Core Insights - Air India Express has entered into engine sale and leaseback agreements with Willis Lease Finance Corporation for 26 CFM56-7B engines, enhancing operational efficiency and cost savings [1][3] - The ConstantThrust® program by WLFC aims to reduce engine downtime and maintenance unpredictability, allowing airlines to focus on core operations [2][3] - The partnership between Air India and WLFC is expected to improve fleet reliability and optimize cash flows for Air India Express [3] Company Overview - Willis Lease Finance Corporation specializes in leasing commercial aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, providing integrated services including engine maintenance and asset management [4] - WLFC's service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft disassembly, and ground handling services, supporting a wide range of aviation needs [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, total revenues reached $152.8 million, with pre-tax income of $30.4 million, marking a 44.8% increase from $21 million in Q4 2023 [8][22] - For the full year 2024, total revenues were $569.2 million, with pre-tax income of $152.6 million, representing a 127% increase from the previous year [8][21] - The company achieved a return on equity of 21% for 2024, the highest since going public [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core lease rent revenues for 2024 were $238.2 million, with interest revenues of $11.7 million, reflecting growth due to an increased portfolio size of $2.87 billion [23] - Maintenance reserve revenues increased by 60% to $213.9 million, driven by both long-term and short-term maintenance reserves [25] - Spare parts and equipment sales rose by 33% to $27.1 million, indicating a strong market for residual values [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong engine market, with increasing values for both whole engines and parts, although originating transactions have become more challenging due to high asset values [45][46] - The disparity between the fair market value and book value of the engine portfolio has increased to approximately $600 million, highlighting the appreciation of engine assets over time [30][80] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to innovate, having established several industry firsts, including the first engine warehouse financing and the first aviation ABS to reopen the market [6][9] - The business model focuses on a flywheel approach, enhancing value creation and providing greater investment opportunities compared to competitors [11] - The company is strategically increasing its portfolio of future technology assets, which rose from 46% to 53% by the end of 2024 [100] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing strength of the core leasing business and the ability to generate premium returns [8][19] - The company anticipates continued demand for its constant thrust product as airlines transition to newer aircraft models [18] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the market but emphasized a robust pipeline of opportunities for originating transactions [47] Other Important Information - The company returned capital to shareholders through dividends, including a special dividend of $1 per share and regular quarterly dividends of $0.25 per share [37] - Total debt obligations increased from $1.8 billion to $2.3 billion, with a slight increase in leverage to 3.48 times [34][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the engine market and values - Management noted a strong engine market with some scarcity, but they have been successful in originating transactions [45][46] Question: Availability of test cell for engine work - The company does not currently have a test cell and availability varies [51] Question: Discounts on new engine purchases - Management confirmed successful purchasing of new engines but did not disclose specific discounts [56][57] Question: Earnings from joint ventures - Management indicated that JV earnings have been stable and will benefit from scale over time [70] Question: Fair market value vs. book value of engine portfolio - The disparity has increased to approximately $600 million, reflecting the appreciation of engine assets [80] Question: Proportion of short-term vs. long-term maintenance reserve revenue - Management expects the trend of increased short-term maintenance reserves to continue [88] Question: Long-term lease extensions - The company is experiencing higher than average extension rates but uses this as an opportunity to reprice [96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - AerCap Holdings N.V. reported GAAP net income of $2.1 billion and adjusted net income of $2.3 billion for 2024, with adjusted EPS of $12.01, marking a record for the company [7][37] - The company generated $5.4 billion in operating cash flow for the year, excluding $651 million in gains on sale [8][37] - The leverage ratio at the end of the quarter was 2.35 to 1, which is below the stated target of 2.7 to 1 [20][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Basic lease rents for Q4 were $1.619 billion, an increase from $1.605 billion in Q3 [30] - Maintenance revenues for Q4 were $106 million, reflecting a $22 million amortization of maintenance rights [31] - The net gain on sale of assets reached a record $260 million in Q4, with a gain on sale margin of 43% [32][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has $45 billion of contracted future lease cash flows, with over 40% expected to be received in the next three years [9] - The demand for aviation assets continues to grow, as evidenced by the record level of gain on sale and increased lease rates [11][12] - The company noted a strong operational performance and a supportive supply-demand dynamic in the aircraft leasing market [8][50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AerCap plans to utilize strong cash flows to return capital to shareholders while also investing in organic growth and share repurchases [18][19] - The company announced a new $1 billion share repurchase program, bringing total buybacks to $5 billion over the last two years [10][23] - The strategy includes selling lower-priority assets for strong gains and reinvesting proceeds into growth opportunities [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's outlook for 2025, expecting adjusted EPS in the range of $8.50 to $9.50, excluding gains on sale [7][49] - The CEO highlighted a continued shortage of aircraft and anticipated strong demand for used aircraft values [56][58] - Management noted that the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the current strong sales environment and robust demand for leasing [50][51] Other Important Information - The company maintained a strong liquidity position with total sources of liquidity at approximately $21 billion [39] - The effective tax rate for 2024 was 14.3%, with an increase expected in 2025 due to the global minimum tax [34][48] - AerCap's book value per share increased by 13% over the last twelve months, reaching $94.57 as of December 31 [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales environment with OEM production - Management believes there will be a shortage of aircraft for years, despite future OEM production increases [56][58] Question: Elevated expenses in Q4 - Management indicated that expenses were slightly higher in Q4 but expected them to remain at similar levels in 2025 [60] Question: Recovery from Russia - The company reported a write-down of approximately $2.7 billion pretax, with recoveries of $1.3 billion in 2023 and $200 million in 2024 [66] Question: Credit rating benefits - Management noted that while they are currently rated BBB+, there is potential for an upgrade, which could positively impact net spreads [72] Question: EPS guidance and buyback impact - The EPS guidance of $8.50 does not include any additional buybacks beyond the announced $1 billion program [108] Question: Engine leasing business outlook - Management highlighted the unique position in the engine leasing market and the potential for growth in this area [95][106]