Aircraft Leasing Ireland (ALI) has welcomed the Government’s updated Ireland for Finance Strategy 2026-2030, describing it as an important recognition of the aviation finance sector’s strategic role in the Irish economy and a commitment to maintaining Ireland’s position as the global centre of excellence for aircraft leasing.
The revised strategy, launched by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris and Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance Robert Troy on 25 August, outlines a roadmap for the continued development of Ireland’s international financial services sector through to 2030. The plan includes 31 key actions aimed at boosting competitiveness, supporting innovation, strengthening skills development and accelerating digital transformation across the sector.
In a statement following the launch, Aircraft Leasing Ireland highlighted the Government’s continued recognition of aircraft leasing as a vital component of Ireland’s financial services ecosystem. The representative body noted that Ireland has developed a world-leading aircraft leasing industry over several decades through a combination of specialist expertise, innovation, a highly skilled workforce and a supportive policy environment.
Today, the sector supports more than 3,000 high-value jobs and contributes approximately €1 billion annually to the Irish economy. Irish-based lessors continue to play a central role in global aviation, with Ireland regarded as the undisputed international hub for aircraft leasing and aviation finance.
ALI particularly welcomed the strategy’s commitment to ensuring Ireland remains an internationally competitive location for aircraft leasing businesses. The association noted that Ireland faces growing competition from other jurisdictions seeking to replicate its success and stressed the importance of maintaining a stable policy framework, access to skilled talent and an environment that encourages innovation and investment.
The updated Ireland for Finance strategy places a strong emphasis on competitiveness, digital transformation and talent development. Among its headline objectives is a target of growing employment in Ireland’s international financial services sector to 70,000 people by 2030, with 25% of those jobs located outside Dublin. The strategy also seeks to deepen Ireland’s expertise in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital assets and tokenisation, areas which are expected to play an increasing role in aviation finance transactions and asset management in the years ahead.
For the aircraft leasing community, the strategy’s focus on skills and innovation comes at an important time. The sector continues to navigate global supply-chain challenges, evolving sustainability requirements and increasing geopolitical uncertainty while managing assets worth hundreds of billions of euro. Ireland’s reputation as a centre for aviation finance expertise remains one of its key competitive advantages.
Aircraft Leasing Ireland also welcomed the Department of Finance’s commitment to deepen engagement with the aviation finance sector through refreshed governance structures under the strategy. The move is expected to strengthen collaboration between Government and industry as Ireland seeks to protect and grow its leadership position in a rapidly evolving global market.
Commenting on the announcement, ALI said it looks forward to working with Government and industry stakeholders on implementation of the strategy, helping ensure Ireland remains the preferred global location for aircraft leasing companies and aviation finance professionals.
The full Ireland for Finance Strategy is available to read here.
