London - 24 March 2026. Senior executives Patrick den Elzen, CEO, Arena Aviation Capital and Vincent van Tooren, Head of Portfolio Management, Arena Aviation Capital, attended the Ishka Investing in Aviation: Europe conference at the Hilton Tower Bridge last week, on March 24th. They addressed major changes for aircraft lessors, including supply chain constraints, stabilizing lease rates, and a shift toward deconsolidation. Two headline panels provided insights into industry strategy as it entered the next aviation cycle, with notable contributions from Arena Aviation Capital's leadership.
On Panel 1: How are Lessor Leaders Seeing the Next Cycle of Aviation, Vincent van Tooren discussed with other Aviation Global Leaders the potential impact of the current conflict in the Middle East on aircraft trading and the airline industry in general. Furthermore, the panel discussed the need for lessors to adapt to the "new normal" of extended OEM delivery timelines, resulting in the secondary market becoming a vital strategic focus. Additionally, due to the restricted supply of new aircraft, lessors are benefiting from the desire of operators to retain their aircraft longer than initially anticipated. The deferred retirement of aircraft simultaneously results in higher demand for greentime engines, as well as lower availability of such engines. The demand for engines is therefore driving pressure on aircraft lease rates upwards, as aircraft leases for increasingly younger aircraft are competing directly with the engine aftermarket.
On Panel 2: Is Consolidation the Best Strategy for Lessors in 2026, Is Consolidation the Best Strategy for Lessors in 2026? Patrick den Elzen and other panelists discussed whether "bigger is better" is true and if it was a key driver of the recent consolidation in the industry. Firstly, they observed that the industry's longer-term outlook seems to be deconsolidated. It was further argued that while large platforms benefit from funding advantages, mid-sized lessors offer a level of agility and specialized focus that is highly valued by investors. The panel concluded that whilst increased market presence and lower funding cost are drivers for consolidation, for balance sheet lessors, there is also a place for more specialized, asset management-focused mid-size players.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Arena Aviation Capital
Erik Dahmen
info@arena-aviationcapital.com
About Arena Aviation Capital
Arena Aviation Capital (www.arena-aviationcapital.com) is a full-service aircraft investment management company that focuses on the complete life cycle of acquiring and leasing used commercial aviation assets. The company services investment and airline customers worldwide, providing services including origination, financing, risk management, and administration (finance/accounting, and legal) of commercial aviation assets. Arena also provides prepackaged, tailor-made solutions for airline customers for their mid-life assets. Arena today manages aircraft and engines leased to airline customers worldwide.
For more information, visit www.arena-aviationcapital.com
About Ishka
Ishka is a leading provider of data, analytics, and advisory services to the global aviation finance community. Through its events and intelligence platforms, Ishka connects investors, lessors, and airlines to navigate the complexities of the aviation asset class.
For more information, visit https://www.ishkaglobal.com/
