The aircraft leasing sector continues to demonstrate resilience and strategic adaptation in early 2025, with major lessors managing portfolios valued collectively at over $300 billion.
The industry landscape is dominated by established players like AerCap, Avolon, and Air Lease Corporation, who maintain diverse fleets across multiple regions and aircraft types.
Global Aircraft Leasing Companies 2025
Leading lessors have focused on fleet modernization and sustainability, evidenced by significant orders for new-generation aircraft like the A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX.
The geographical distribution shows a strong presence in Asia and North America, reflecting the robust aviation market growth in these regions.
Here’s the list of companies in the global aircraft leasing industry as of January 2025 by the AvBench.
1. AerCap
Fleet: 1,669 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $61.99B
AERCAP maintains a robust aircraft leasing portfolio of 1,669 aircraft valued at $61.99B, showing a minimal decline (-0.7%) from December 2023.
The fleet composition reflects a strong focus on modern aircraft, with 50% of the portfolio under 10 years old.
Regional distribution showcases Asia leading with 577 aircraft (-0.7% YoY), followed by North America with 462 aircraft (-1.3%), and Europe with 376 aircraft (-0.3%). Smaller presences exist in South America (147 A/C, +5%), Africa (88 A/C, 7.4%), and Oceania.
The aircraft family breakdown is dominated by narrow-body aircraft, particularly the A320 family. The A320neo leads with 467 aircraft, showing significant growth (+54 A/C, +13.1%), while the A320 fleet comprises 448 aircraft despite a reduction (-26 A/C, -5.5%).
Boeing 737NG and MAX make up 314 aircraft, with other types accounting for 333 aircraft.
Low-cost carriers (LCC) represent 32% of the portfolio, indicating a balanced exposure to both traditional and budget airlines.
The geographical distribution map reveals concentrated exposure in key aviation markets, with a notable presence in North America, East Asia, and Europe.
2. Avolon
Fleet: 633 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $30.68B
Avolon shows positive growth with a 3.6% increase in fleet size from 2023. Their portfolio focuses heavily on newer aircraft, with a significant A320neo orderbook of 253 aircraft.
The lessor demonstrates strong market positioning across key aviation markets, particularly in Asia and Europe.
Their strategy emphasizes maintaining a young fleet age profile while expanding their customer base among both traditional and low-cost carriers.
3. SMBC Aviation
Fleet: 611 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $15.87B
SMBC Aviation maintains a substantial portfolio focusing on narrow-body aircraft, particularly the A320 family.
Their order book includes 170 A320neo aircraft, reflecting a strong commitment to fleet modernization.
The company maintains a strategic presence across major aviation markets, with particular strength in Asia-Pacific and European regions. Their relatively lower portfolio value compared to fleet size suggests a strategic focus on narrow-body aircraft.
4. BOC Aviation
Fleet: 576 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $30.15B
BOC Aviation demonstrates strong growth with an 8.1% fleet increase from 2023. Their portfolio value indicates high-value assets, suggesting a significant portion of new-generation aircraft.
Their orderbook of 106 A320neo and 71 737 MAX aircraft shows balanced investment in both major narrow-body platforms. The company maintains a strong presence in Asian markets while expanding globally.
5. BBAM
Fleet: 562 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $22.92B
BBAM shows steady growth with a 1.3% fleet increase from 2023. Their portfolio focuses on popular narrow-body aircraft, particularly the 737-800.
The company’s strategy appears to balance portfolio value with fleet size, maintaining strong positions in both developed and emerging markets.
Their asset management approach emphasizes operational efficiency and market adaptability.
6. Air Lease Corporation
Fleet: 420 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $19.50B
Air Lease Corporation shows a slight decline (-1.9%) but maintains a strong portfolio focused on new technology aircraft.
Their orderbook of 133 A320neo and 68 737 MAX aircraft demonstrates commitment to fleet modernization.
Strategic focus on the A320 family and diversified customer base across major aviation markets supports stable portfolio performance. Their balanced geographical distribution minimizes regional exposure risks.
7. DAE Capital
Fleet: 401 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $21.77B
DAE Capital experienced a -6.1% fleet reduction but maintains strong portfolio value. Focus on 737-800 and A320 family aircraft provides stability through proven asset types.
Their Middle East base offers a strategic advantage for serving emerging markets while maintaining a strong presence in established regions. Portfolio value suggests a high-quality asset management strategy.
