Aircraft Leasing in Ireland 2007-2016

The stock of leased aircraft (tangible fixed assets) has grown by almost 12% per annum over a 7-year period from €27.4bn in 2007 to €77.5bn in 2014*. The largest growth occurred in 2014, when tangible fixed assets grew by over €30bn (65%) due to new entrants in the sector. While aircraft made up 82% of assets at the beginning of the period, this had fallen to 66% in 2014, reflecting some diversification in the industry. Cash and bank deposits have grown around 27% per annum from more than €0.5bn to just under €5bn. Other growth has been seen in Debtors and Loans, which collectively have grown by €27.3bn from €3.4bn (10% of assets) in 2007 to €30.8bn (22% of assets) in 2016. 

In 2007, the industry was financed primarily through creditors (22%), loans (33%) and equity (35%). The most dramatic change visible in 2016 is the decrease in creditors (5%). Equity funding has fallen to 29% while loans have increased to 58%. Bonds, Notes and Other funding have fallen from a combined 10% to 9%. 

Equity funding fell to its lowest, less than 24%, in 2014.