Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market Size By Leasing Type (Dry Leasing, Wet Leasing), Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body Aircrafts, Wide-Body Aircrafts), Security Type (Asset-Backed Security (ABS), Non-Asset Backed Security (Non-ABS)), & Region for 2024-2031

Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market Valuation - 2024-2031

The increasing demand for air travel, fueled by rising disposable incomes, expanding tourism, and the rapid growth of low-cost carriers, the need for fuel-efficient, modern aircraft also contributes to leasing demand, as airlines aim to reduce operational costs and meet environmental regulations. Technological advancements and favorable government policies further enhance the market's growth trajectory. The need for commercial aircraft leasing is surpassing USD 154.1 Billion in 2024 and reaching USD 270.77 Billion by 2031.

Additionally, airlines are seeking flexible financial options to manage fleet expansion and operational efficiency, leading them to lease aircraft rather than purchase them outright. These factors contribute to the increasing use of commercial aircraft leasing in a variety of industries is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.30% about from 2024 to 2031.

Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market: Definition/ Overview

Commercial Aircraft Leasing refers to the practice where airlines lease aircraft from leasing companies instead of purchasing them, allowing for flexible fleet management without the financial burden of ownership. This model is widely used in the aviation industry, with applications including short-term leases for seasonal demand spikes or long-term leasing for expanding operations. It helps airlines reduce capital expenditure and offers quick access to new, fuel-efficient aircraft. In the future, the commercial aircraft leasing market is expected to grow as air travel demand increases, with airlines focusing on fleet modernization, sustainability, and cost efficiency, further driving the demand for leased aircraft.

Will Increasing Demand for Air Travel is Propelling the Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market?

The increasing demand for air travel is significantly driving the growth of the commercial aircraft leasing market. As global economies expand, more people are traveling for business and leisure, resulting in higher passenger volumes. Low-cost carriers are also playing a pivotal role in this surge by offering affordable flight options, prompting airlines to lease more aircraft to meet growing demand. Leasing provides airlines with operational flexibility and cost-effective solutions to quickly expand their fleets without large upfront investments.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air passenger traffic is expected to grow by 3.7% annually, reaching 8.2 billion passengers by 2037. Additionally, U.S. government data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts a 1.9% annual growth in U.S. airline passenger enplanements through 2040. These rising numbers are pushing airlines to lease modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to accommodate passenger growth, further propelling the Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market.

Will High Capital Intensity Hamper the Growth of the Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market?

High capital intensity can hinder the growth of the commercial aircraft leasing market. Leasing companies require substantial upfront investments to acquire fleets of aircraft, which can strain their financial resources. These costs include not only the initial purchase of aircraft but also ongoing maintenance, insurance, and regulatory compliance expenses. In times of economic uncertainty or reduced air travel demand, leasing companies may struggle with lower lease rates or increased vacancies, impacting profitability and limiting their ability to expand.

Moreover, financing aircraft acquisitions often involves complex financial structures, including high levels of debt. This creates risks for leasing companies, especially when interest rates rise, making borrowing more expensive. As airlines increasingly seek to lease newer, fuel-efficient aircraft to reduce operational costs, leasing companies face pressure to invest in more advanced models, further escalating capital requirements. These challenges could slow market growth if companies are unable to secure sufficient funding or face higher financial risks.

Category-Wise Acumens

Will cost-Effectiveness of Dry Leasing Boost the Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market?

The cost-effectiveness of dry leasing is a significant driver of growth in the commercial aircraft leasing market. Dry leasing offers airlines a more affordable solution by providing only the aircraft, leaving the airline responsible for crew, maintenance, and other operational costs. This allows airlines to manage their fleets with greater financial flexibility, especially for long-term contracts. Dry leasing is particularly appealing for low-cost carriers and smaller airlines, as it helps reduce the financial burden of aircraft ownership while maintaining control over day-to-day operations.

Moreover, as airlines seek to expand and modernize their fleets in response to rising air travel demand, dry leasing provides a cost-efficient way to acquire new aircraft without large upfront capital expenditures. The ability to lease newer, more fuel-efficient planes helps airlines reduce operating costs and remain competitive.

Wet Leasing, which includes the provision of the aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance, is the fastest-growing segment. It is increasingly popular for short-term, seasonal demands or when airlines need immediate capacity without the operational complexities of managing the aircraft.

Will Lower Operational Costs in Narrow-Body Aircraft Fuel the Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market?