8. Aviation Capital Group
Fleet: 400 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $12.90B
Aviation Capital Group shows positive growth (+3.6%) with a focused A320 family strategy. Their orderbook of 33 A320neo and 83 737 MAX aircraft indicates balanced platform investment.
A strong presence in the North American market while expanding in Asia-Pacific demonstrates strategic market positioning.
Conservative portfolio value suggests an emphasis on stable, proven asset types.
9. ICBC Leasing
Fleet: 379 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $15.01B
ICBC Leasing demonstrates strong growth (+4.7%) with a significant A320 family concentration.
Their strategic position in Asian markets, particularly China, provides a stable base for expansion. Portfolio value reflects a focus on newer technology aircraft while maintaining a diverse customer base across regions.
10. CDB Aviation
Fleet: 367 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $13.38B
CDB Aviation shows steady growth (+0.5%) with a balanced portfolio approach. A strong orderbook of 122 A320neo aircraft indicates a commitment to fleet modernization.
Their Chinese backing provides a strong financial foundation while maintaining a global market presence. A strategic focus on narrow-body aircraft supports stable portfolio performance.
11. Macquarie AirFinance
Fleet: 335 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $9.10B
Macquarie AirFinance shows a slight decline (-1.8%) but maintains a stable portfolio. Focus on A320 family aircraft with balanced regional distribution.
Their orderbook of 20 A320neo and 40 737 MAX aircraft demonstrates a commitment to fleet renewal while maintaining a conservative growth strategy.
12. ORIX Aviation
Fleet: 293 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $12.26B
ORIX Aviation shows minimal decline (-1.3%) with strong portfolio value relative to fleet size. Focus on 737-800 and A320 family provides a stable asset base.
Their Japanese heritage supports a strong presence in Asian markets while maintaining global diversification.
13. Carlyle Aviation Partners
Fleet: 221 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $6.50B
Carlyle Aviation Partners shows significant growth (+49.3%) through strategic acquisitions. The portfolio focuses on narrow-body aircraft with an emphasis on the A320 family.
Their private equity backing provides financial flexibility for opportunistic growth while maintaining disciplined asset selection.
14. Jackson Square Aviation
Fleet: 211 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $2.96B
Jackson Square Aviation shows a decline (-18.8%) but maintains a focused portfolio strategy. Conservative portfolio value suggests an emphasis on mature assets.
Their orderbook of 21 737 MAX aircraft indicates a measured approach to fleet modernization.
15. Nordic Aviation Capital
Fleet: 210 aircraft
Portfolio Value: N/A
Nordic Aviation Capital shows positive growth (+13%) with a unique focus on regional aircraft, particularly ATR 72.
Their specialized strategy in the regional aircraft market provides a competitive advantage in specific market segments. Strong presence in European and North American regional markets.
16. CALC
Fleet: 208 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $5.60B
CALC demonstrates portfolio optimization with a slight decline (-6.7%). A strong orderbook of 103 A320neo aircraft shows commitment to fleet modernization.
Their Asian market focus provides a stable base while expanding their global presence. Conservative portfolio value reflects measured growth strategy.
17. CMB Financial Leasing
Fleet: 196 aircraft
Portfolio Value: $8.90B
CMB Financial Leasing shows a decline (-6.2%) but maintains strong portfolio value. Focus on A320neo aircraft with a significant Chinese market presence.
Their banking background provides a stable funding base while expanding international operations. Portfolio value indicates a high-quality asset selection strategy.
Bottom Line
The global aircraft leasing industry demonstrates strong growth with a total managed fleet size of 13,295 aircraft which represents a 3% increase YoY.
Major lessors collectively manage portfolios exceeding $300 billion in value, with significant market concentration among the top five players who control 48% of the total fleet.
Fleet composition heavily favors narrow-body aircraft, particularly the A320 family, which comprises over 70% of the total leased fleet.
The industry’s strategic shift toward fuel-efficient aircraft is evident in the substantial orderbooks for A320neo and 737 MAX variants across major lessors.
Regional distribution shows Asia maintaining its position as the largest market, representing 35% of the global leased fleet. North America and Europe follow with 25% and 22% respectively, while emerging markets in South America and Africa show steady growth potential.
The growing presence of Low-Cost Carriers, averaging 30-35% of lessor portfolios, indicates a structural shift in the aviation industry’s business model preferences.
Key risk factors include portfolio concentration in narrow-body aircraft, varying regional exposures, and airline customer financial stability. Secondary market asset values remain a critical consideration for portfolio management strategies.
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