Deepak Sharma of Aircraft Finance Lease (AFL) navigates the future of flight financing
Deepak Sharma is the driving force behind Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd. (AFL), a London-based firm he founded in 2019 to provide innovative financing solutions for the aviation and aerospace industries. As CEO, Deepak Sharma AFL has cultivated partnerships with top aircraft and engine lessors, cementing the company’s role as a global leader. With over 20 years in aviation, he brings a wealth of experience from roles like President of Integrated Solutions at a major aviation services provider and Chief Technical Officer at AJW Group. Earlier, as Engineering Director at UK International Airlines, he launched its operations, earning recognition for his contributions.
Sharma’s career began at British Aerospace and Brymon Airways Engineering, a British Airways subsidiary, where he built his technical foundation. His expertise spans strategy, operations, engineering, and asset management, honed across airlines, MROs, and supply chains. Academically, he holds an Aircraft Engineering degree, an EASA license in multiple categories, and advanced qualifications in aviation, contract law, and business administration. A Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), Sharma is a respected thought leader in aerospace.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Sharma has emerged as a prominent voice in aviation finance, frequently contributing to industry discussions on sustainability and technological advancements. His insights have been featured at global forums, where he advocates for smarter financing models to support the sector’s evolution. This recognition extends to awards and accolades that highlight his influence, including commendations for driving operational excellence and fostering collaboration across the aviation ecosystem.
Under his leadership, Aircraft Finance Lease thrives in challenging markets, driven by Sharma’s focus on revenue growth and adaptability. His ability to navigate technical and financial complexities has earned him a sterling reputation. From restructuring leases to pioneering financing models, Deepak Sharma Aircraft Finance Lease continues to shape the industry’s future.
We recently had the opportunity to connect with Deepak Sharma, and he shared his insights on leading innovation in the aviation finance industry, his daily responsibilities, strategies for staying ahead, and the challenges he’s overcome while steering Aircraft Finance Lease toward success.
What does a typical day look like in your role at AFL Aircraft Finance Lease, and how do you ensure productivity in such a dynamic industry?
A typical day in my role is a balance between strategic decision-making, financial analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Much of my time is spent reviewing lease agreements, structuring financing deals, and ensuring that transactions comply with regulatory requirements. Given the highly dynamic nature of the aircraft leasing sector, I also dedicate time to monitoring market trends, engaging with airlines, financiers, and legal teams, and anticipating potential risks. To maintain productivity, I focus on prioritizing and leveraging technology to streamline processes. Staying adaptable is key, as market conditions can change rapidly.
How do you stay informed about emerging trends in aircraft leasing, financing models, and aviation technology?
Staying ahead in this field requires continuous learning and engagement with key industry insights. I regularly review reports from organizations such as IATA, Aviation Week, and FlightGlobal, which provide valuable analysis of emerging trends. Additionally, I actively participate in industry conferences, such as ISTAT and ALTA, which offer opportunities to exchange ideas with peers and gain first-hand insights from experts. Networking is another essential aspect of staying informed. I also closely follow developments in aviation technology, including advancements in fuel efficiency, sustainability initiatives, and the increasing role of digital transformation in aircraft asset management.
Can you recall a significant challenge in aircraft finance or leasing that you faced and how you navigated through it?
One of the most challenging situations I encountered involved restructuring a lease agreement for an airline facing financial distress. The airline was struggling due to unforeseen market disruptions, and we needed to find a solution that would ensure asset protection while also allowing the airline to remain operational. Rather than take a rigid approach, I collaborated with financial and legal advisors to craft a revised lease structure that provided short-term relief while safeguarding long-term asset value. The result was a sustainable solution that benefited both parties—ensuring the airline’s continued operations while maintaining the financial integrity of the lease.
What is your approach when evaluating and initiating a new aircraft financing or leasing project?
Every new aircraft financing or leasing project begins with a rigorous due diligence process. I start by analyzing key financial metrics, assessing airline creditworthiness, and conducting a thorough evaluation of market conditions. This includes considering macroeconomic factors, airline business models, and demand projections for specific aircraft types. Risk assessment is a fundamental aspect of the process. Ultimately, my approach is to strike the right balance between competitiveness and sustainability, ensuring long-term value for all stakeholders.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months? What was the outcome, and in hindsight, would you approach it differently?
One of the most difficult decisions I’ve faced recently was whether to extend a lease to an airline undergoing restructuring. The situation required a careful evaluation of risk exposure, as well as weighing the long-term strategic value of maintaining a relationship with the airline. After conducting an in-depth financial review, we decided to proceed with a modified lease structure that included additional financial safeguards and stricter covenants. While the decision was ultimately beneficial, in hindsight, I should have explored alternative financing structures earlier in the process.
Looking back, was there a role or experience in your career that was particularly challenging, and what lessons did you take from it?
Early in my career, I was responsible for managing a portfolio of distressed assets during a downturn in the aviation market. The situation was both challenging and intense, as it required making difficult financial decisions while navigating volatile market conditions. The key lesson I took from that experience was the importance of adaptability.
Tell us about a skill—technical, financial, or strategic—that you’ve developed on your own. How did you go about learning it?
One skill I’ve developed independently is advanced financial modeling for aircraft valuation and lease structuring. I took the initiative to enroll in specialized courses on financial modeling, capital markets, and risk assessment. Additionally, I studied real-world case studies, engaged with industry experts, and applied these principles to live transactions.
What qualities or habits do you believe have contributed most to your success in the aircraft leasing and finance sector?
Success in this industry requires a combination of analytical thinking, adaptability, and strong relationship management. The ability to assess complex financial scenarios and anticipate market trends is essential, as is maintaining a disciplined yet flexible approach to deal structuring. Additionally, building and sustaining trust within the industry has been crucial.
Is there a book related to finance, leadership, or aviation that you would recommend, and why?
One book I highly recommend is “The Ascent of Money” by Niall Ferguson. It provides a deep dive into the evolution of financial systems, highlighting key lessons on risk, investment cycles, and economic history—all of which are highly relevant to aircraft finance. From a leadership perspective, “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz offers invaluable insights into decision-making under pressure.
What’s next for Deepak Sharma
As Deepak Sharma AFL charts the course for Aircraft Finance Lease, the future holds a blend of innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth. Sharma envisions a landscape where greener aircraft and advanced technologies redefine how the industry operates. He sees Aircraft Finance Lease playing a pivotal role in financing next-generation planes that prioritize fuel efficiency and lower emissions, aligning with global pushes for environmental responsibility.
Digital transformation also looms large in his plans, with tools like data analytics and predictive modeling set to enhance asset management and decision-making. The focus of Deepak Sharma Aircraft Finance Lease remains on strengthening partnerships with airlines and lessors, ensuring that AFL adapts to shifting market demands while maintaining its reputation for reliability. With an eye on emerging markets and evolving regulatory frameworks, he aims to position the company as a leader in navigating the complexities of tomorrow’s aviation finance world. We would like to thank Deepak Sharma for sharing his insights and experience with our readers.