Competitive focus needed to build on Ireland’s aircraft leasing lead, industry warns

Competitive focus needed to build on Ireland’s aircraft leasing lead, industry warns

• ALI sets out steps to protect Ireland’s position as the world’s top hub for aircraft leasing and finance
• Ireland’s reputation, and political stability a key advantage amid global uncertainty, market volatility and strained supply chains, but simplification and modernisation needed
• Call comes as Taoiseach Micheál Martin addresses ALI Summit in Dublin

Ireland’s aircraft leasing industry is a true European success story that the country should be proud of. However, we cannot take Ireland’s lead in aircraft leasing for granted as rival hubs compete hard for the business, Aircraft Leasing Ireland (ALI) has warned. With growing global uncertainty, market volatility and strained supply chains, Ireland’s reputation and political stability give it a key advantage – but one that must be protected. 

As Taoiseach Micheál Martin addresses its annual summit in Dublin today, ALI is calling on the Government to ensure Ireland’s domestic tax framework provides a stable, supportive, and competitive environment for business. This includes continued enhancement of international treaties to enable supply of aircraft out of Ireland and a comprehensive targeted review of the tax code to identify opportunities for impactful simplifications and pro-growth measures, an ambition set out in the Ireland for Finance Strategy. 

ALI also seeks recognition of aircraft leasing as an EU sector in the soon to be published EU Aviation Strategy. 

Speaking at the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The aircraft leasing industry is a European success, led by Ireland. The recently launched Ireland for Finance Strategy will continue to support this environment, including deeper engagement with the aviation finance sector through refreshed governance structures.”

ALI Chair and Company Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer at AerCap, Risteard Sheridan said: “Ireland did not become the world leader in aircraft leasing by accident. It took decades of innovation, expertise, stable policy, with a consistent through line of the Government and industry engaging strongly together. In a world of more uncertainty, volatility and restricted supply chains, Ireland’s reputation and political stability are key advantages for global lessors and investors. But other countries want this business and are fighting hard for it. Ireland’s EU Presidency is the moment to show we intend to stay on top.”

Irish-based firms manage aircraft worth more than $315bn (€274bn) – 69% of the value of all leased aircraft worldwide. The sector supports more than 3,000 high-value jobs, adds approximately €1 billion a year to the economy and helps connect global aviation markets.

Today’s half-day summit at the InterContinental Hotel, Dublin, brings together leasing and aviation leaders from around the world. After the Taoiseach’s keynote, panels will discuss how Ireland stays competitive, what the next industry cycle holds, how AI and new technology will shape the future of aviation and how aircraft finance is changing.

ENDS