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Avolon and Lesha Bank announced the transaction in a joint statement distributed via Business Wire, describing the portfolio as comprising commercial aircraft on lease to 25 airlines globally. The deal represents a significant milestone in the development of the relationship between the aviation finance company and the Qatari institution. It also demonstrates the depth of institutional capital seeking exposure to leased aircraft assets along with the continued strength of demand for high-quality aviation assets, according to the announcement.
Following completion of the sale, the portfolio will be managed by Lesha Aviation Services, the statement said. This step will bring the bank’s total managed fleet to more than 75 aircraft. Avolon, which works with 138 airlines in 60 countries, held an owned, managed and committed fleet of 1,117 aircraft as of June 30, 2026, the announcement reported.
Andy Cronin, chief executive officer of Avolon, commented in the statement, “We are pleased to partner with Lesha Bank on this significant transaction. Aircraft trading is a core part of Avolon’s strategy, enabling us to actively manage our portfolio, realise value and recycle capital. This agreement reflects the continued strength of investor demand for aviation assets and the scale and capabilities of Avolon’s global platform.”
Mohammed Ismail Al Emadi, group chief executive officer of Lesha Bank, said in the announcement, “This acquisition reflects the disciplined approach we have taken to building scale in aviation leasing. Adding a portfolio of this calibre, with established lessees and a strong technology mix, reinforces the resilience and long-term earnings profile we are targeting across our Shari’a-compliant aviation portfolio. Managed through Lesha Aviation Services, we expect this portfolio to deliver stable, diversified returns for years to come.”
The global aircraft leasing market size has grown strongly in recent years and is expected to expand from $209.05 billion in 2025 to $226.7 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.4 percent, a report from The Business Research Company found. Growth in the historic period stemmed from rising aircraft acquisition costs, airline expansion strategies and increasing operational cost pressures on carriers. The market is forecast to reach $319.96 billion by 2030 with a 9 percent compound annual growth rate as airlines pursue fleet modernization and flexible capital management.
Lesha Bank has pursued a strategy of scaling its aviation investments through multiple acquisitions in recent years, including equity interests in portfolios of additional aircraft leased across several countries, according to the bank’s prior announcements. The latest transaction with Avolon adds to Lesha Aviation Services’ capabilities as the bank’s dedicated aircraft leasing entity. The deal aligns with broader industry trends that have seen lessors and banks target resilient, asset-backed investments in aviation amid sustained demand for air travel.
