Press Releases March 31, 2026

Willis Lease Finance Corporation Closes Two Additional JOLCO Deals, Bringing Total JOLCO Financing to Nearly $150 Million

Willis Lease Finance Corp closes two new JOLCO deals adding $50 million, expanding total JOLCO financing to nearly $150 million

By Marcus Reed WLFC
Willis Lease Finance Corporation Closes Two Additional JOLCO Deals, Bringing Total JOLCO Financing to Nearly $150 Million
WLFC

Willis Lease Finance Corporation announced the closing of two additional Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) transactions, totaling approximately $50 million in financing for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B aircraft engines. These deals increase the company's total JOLCO financing to nearly $150 million and provide diversified term financing to support competitive customer offerings.

Key Points

  • Closed two JOLCO financing deals totaling $50 million in March 2026.
  • Total JOLCO financing now nearly $150 million, supporting LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B aircraft engines.
  • JOLCO provides diversified capital sources enabling competitive financing options for airline customers.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, today announced the closing of two Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (“JOLCO”) transactions, totaling approximately $50 million in financing. Both transactions closed in March 2026, bringing WLFC’s total JOLCO financing to nearly $150 million.

The financings support LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines with both transactions maturing in 2031.

“The JOLCO market provides the Company another term financing solution, allowing us to further diversify capital sources and to continue to offer competitive alternatives to our airline customers,” said Scott B. Flaherty, EVP, and Chief Financial Officer of Willis Lease Finance Corporation.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation

Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Additionally, through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO, and ground and cargo handling services.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve several inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are subject to change in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed, either expressly or implicitly, in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and natural disasters; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors, as well as the impact of new or increased tariffs; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

CONTACT:Scott B. Flaherty EVP & Chief Financial Officer sflaherty@willislease.com 561.413.0112

Risks

  • Dependence on airline industry health and global economic conditions such as war, terrorist activity, and natural disasters could impact results.
  • Exposure to fluctuations in oil prices, inflation, interest rates and market disruptions affecting leasing demand and costs.
  • Risks related to owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft, including regulatory changes and asset market value volatility.

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