Seasoned Aircraft Aftermarket & Leasing Executive Brings Significant Airline & Investor Perspectives on Both Financial & Operating Sides of Aviation Business
DUBLIN – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading engine lessor based in Ireland and backed by funds managed by global alternative asset manager Wafra Inc., announced the appointment of David Crull as the lessor’s new Chief Financial Officer.
Bringing more than 25 years of experience across the airline, aftermarket, and aircraft leasing sectors, David will bolster the lessor’s leadership team with industry-leading insights into both the financial and operating practices of aviation businesses.
“I am pleased to welcome David to the Aquila team. He brings deep financial expertise and experience from the operators and investors’ perspective,” commented Al Wood, Chief Executive Officer. “David knows how to effectively engage with executive teams, investors, and commercial partners to scale and transform businesses. He will enhance our platform’s strategic decision-making and accelerate our growth trajectory.”
Crull’s career has spanned senior executive roles in aviation finance, operations, commercial leadership, and investing. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Jackson Square Aviation. Previously, he was Chief Investment Officer of KP Aviation and Chief Financial Officer of Aero Capital Solutions and AeroTurbine. Crull also held senior financial leadership roles at Spirit Airlines. He began his aviation career in the maintenance and engineering organizations of American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Crull holds an M.B.A. from the University of Dallas and a B.S. degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a former U.S. Marine.
Commenting on his appointment, Crull said: “Aquila has built an impressive platform. I’m excited by the opportunity to help build on that foundation as the business enters its next phase of growth. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the value of strong teams, trusted commercial relationships, and disciplined execution in building enduring businesses. I look forward to working alongside the Aquila team and Wafra to strengthen the platform, serve our customers, and capitalize on the opportunities ahead.”
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
Lessors Continues to Grow Investment & Financial Analysis Team
FORT WORTH – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading engine lessor based in Ireland and backed by funds managed by global alternative asset manager Wafra Inc., announced the promotion of Connor Campbell to the position of Associate, Investment & Financial Analysis.
Campbell came onboard as an intern in January 2026 and has been involved in the lessor’s investment, pricing, finance, and credit activities. In his new role, Campbell will work alongside the Investment and Finance teams to provide continued support for these critical areas.
“Throughout his internship, Connor has been a very valuable contributor to our Financial Planning & Analysis operations. We are very pleased to convert his internship into a full-time role,” said Martin Ryan, Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis, to whom Campbell will be reporting day-to-day.
Prior to joining Aquila, Campbell undertook internships at Fort Worth-based advisory firm Valor and family investment office Q Investments. He holds a B.B.A. degree in Finance, Accounting & Mathematics from Texas Christian University.
“At Aquila, we pride ourselves on providing growth opportunities for the newest members of our aviation community, which helps the industry build a strong talent pipeline and turn rising young professionals into future leaders,” added Al Wood, Chief Executive Officer.
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
Promotion Expands Lessor’s Investment & Financial Analysis Team
FORT WORTH – July 22, 2026 – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading engine lessor based in Ireland and backed by funds managed by global alternative asset manager Wafra Inc., announced today the promotion of Sean Farrell to the role of Associate, Investment & Financial Analysis.
Farrell originally joined Aquila as an intern in January 2026 to support the lessor’s investment, pricing, finance and credit activities. Following his promotion, Farrell will continue to work in collaboration with the Investment and Finance teams to provide support for these critical functions led by Gary Lew, Chief Financial Officer and reporting day-to-day to Martin Ryan, Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis.
“We’ve been pleased with the energy and attitude Sean brings and the contributions he has made since the beginning of his internship in our Fort Worth office,” commented Gary Lew, Chief Financial Officer. “Sean’s promotion reflects Aquila’s commitment to investing in and developing the next generation of aviation professionals. We are proud to be a catalyst for Sean’s professional evolution in lockstep with the growth of our platform.”
Prior to joining Aquila, Farrell seeded his interest in aviation finance with an internship at AviLease in Dublin, Ireland. He has also served as a Corporal in the Intelligence platoon of the Singapore Armed Forces Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives Defense Group. Farrell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Texas Christian University.
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
Debt Financing to Fuel Growth of Lessor’s Engine Leasing Business
DUBLIN – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading lessor based in Ireland and backed by funds managed by global alternative asset manager Wafra Inc., announced today the closing of a $400 million refinancing and upsizing of its Warehouse Facility with ATLAS SP Partners (“ATLAS”), the warehouse finance and securitized products business majority owned by Apollo funds.
