John Whelan: Aviation leasing companies reap rewards from Iran conflict

Dublin-based companies, AerCap and Avalon Aviation, indicate that higher funding costs and tightened aircraft availability reaching levels not seen in years, are enabling higher lease rates

Higher funding costs and tightened aircraft availability, reaching levels not seen in years, are enabling higher lease rates.

Sun, 10 May, 2026 - 16:59

John Whelan

An expert in Irish and international trade, John Whelan is a former Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, a role he held for more than a decade and previously served as an export industry adviser to the AIB Bank Group.

The aircraft leasing sector entered 2026 with a broadly favourable global outlook, underpinned by a mix of strong demand for air travel, constrained aircraft supply, and resilient airline profitability.

Market reports showed that the global aircraft leasing market would grow to $226bn (€192.6bn) in 2026, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%.