Summary:

The Vice President, Aircraft Leasing plays a key role in driving Willis Lease Finance Corporation’s global aircraft leasing strategy. Reporting to the SVP, Aircraft Trading & Leasing, this role is responsible for originating, negotiating, and managing commercial lease transactions across a diverse international customer base.

Responsibilities:

Lead commercial negotiations from initial discussions through execution, ensuring WLFC’s interests are represented throughout each lease life cycle.
Prepare commercial terms, letters of intent, and internal approval packages, ensuring alignment with cross‑functional teams including Pricing, Credit, Legal, and Technical.
Oversee commercial decisions involving collections, reserve reimbursements, amendments, restructurings, and other complex scenarios such as workouts or repossessions.
Analyze aviation and market trends to support portfolio strategy, aircraft placement, and long‑term planning.
Guide and coordinate internal teams, including Legal, Technical, Credit, and Pricing, to ensure cohesive deal execution and effective management of each aircraft lease.
Partner closely and coordinate with members of the sales team as it relates to airline relationships to source and develop acquisition and leasing opportunities aligned with WLFC’s strategic objectives.
Mentor and coach various members of the team involving origination and structuring of transactions.
Provide commercial leadership and support to team members responsible for aircraft deliveries and returns.
Promote alignment across internal stakeholders and contribute to a collaborative, high‑performance commercial culture.
Maintain strong knowledge of the commercial aviation marketplace, competitive landscape, and evolving customer needs.
Apply a deep understanding of aircraft technical and financial drivers that influence commercial decisions, cross‑border leasing, and asset management outcomes.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Aviation Management, Engineering, Law, or a related field preferred.
5–10 years of experience in aircraft leasing, aircraft trading, aviation finance, or commercial aviation sales.
Proven involvement in negotiating complex commercial structures and high‑value transactions with global customers.
Strong understanding of aircraft technical considerations and how they influence valuation, leasing economics, and transaction structure.
Experience navigating cross‑border leasing issues, regulatory requirements, and multi‑jurisdictional deal complexity.
Fluence in aircraft leasing economics, deal structuring, and lease documentation.
Solid knowledge of aviation financial concepts, commercial models, and competitive market dynamics.
Demonstrated ability to build, maintain, and influence relationships at senior levels with airline customers, OEMs, MROs, and other external partners.
Skilled negotiator capable of handling challenging discussions with confidence, diplomacy, and commercial acumen.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present and advocate strategically; Solutions‑oriented, self‑driven, adaptable, and effective in navigating ambiguity.
Ability to guide internal teams and promote a culture that reflects WLFC’s values, collaboration, and strategic goals.
Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple transactions, priorities, and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Travel/Misc.:

Extensive travel both domestically and internationally is required.

Here at Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), we are dedicated to fair hiring practices and diversity in the workplace. We are committed to a workplace environment that encourages growth and respect for all current and prospective employees based upon job-related factors such as their educational background, work experience, and ability to perform the essential functions of a particular job. It is the policy and practice of WLFC to prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable Federal, state or local law. WLFC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application processes.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at joinus@willislease.com.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered WLFC property, and WLFC will not be obligated to a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to any WLFC employee, including Hiring Managers, without contacting WLFC Human Resources Talent Acquisition Department.

VP, Aircraft Leasing

Job Description