In this episode of the Aviation Leaders Interview Series, Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft lessor, shares his perspective on the state of global aviation and the strategies driving AerCap’s success with Joe O’Mara, Head of FS at KPMG.
Kelly discusses the strong performance of US majors, European carriers, and Chinese airlines, alongside the recovery of Southeast Asian and South American airlines. He examines margin pressures on US low-cost carriers due to rising pilot costs and highlights continued robust demand for both widebody and narrowbody aircraft.
The conversation also explores the importance of maintaining quality in aircraft production, challenges in engine reliability and maintenance, and AerCap’s strong trading gains, with airlines purchasing 50% of assets sold. Kelly outlines the company’s debt strategy focused on unsecured bonds and its ambition to grow through large transactions and strategic partnerships.
