Recruitment Trends in Aircraft Leasing: Insights from 2024 and What to Expect in 2025

Here’s a look at the key recruitment trends that emerged in 2024 and what we anticipate for 2025.

1. Demand for Specialised Skill Sets

2024 Trends

In 2024, there was a notable demand for professionals with expertise in fleet planning, asset management, and contract negotiations. With lessors navigating volatile market conditions, these roles required individuals who could combine technical knowledge with strategic insight.

Looking Forward to 2025

Lease Structuring and Financing Specialists: As interest rates fluctuate, demand for professionals skilled in structuring innovative leasing agreements will increase.
ESG Expertise: With airlines and lessors under pressure to meet sustainability goals, there will be growing demand for professionals with experience in sustainable financing and carbon offsetting strategies.

2. Increased Focus on Sustainability

2024 Trends

Sustainability has become a critical consideration for the aircraft leasing industry. In 2024, lessors began emphasising roles related to sustainability reporting, green financing, and compliance with new environmental regulations.

Looking Forward to 2025

Sustainability Officers: As the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and other ESG regulations come into effect, lessors will need dedicated professionals to lead these initiatives.
Innovation Specialists: Professionals with experience in alternative fuels, electrification, and emissions reduction technologies will be in high demand.

3. Digital Transformation and Data Analytics

2024 Trends

The industry has increasingly turned to digital tools to improve efficiency, particularly in asset management and forecasting. Data-driven decision-making has become a key focus, leading to demand for talent skilled in analytics and digital transformation.

Looking Forward to 2025

Tech-Savvy Candidates: Roles requiring expertise in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and blockchain will grow as lessors aim to optimise fleet performance and leasing strategies.
Cybersecurity Professionals: With greater reliance on digital systems comes the need to secure sensitive data, driving demand for cybersecurity specialists.

4. Global Talent and Remote Opportunities

2024 Trends

While the aircraft leasing sector remains concentrated in hubs like Dublin and Singapore, 2024 saw an increase in remote work opportunities, particularly for roles in analytics, legal, and finance.

Looking Forward to 2025

Global Recruitment: Lessors will continue tapping into talent from different geographies to meet specialised skill needs.
Flexible Working Models: Hybrid and remote roles will remain a draw for top-tier professionals, requiring firms to adapt their recruitment strategies to remain competitive.

5. Talent Shortages in Key Areas

2024 Trends

The recovery in air travel created an intense demand for talent, but the industry faced shortages in areas such as technical asset management and lease negotiations.

Looking Forward to 2025

Upskilling and Training: Firms may need to invest in training programs to address gaps in technical expertise and compliance knowledge.
Attracting Young Talent: To secure the next generation of professionals, the industry must enhance its appeal to graduates and young professionals, emphasising career growth and innovation opportunities.

6. Navigating Regulatory Changes

2024 Trends

Increased scrutiny from regulators led to a surge in compliance-focused roles, with professionals needed to ensure adherence to international aviation and financing standards.

Looking Forward to 2025

Compliance Experts: As regulatory frameworks evolve, lessors will require candidates with deep understanding of both aviation and financial compliance.
Legal Specialists: Expertise in global lease agreements and evolving taxation policies will remain in high demand.
Conclusion: A Dynamic Year Ahead

Recruitment in the aircraft leasing industry is entering an exciting yet challenging phase. As we look toward 2025, the focus will be on attracting professionals with the expertise to navigate evolving market demands, sustainability goals, and technological advancements.

At Elevate Partners, we specialize in connecting top-tier talent with the opportunities shaping the future of aircraft leasing. Whether you’re seeking to grow your team or looking for your next role in this dynamic sector, we’re here to guide you.

Contact us today to discuss your recruitment needs for 2025.