The largest aircraft lessors could receive more than $2B by 2025 as insurance settlements from lost business and assets in Russia pay out faster than expected.
Despite Spirit's reliance on leased aircraft, lessor specific exposure to the financially distressed airline is not large enough to raise any red flags.
AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly has rung the alarm bell on behalf of the Boeing 737 MAX customer base, which 2023 order numbers show is falling further behind Airbus.
In 2023 Russia’s airlines expanded their fleets suitable for restricted international operations, which became the main driver for passenger traffic growth.
Supply chain problems and delayed deliveries from aircraft OEMs are pushing carriers to turn elsewhere to secure sufficient capacity for long-term demand.
Airlines are currently AerCap’s biggest buyer of older airplanes, as they strive to secure enough capacity for long-term demand amid OEM production constraints.
Without the support of lessors during the pandemic, many airlines would not be around anymore. But as the industry rebounds, lessors hope for better returns.
The lessor expects issues affecting aircraft production to persist for several years, resulting in strong demand and upward pressure on lease rates and values.