet of 500 active aircraft, with an additional 300 on order, and its commitment to advancing aircraft technology. Despite geopolitical risks, a Boeing strike, and challenges with new engine technologies, lease rates are climbing due to supply and demand dynamics, and ALC’s trading volume has reached $1.5 billion annually. Plueger also touches on the significant interest from private equity and expresses optimism for 2025, underscoring the need for Boeing to resolve its challenges and maintain a balanced duopoly with Airbus. Tune in for an expert take on the future of the aviation leasing market.

This discussion is the twenty-fifth to be released at the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Dublin 2024 conference week.

Airline Economics and KPMG visited BOC Aviation in November during the Growth Frontiers Singapore conference to speak with Robert Martin, who just announced his retirement as managing director and chief executive, along with his successor Steven Townend who assumed the role of CEO and MD from January 1.

BOC Aviation is a leading global aircraft operating leasing company with a fleet of 684 aircraft owned, managed and on order. Its owned and managed fleet was leased to 91 airlines in 45 countries and regions worldwide as at December 31, 2023. BOC Aviation is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and has its headquarters in Singapore with offices in Dublin, London, New York and Tianjin.

In this interview, Robert and Steven discuss the current state of the leasing market and a look ahead to 2024 and the continued growth of BOC Aviation.

This discussion is the thirteenth to be released in the 2024 series of Aviation Leaders interviews that will be published between now and January 29, 2023 when the full report will be published at the opening of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Dublin 2024 conference week.

This discussion is the twenty-sixth to be released at the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Dublin 2024 conference week.