Willis Lease Finance Corp Partners with Blackstone to Expand Aircraft Engine Leasing
New York, Monday, 5 January 2026.
This major collaboration aims to deploy over $1 billion in capital over the next two years, leveraging Blackstone’s scale to acquire high-quality next-generation aviation assets.
Strategic Deployment and Asset Pipeline
On January 5, 2026, Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) and Blackstone Credit & Insurance (BXCI) formally announced this partnership, which is designed to deploy over $1 billion in capital within the next two years [1]. The initiative focuses on acquiring current and next-generation aircraft engines as well as select aircraft, directly addressing the capital-intensive nature of maintaining modern aviation fleets [1]. To ensure immediate momentum, WLFC has already identified a “seed portfolio” and a near-term pipeline of high-quality engine assets expected to be transferred into the partnership structure [1]. BNP Paribas acted as the sole structuring agent and advisor to BXCI for this transaction [1].
Synergy of Expertise and Capital
The collaboration is structured to combine WLFC’s technical management capabilities with Blackstone’s substantial financial reach. As of September 30, 2025, BXCI’s Infrastructure and Asset Based Credit group managed over $100 billion in assets, supported by a team of more than 80 investment professionals [1]. Austin C. Willis, CEO of WLFC, noted that partnering with BXCI provides the long-term capital commitment necessary to accelerate the growth of their asset management business [1]. Conversely, Aneek Mamik, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone Credit & Insurance, highlighted that WLFC brings “unparalleled technical expertise” and a proven track record to the table, which is essential for managing complex aviation assets [1].
Future Outlook for Aviation Leasing
Alex Buck, a Principal at Blackstone Credit & Insurance, expressed that the firm looks forward to supporting the growth of WLFC’s platform to deliver essential engine solutions for the global aviation fleet [1]. This move comes as WLFC continues to broaden its scope; in addition to its core leasing activities, the company’s subsidiary, Willis Sustainable Fuels, intends to develop and operate projects aimed at decarbonizing the aviation industry [1]. By securing a robust capital partner in Blackstone, WLFC is positioned to scale its inventory of large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and auxiliary power units to meet global demand [1].