With this expanded facility, Aquila is well positioned to grow its already robust and diversified engine portfolio and pursue new opportunities across the market, including commercial aircraft powered by Aquila’s target engine types. ATLAS is serving as structuring agent and lead lender.
“We are honored to materially upsize our current loan facility to accelerate our growth trajectory with our trusted partners at ATLAS,” commented Gary Lew, Aquila Air Capital’s Chief Financial Officer. “The additional capacity, flexible structure, and competitive pricing highlight our lender’s confidence in our current portfolio and the future of our platform.”
Aquila has more than 130 assets and 25 lease customers across the world, with its portfolio consisting of widebody and narrowbody commercial aircraft and engines. The lessor maintains a high-quality customer base with strong credits. Focusing on in-demand asset types, Aquila will continue to capitalize on near-term leasing, trading, and remarketing opportunities.
ATLAS SP Partners
ATLAS is a global investment firm providing stable capital, financing, advisory and institutional products to market participants seeking innovative and bespoke structured credit and asset-backed solutions. ATLAS is proud to build upon a legacy of client excellence that includes certainty of execution, deep expertise and full-service capabilities across the asset management landscape. For more information, visit www.atlas-sp.com.
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
FORT WORTH, Texas – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) celebrated the company’s 5th Annniversary on April 19, 2026, reaching an important milestone in its commercial journey as a leading player in the engine leasing space.
Since 2021, the Aquila team has been assisting aircraft operators worldwide to address their engine requirements, leveraging our platform’s extensive leasing expertise.
“The last five years have been an amazing start for Aquila; I can’t wait to see what the next five has to offer. Thanks to all our customers, investors, and employees; it’s going to be a great time!,” commented Al Wood, Chief Executive Officer.
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
Matthew Schneider Appointed to Drive Customer Engagement and Portfolio Growth Across the Americas
FORT WORTH, Texas – March 9, 2026 – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading lessor based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Dublin, Ireland, and backed by funds managed by global alternative asset manager Wafra, announced the appointment of Matthew Schneider to the role of Vice President, Origination for the Americas.
Schneider will be responsible for supporting the lessor’s origination activities and customer-focused strategy in the Americas in collaboration with the Commercial and Origination teams.
“Matthew brings nearly three decades of experience in aviation finance and leasing, spanning deal origination, account development, and portfolio management,” commented Chance Fowler, Chief Commercial Officer. “We look forward to Matthew deploying his innovative transaction structuring expertise to continue positioning Aquila as a leading engine lessor that is committed to strengthening our customers’ operations.”
Schneider joins the Aquila team from GA Telesis, where he oversaw global business development, trading, and remarketing activities as Vice President of Leasing and Trading. Prior to GA Telesis, he served as Senior Advisor at Plane View Partners, advising on commercial aircraft and engine aftermarket leasing and trading strategies. Previously, he held several executive leadership roles at various aircraft and engine leasing firms.
Commenting on his appointment, Schneider, said: “I am proud to join the Aquila team and look forward to expanding our presence across the Americas through disciplined origination and enduring partnerships with airlines, lessors, and trading counterparties.”
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
World-class Modern Facility to Support Lessor’s Rapidly Growing Business
DUBLIN – December 2, 2025 – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading lessor based in Ireland and backed by funds managed by global alternative asset manager Wafra, announced today the opening of a new facility in the city of Dublin, which will serve as the company’s headquarters.
The new facility is based in Hume Street House located just off St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant city center. Designed with modern workspace in mind and featuring the latest in technology and a flexible footprint, the centrally positioned facility will allow Aquila to adapt the office space to the team’s changing needs. This office will enable employees to collaborate with each other, while providing a space to host meetings with their partners and customers.
“Dublin is the epicenter of our industry, we look forward to providing a centralized location where our team members can work together, learn from each other, and interact in a manner that helps us develop innovative customer solutions,” said Al Wood, Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to having engaging conversations with our partners and customers there daily, as this new office focuses on supporting our continued growth and reinforces Aquila’s commitment to our global customer base.”
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
New Role to Support Lessor’s Expansion in Key Market
FORT WORTH, Texas – October 21, 2025 – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading engine lessor backed by funds managed by New York-based global alternative asset manager Wafra, announced the addition of Cornelius Poon to its commercial team for the Asia Pacific region.
Reporting to Chance Fowler, Chief Commercial Officer, Poon will serve in the role of Vice President Commercial, Asia Pacific, focusing on the initiation and execution of leasing and trading transactions for a wide range of aircraft and engine types.