Lower operational costs in narrow-body aircraft are a major factor fueling the growth of the commercial aircraft leasing market. Narrow-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, are known for their fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance expenses compared to wide-body planes. Airlines, especially low-cost carriers, prefer leasing narrow-body aircraft for short- to medium-haul routes to optimize costs while maximizing profitability. The cost savings associated with these aircraft make them highly attractive for leasing, allowing airlines to operate more economically.

Additionally, as global air travel demand increases, airlines are focusing on maintaining lean operations, making narrow-body aircraft leasing a preferred strategy for fleet expansion. The growing trend of domestic and regional air travel further boosts the demand for narrow-body planes, which can operate on shorter routes while offering higher efficiency.

Wide-Body Aircraft, which are primarily used for long-haul international routes, represent the fastest-growing segment. The rising demand for global travel and increased long-haul connectivity are driving the growth of wide-body aircraft leasing, as airlines expand their international operations.

Country/Region-wise

Will Major Airlines and Leading Leasing Companies in North America Drive the Expansion of Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market?

Major airlines and leading leasing companies in North America are pivotal in driving the expansion of the commercial aircraft leasing market. The U.S., home to some of the world's largest airlines and prominent leasing firms, such as GE Capital Aviation Services and Air Lease Corporation, is a major hub for aircraft leasing activities. These companies leverage their extensive financial resources and market expertise to support fleet expansion and modernization. The robust infrastructure and competitive leasing market in North America enable airlines to efficiently acquire new aircraft, boosting overall market growth.

Statistical data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supports this growth trend, projecting that U.S. airlines will carry over 1 billion passengers annually by 2039, reflecting strong demand for both domestic and international flights. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the airline industry contributed approximately $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2022, underscoring the significant role of aircraft leasing in supporting this economic impact. The continued expansion of major airlines and leasing companies in North America thus plays a crucial role in propelling the Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market forward.

Will Rapid Growth of The Aviation Sector in Asia Pacific Propel the Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market?

The rapid growth of the aviation sector in Asia Pacific is set to propel the commercial aircraft leasing market significantly. The region's expanding middle class, increasing disposable incomes, and burgeoning tourism are driving a surge in air travel demand. Airlines in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are scaling up their operations to meet this demand, often opting to lease aircraft to manage fleet expansion efficiently. The flexibility and cost-effectiveness of leasing make it an attractive option for these rapidly growing markets.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts that Asia Pacific will become the world's largest aviation market by the mid-2030s, with China alone expected to see a substantial increase in passenger traffic. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the country's aviation sector is projected to handle over 1.3 billion passengers annually by 2035. This rapid expansion drives demand for leased aircraft, as airlines seek to quickly scale their fleets without significant capital investment.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market is characterized by a dynamic and fragmented environment with numerous players vying for market share. Leasing companies operate in a high-stakes arena, focusing on offering flexible, cost-effective solutions to airlines worldwide. Key competitive factors include fleet size and diversity, financial stability, customer relationships, and the ability to provide tailored leasing options.

Some of the prominent players operating in the commercial aircraft leasing market include:

BOC Aviation

AerCap

GE Capital Aviation Services

CIT Commercial Air

SMBC Aviation Capital

SAAB Aircraft Leasing

Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services.

Latest Developments

In August 2024 BOC Aviation announced an order for 25 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, reinforcing its strategy to expand its fleet of modern, fuel-efficient planes. This move aims to meet the rising demand from airlines in both developed and emerging markets, reflecting a strong commitment to supporting fleet modernization.

In June 2024 AerCap completed its acquisition of GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), creating one of the world's largest aircraft leasing companies. This merger enhances AerCap's market position by increasing its fleet size and diversifying its portfolio, thereby strengthening its ability to offer a wide range of leasing solutions to airlines globally.

In March 2024 SMBC Aviation Capital secured a significant deal to lease 30 new Airbus A320neo aircraft to various airlines. This expansion aligns with the company's strategy to provide state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft and supports the growing demand for short-haul travel across regions.

Commercial Aircraft Leasing Market, By Category

• Leasing Type:
• Dry Leasing
• Wet Leasing
• Aircraft Type:
• Narrow-Body Aircrafts
• Wide-Body Aircrafts
• Security Type:
• Asset-Backed Security (ABS)
• Non-Asset Backed Security (Non-ABS)
• Region:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa