Hover over each milestone to learn more
2025
2025 Strengthened JOLCO Portfolio
2025 Invested in Next-Gen Engine Assets: Exercised options for 30 LEAP engines from CFM International to strengthen the long-term leasing portfolio.
2024
2024 Expanded Access to Capital
- Closed $410 million WEST VII ABS transaction with $1 billion in investor demand.
- Completed third JOLCO of a LEAP-1B engine for $21 million at an effective rate of 5.0%.
- Closed on a new $500 million warehouse facility.
2023
2023 Initiated Sustainability Program
2022
2022 Launched FBO Services
2020
Aircraft MRO Facility
2020
Launched UK
Aircraft MRO Facility
2019
Engine MRO Facility
2019
Launched US
Engine MRO Facility
2018
Engine MRO Facility
2018
Launched UK
Engine MRO Facility
2016
Asset Management Services
2016
Added Consultancy and
Asset Management Services
2014
2014 Entered China Market
2013
2013 Entered Engine Parts Market
2011
2011 Expanded Global JV & Fleet
2006
2006 Expanded Engine Portfolio
1996
1996 Completed IPO
1985
1985 Company Was Founded
Executive Management
WLFC’s executive management team is comprised of individuals with deep industry knowledge and decades of experience. Their diverse backgrounds in everything from the military to engineering are an asset to all types of companies seeking aircraft support. The executive management team is just a snapshot of the overall expertise you’ll find working with every member of the WLFC team.
Mr. Willis has over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director since WLFC incorporated in 1985. In April 2022, Charles was appointed Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Son of Charles Willis and a former Army Green Beret, Austin Willis has been involved with aviation as the CEO of JT-Power LLC (later sold to Willis Aeronautical Services), and the CEO of Aviation Management LLC, an aviation consulting firm. Austin was appointed CEO in April 2022.
Brian Hole joined WLFC in August 2014 and was promoted to President in April 2016. Formerly, Brian was the owner and president of Aviation Opportunity Management LLC, where he advised banks, private equity, and alternative investment funds regarding investment in large commercial aircraft engines.
Scott Flaherty joined WLFC in June 2016. Scott’s financial background includes roles at Colt Defense, Bank of America Securities, and Credit Suisse First Boston. He also worked as an engineer at the Pratt & Whitney division of United Technologies Corporation.
Z. Clifton “Clif” Dameron joined WLFC in 2024 and became Senior Vice President & General Counsel in May 2025. He was previously Chief Legal Officer at Carlyle Aviation Partners and earlier practiced law at Sciens Capital Management, Bingham McCutchen LLP, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
Corporate Fact Sheet
WLFC is the premier independent jet engine lessor in the commercial finance space.
Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc., WLFC also offers ‘end-of-life’ solutions for aviation materials and services related to aircraft engines. Additionally, its wholly-owned subsidiary Willis Asset Management Limited provides best-in-class fleet management, aviation consultancy, and technical services solutions. Access the full WLFC corporate fact sheet below.
