Aviation Global Leaders Report 2024: Aengus Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, AerCap

Many airlines have recorded record profits in 2023 capitalising on sustained demand for air travel. However, costs are rising steadily as inflation bites. Wages are rising with airlines bearing the brunt of wage inflation as well as a scarcity of trained labour force, especially pilots. Rising interest rates are also adding to cost pressures, which will impact those airlines that have not begun to reduce the debt stack built up during the pandemic. Aircraft leasing companies are enjoying unprecedented levels of demand with the majority of airline customers opting to extend existing leases due to the short supply of new