Lessors: Things
Couldn’t Be Better — April 2024

Things could scarcely be better for the aircraft operating lease industry, with the major players reporting record profits, having navigated the threat of lessee bankruptcies and rental defaults caused by the pandemic, the seizure of 400 aircraft in Russia and a rapid escalation in interest rates.

Financial results for 2023 released by the major lessors show a remarkable average profit margin of 32%, compared to a net loss of -6% in 2022. However, 2022 was heavily distorted by the provisions included by the lessors to cover the costs of the aircraft seized in Russia.