Aviation Global Leaders

Airline Economics
  • 4.3 (4)
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A series of podcasts from Airline Economics in partnership with KPMG Ireland speaks to professionals of the commercial aviation finance and leasing industry, who share their thoughts on the aviation industry.

  1. FEB 10

    Joe McConnell, Partner and Deputy Co‑Chief Investment Officer at Castlelake in conversation with James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG

    In this episode of the Aviation Leaders Series with KPMG and Airline Economics, Joe McConnell, Partner and Deputy Co‑Chief Investment Officer at Castlelake, shares a wide‑ranging, deeply informed perspective on the state of global aviation as we enter 2026 with James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG. McConnell explains why air‑travel demand has not only recovered but accelerated, with international traffic and emerging markets driving global growth. He discusses the ongoing impact of inflation on aircraft values, the shifting presence of Chinese lessors, and why aircraft remain a resilient, inflation‑protected asset class despite geopolitical volatility. A major focus of the conversation is the industry‑wide challenge of new‑technology engines. McConnell outlines how unpredictable time‑on‑wing and shop‑visit costs are reshaping underwriting, risk assessment and transition planning — and why investors must rethink assumptions about “young equals low‑risk.” The episode also explores market consolidation, widebody vs narrowbody dynamics, ABS returning to full strength, the rise of aviation private credit, and Castlelake’s expanded capital‑solutions platform.

    33 min

  2. JAN 26

    John Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Azorra in conversation with Joe O’Mara, Head of FS Tax at KPMG

    In this episode of Aviation Leaders, in conversation with Joe O’Mara, Head of FS Tax at KPMG, John Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Azorra, discusses the company’s focus on the 100–150 seat aircraft market and its global portfolio of 153 aircraft across 41 countries, serving 35 airline customers. John highlights the strength of airline demand, particularly in Southeast Asia, and explains how geopolitical risks have been managed through bilateral negotiations with customers and partners. He also examines the impact of ongoing supply constraints at the OEMs, which have driven a significant increase in lease rates for in-demand aircraft. The conversation explores Azorra’s strategy of balancing new and used aircraft, securing MRO capacity, and using engine leasing to support airline customers. Looking ahead, John shares a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026, underpinned by continued growth in the Asia-Pacific region and sustained demand for mid-sized narrowbody aircraft.

    23 min

  3. JAN 26

    Olivier Trauchessec, Head of Global Aviation at MUFG Bank in conversation with Joe O’Mara, Head of FS Tax at KPMG

    In this episode of Aviation Leaders, Olivier Trauchessec, Head of Global Aviation at MUFG Bank, shares his perspective on the strong performance of airline and aircraft leasing markets in 2025 and MUFG’s role as one of the world’s leading aviation financiers, serving more than 250 clients globally. Olivier discusses the increasingly competitive sell-and-leaseback market, the arrival of new players such as private equity and hedge funds, and why scale is becoming a decisive advantage for aircraft lessors. He also explores the impact of interest rates, the growing importance of ESG considerations, and the evolution of the aviation ABS market. Despite the sector’s inherent cyclicality and exposure to future shocks, Olivier outlines a constructive outlook for 2026, underpinned by resilient demand and diversified sources of capital.

    26 min

  4. JAN 25

    Ali Ben Lmadani, Chief Executive Officer of ABL Aviation in conversation with James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Aviation Leaders podcast from Airline Economics. In this episode, James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG, is joined by Ali Ben Lmadani, Chief Executive Officer of ABL Aviation. Ali shares how ABL has grown into a global aircraft lessor and asset manager with more than seven billion dollars in assets and a fleet of around one hundred aircraft. He explains why delays at Boeing and Airbus are driving strong demand for midlife aircraft, how lease rates are responding, and why ABL is focused on long-term leases supported by in-house technical expertise. Ali also shares his views on the company’s independent ownership model, the opportunities emerging in the Middle East, and why end-of-life aircraft management could become a defining theme for the industry after 2030. This is a wide-ranging discussion on supply constraints, asset strategy and how the midlife market is shaping the next phase of aviation finance.

    27 min

  5. JAN 23

    Helane Becker, founder of HRB Aviation Consultants in conversation with James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Aviation Leaders Report. In this edition, host James Kelly sits down with Helane Becker, founder of HRB Aviation Consultants, to unpack the state of the industry at the close of 2025 and what lies ahead for 2026. Helane examines strong international demand—particularly in Europe and Asia‑Pacific—while offering a more cautious view on US domestic growth. She discusses the effects of tariffs and geopolitical tensions, ongoing OEM challenges, leasing‑sector consolidation, and the rising need for larger aircraft. A must‑listen for aviation professionals seeking clear, actionable insight into next year’s global demand landscape.

    40 min

  6. JAN 22

    Betsy Snyder, industry ratings expert and independent consultant in conversation with James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Aviation Leaders Report. In this edition, host James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG, sits down with Betsy Snyder, industry ratings expert and independent consultant, in New York to unpack the forces shaping global aviation in 2024 and beyond. Betsy shares why demand remains exceptionally strong across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and Asia—despite geopolitical pressures. She explores OEM progress, leasing market resilience, the comeback of ABS, and the renewed strength of the unsecured bond market. Looking ahead, Betsy remains optimistic about 2026, driven by sustained demand and ongoing supply constraints. Tune in for sharp insights and informed perspectives from one of the industry’s most respected voices.

    27 min

  7. JAN 21

    Bob Peart, CEO and Co-Founder of Volofin in conversation with James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG

    In this episode of Aviation Leaders, we sit down in Dublin with Bob Peart, CEO and Co-Founder of Volofin, to discuss how alternative lending is reshaping mid-life to end-of-life aircraft and engine finance. Peart shares Volofin’s growth since 2019 — including approximately $2.3bn in transactions across around 50 deals financing close to 400 assets — and explains why airline performance has remained resilient despite geopolitical headwinds. The conversation explores OEM delivery disruption, underwriting and risk, interest-rate and spread dynamics, and the expanding aviation loan ABS market, including rating-agency developments and the innovations that could define the next phase of structured credit in aviation.

    36 min

  8. JAN 20

    Marc Iarchy, Partner at World Star Aviation in conversation with Joe O’Mara, Head of FS at KPMG

    In this episode of Aviation Leaders, Joe O’Mara Head of FS at KPMG, is joined by Marc Iarchy, Partner at World Star Aviation, to explore the current state of the aviation market. Iarchy discusses ongoing aircraft supply shortages, rising lease rates and maintenance costs, and the cyclical dynamics of the cargo sector. He also shares how World Star Aviation, with around $2 billion under management, is positioning itself through a focus on mid-life aircraft and CFM56 engines, expansion in Japan, and ambitious growth plans across engines and narrow-body cargo aircraft—while remaining optimistic about market conditions heading into 2026.

    25 min
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4.3
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A series of podcasts from Airline Economics in partnership with KPMG Ireland speaks to professionals of the commercial aviation finance and leasing industry, who share their thoughts on the aviation industry.

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