Aircraft Leasing Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Lease Type (Operating Lease and Finance Lease), Aircraft Type, Airline Type, and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) – Market Forec

The aircraft leasing market size is expected to reach USD 551.47 billion by 2034, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report “Aircraft Leasing Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Lease Type (Operating Lease and Finance Lease), Aircraft Type, Airline Type, and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) – Market Forecast, 2025–2034” gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.

Aircraft leasing is the practice of renting aircraft to airlines or operators for a specified period, allowing them to access airplanes without the upfront cost of purchasing them. The growing demand for air travel globally drives the aircraft leasing market growth. More people are traveling for business and leisure, pushing airlines to expand their fleets to meet this demand. Cost efficiency is a primary reason airlines turn to aircraft leasing. Purchasing new aircraft requires huge investments that many airlines cannot afford. Aircraft leasing offers a solution, enabling airlines to acquire the necessary planes without making a large financial commitment. This is particularly advantageous for low-cost carriers, emerging airlines, or those facing uncertain economic conditions, who can quickly scale their operations. Leasing provides a more cost-effective and flexible option than purchasing planes outright, making it a preferred choice for many carriers.

Leasing offers a more affordable alternative, allowing airlines to pay for aircraft over time. It also provides flexibility, enabling airlines to adjust fleet sizes according to demand without being bound by the long-term financial commitment of purchasing planes. This flexibility is particularly valuable during periods of market uncertainty or for carriers that operate seasonal routes, helping them manage their fleet needs more effectively.

Aircraft Leasing Market Report Highlights

In 2024, the operating lease segment held a larger share of the aircraft leasing market revenue due to their flexible terms, enabling airlines to manage fleet requirements without assuming ownership risks.

The narrow-body aircraft segment held a major market share based on aircraft type, driven by its operational efficiency and high demand in domestic and short-haul international routes.

In 2024, North America dominated the aircraft leasing market share, fueled by strong aviation infrastructure, high demand for air travel, and major leasing companies.

The Asia Pacific market is poised for rapid growth, driven by expanding middle-class populations, increasing tourism, and emerging LCCs.

A few global key market players are AerCap Holdings N.V., SMBC Aviation Capital, Air Lease Corporation, Avolon, BOC Aviation, Nordic Aviation Capital, ICBC Leasing, Aviation Capital Group, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), CDB Aviation, Jackson Square Aviation, Carlyle Aviation Partners, Macquarie AirFinance, and TrueNoord.

Polaris Market Research has segmented the aircraft leasing market report on the basis of lease type, aircraft type, airline type, and region:

By Lease Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Operating Lease

Finance Lease

By Aircraft Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Wide Body Aircraft

Narrow Body Aircraft

By Airline Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Full-Service Carriers

Low-Cost Carriers

Carter Airline

By Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

North America

• US
• Canada

• Germany
• France
• UK
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Russia
• Rest of Europe

• China
• Japan
• India
• Malaysia
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Australia
• Vietnam
• Rest of Asia Pacific

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

• Mexico
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America