“We are delighted to welcome Cornelius to our commercial team at an exciting time in our growth journey, with ambitious goals set for expansion in the key Asia Pacific market,” said Fowler. “We look forward to tapping into Cornelius’ valuable experience and expertise stemming from years of leading sales and trading activity with Asian clients to support our platform’s growth in the area.”
With over a decade and a half of experience as a sales and marketing executive, as well as a former aircraft engineer, Poon has a deep background in managing marketing, business development, and customer support operations in support of airlines and lessors based in various markets across Asia Pacific.
Poon joins Aquila from the MTU Maintenance (“MTU”) networks of companies, where he served in various managerial roles, supporting the engine leasing, trading, and asset management activities of one of the largest providers of independent commercial engine services worldwide. His most recent positions included Senior Manager, Accessory Program, of MTU Maintenance Canada and Director of MTU Maintenance Singapore. Prior to MTU, he worked as technical aircraft engineer at GE Aviation and HAECO.
Commenting on his appointment, Poon, said: “I am excited to become part of the Aquila team and look forward to contributing to the business’ growth in the Asia Pacific region, as well as supporting our customers’ operations with Aquila’s comprehensive set of services.”
Poon holds an M.B.A. degree from Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University and a Master of Engineering in Aerospace degree from the University of Southampton.
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
Lessor’s New Office Elevates Aviation Finance Footprint in Texas
NEW YORK – October 15, 2025 – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading engine lessor based in Ireland and backed by funds managed by New York-based global alternative asset manager Wafra, announced against the backdrop of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Americas conference the creation of a new U.S. office in Fort Worth, Texas, recently designated as the “Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas.”
Based in The Crescent Offices, a dynamic new development in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, the new office will enable Aquila to grow its operations as part of the city’s vibrant and innovative business hub, while playing an integral part in strengthening the region’s aviation sector.
“Fort Worth’s rising profile as a leading hub for the global aviation and aerospace industry is the principal reason we chose to locate our U.S. office in this area, where we can continue our growth as a leading full-service engine leasing platform,” says Al Wood, Aquila Air Capital’s Chief Executive Officer.
The Dallas-Fort Worth (“DFW”) metroplex is home to major aviation investors, lessors, operators, as well as engineering and MRO companies in the aerospace industry, including Lockheed Martin, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Embraer, Gulfstream Aerospace and MTU Aero Engines. Fort Worth’s transformation into a major business destination has fueled the growth of the region’s aviation cluster, expanding the state’s footprint in the industry.
“With Aquila joining other leading aviation-focused businesses, Fort Worth is the right place to accelerate our platform’s expansion and continue successfully serving our global customer base,” adds Gary Lew, Aquila Air Capital’s Chief Financial Officer.
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com
NEW YORK – September 9, 2025 – Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading engine lessor backed by funds managed by New York-based global alternative asset manager Wafra, announced the promotion of Chance Fowler to the leadership role of Chief Commercial Officer.
Fowler has been with Aquila since July 2022. He joined the company as Vice President, Portfolio Management, with responsibility for optimizing the performance of the lessor’s growing portfolio of aircraft and engine assets. He has also been responsible for originating new investment and leasing opportunities while expanding Aquila’s relationships with current customers and partners.
“Chance has been instrumental in expanding our commercial footprint, building out our portfolio and delivering unparalleled value to our customers,” commented Al Wood, Aquila Air Capital’s Chief Executive Officer. “With his deep understanding of the engine leasing market’s complex dynamics and his experience in building and nurturing Aquila’s industry relationships, he is perfectly positioned to lead our ongoing commercial initiatives and drive our platform’s sustained growth in the years to come.”
Commenting on his promotion, Fowler said: “It has been a privilege to be part of the growth of Aquila, and I am honored to take on the responsibility of Chief Commercial Officer. I look forward to leading the Aquila team to deliver attractive solutions to our valued customers and position our company for long-term success.”
Prior to joining Aquila, Fowler served as Vice President of Aircraft Marketing at Vx Capital Partners. Before that, he was a financial analyst at Dallas-based Trinity Industries.
Founded in 2021, Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, as well as purchasing and leasing aircraft and engines. Backed by funds managed by Wafra Inc., a New York-based, global alternative asset manager, and led by a management team with decades of experience in the aerospace and aviation industries, Aquila is a trusted partner to all players in the value chain, from buyers and sellers of assets to operators in need of creative and timely solutions for their critical business needs. www.AquilaAirCapital.com