The Yearbook & Directory of Ireland's international financial services industry
Tuesday, 22nd April 2025
AerCap Holdings N.V.
AerCap is the world’s largest aircraft lessor and traces its roots directly back to the two founders of the aircraft leasing industry - Guinness Peat Aviation, established in 1975, and International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), established in 1973. It is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is headquartered in Ireland with offices in the Netherlands, the United States, China, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
In May 2014 AerCap acquired US-headquartered ILFC, at the time the second largest aircraft lessor in the world, from US insurer AIG. This transaction transformed AerCap’s business and saw it move from being a top 10 aircraft leasing player to a top two player. Following the closing of the transaction ILFC's fleet was transferred to Ireland in 2014 and AerCap moved its headquarters from The Netherlands to Ireland in February 2016.
In November 2021 AerCap acquired 100% of GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) from GE. Prior to the acquisition, GECAS shared with Aercap the position of largest global aircraft lessor, depending on the measure used of size employed. The combined company has over 2,000 owned and managed aircraft, over 900 owned and managed engines, over 300 owned helicopters and some 300 customers around the world.
AerCap has described its key business principles as the following:
• Focus on maintaining the most liquid aircraft types through aircraft acquisitions and disposals;
• Owning assets in appropriate tax jurisdictions;
• Proactive risk management; maintaining and growing a highly diversified customer base;
• The use of security deposits and maintenance reserves;
• Focus on highly diversified, long-term funding and long-term assets;
• Maintaining its investment grade ratings;
• Maintaining relationships with over 100 banking institutions globally;
• Protecting against interest rate volatility through a mix of interest rate caps, swaps and fixed-rate loans.
See AerCap's Aengus Kelly in Aviation Financehere (January 2019).
There is extensive further information on AerCap Holdings N.V. in Ireland available to subscribers.
Search for articles on AerCap Holdings N.V. in AviationFinance.aero or FinanceDublin.com