Willis Lease Finance Corporation, the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, and Blackstone Credit & Insurance (“BXCI”) announced a strategic aircraft engine leasing partnership with plans to deploy over $1 billon in the next two years in current and next generation aircraft engines and select aircraft. This unique partnership brings together a leading engine leasing specialist with Blackstone’s scaled private credit business to focus on the engine asset class.
The partnership leverages WLFC's established position as a pioneer in aircraft engine leasing and its growing asset management platform. WLFC has identified a seed portfolio and near-term pipeline of high-quality engine assets that are expected to close into the partnership, providing immediate scale and diversification across engine types and airline customers globally.
“We are excited to partner with BXCI, whose scale and long-term capital commitment will accelerate the growth of our asset management business,” said Austin C. Willis, CEO of WLFC. “Blackstone is a leader in asset-based credit, and their investment demonstrates the strength of our position in aircraft engine leasing and their belief in our ability to generate attractive returns through disciplined asset selection and active management.”
Scott Flaherty, CFO of WLFC, added “the Blackstone relationship provides further capital diversification to the Willis platform. We are excited about this new relationship and the growth opportunities this brings to our business.”
“Willis is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and brings unparalleled technical expertise, deep customer relationships and a proven track record,” said Aneek Mamik, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone Credit & Insurance. “This opportunity is consistent with BXCI’s objectives of building programmatic, differentiated origination in large addressable markets with a focus on hard assets and strong downside protection.”
“We look forward to partnering with the WLFC team to support the growth of their platform and deliver essential engine solutions for the global aviation fleet,” added Alex Buck, Principal, Blackstone Credit & Insurance.
BXCI’s Infrastructure and Asset Based Credit group manages over $100 billion and has over 80 investment professionals, as of September 30, 2025. The platform is focused on providing investment grade credit, non-investment grade credit, and structured investments across the real economy in sectors such as infrastructure, commercial finance, fund finance, consumer finance, and residential real estate loans.
BNP Paribas served as sole structuring agent and advisor to BXCI.