Air Lease Appoints Grant Newman as Treasurer
Air Lease announced today the appointment of Grant Newman as Senior Vice President and Treasurer, effective March 17. With a distinguished career in finance, aviation, and strategic corporate development spanning over two decades, Newman brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to his new role at Air Lease.
A Career Spanning Finance, Aviation, and Aerospace
Grant Newman has built a strong reputation as an accomplished executive with extensive expertise in finance, strategy, and corporate development. Over his 20-year career, he has worked in various high-profile roles, contributing significantly to the financial and operational success of multiple aviation and aerospace companies.
Most recently, Newman served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Elroy Air, an innovative aerospace start-up, from 2021 to 2025. At Elroy Air, he played a pivotal role in leading the company’s finance, supply chain, government affairs, and legal departments. His leadership was instrumental in strengthening the company’s financial position, securing critical partnerships, and driving forward its strategic initiatives in the aerospace sector.
Before joining Elroy Air, Newman held the position of Senior Vice President (SVP) of Strategy & Corporate Development at Era Helicopters. During his tenure, he led the company’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, capital markets initiatives, and strategic growth efforts. Among his most notable achievements at Era Helicopters was overseeing the divestiture of DART Aerospace, as well as spearheading the company’s $1.5 billion merger with Bristow Helicopters. Following this major corporate transaction, Newman transitioned into the role of Treasurer & Head of Investor Relations for the combined Bristow Group. In this capacity, he managed the company’s financial strategy, capital allocation, and investor engagement efforts.
Newman’s financial expertise is further underscored by his decade-long experience as an investment banker at Deutsche Bank, where he specialized in transportation, aviation, and commercial aerospace. His deep understanding of aviation finance and industry trends has allowed him to provide strategic guidance and financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the sector.
Newman began his professional journey at General Electric (GE) in 2001. During his time at GE, he graduated from the company’s esteemed Financial Management Program and earned certification as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. His early career at GE provided him with a strong foundation in corporate finance, risk management, and operational efficiency, all of which have been invaluable assets throughout his career.
Academically, Newman holds an MBA from Duke University. He also earned a Master of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Economics and Government & Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. His strong academic background, combined with his extensive industry experience, makes him exceptionally well-equipped to take on his new role at Air Lease.
Air Lease Welcomes Grant Newman
Air Lease executives have expressed their confidence in Newman’s ability to drive the company’s financial strategy forward. Gregory B. Willis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Air Lease, shared his enthusiasm about the appointment:
“We are pleased to have Grant join the Air Lease team. Grant’s strong background in corporate finance and aviation brings years of experience to the Treasurer role. His expertise will be invaluable in advancing Air Lease’s financial strategy and strengthening our position as a leader in the global aircraft leasing industry.”
As Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Newman will oversee critical financial functions at Air Lease, including capital markets activities, cash management, corporate finance strategies, and risk management. His role will be crucial in optimizing the company’s financial resources and ensuring sustained growth and profitability.
The Role of Air Lease in the Aviation Industry
Air Lease Corporation is a leading global aircraft leasing company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The company specializes in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to airline customers worldwide through customized leasing and financing solutions. By offering flexible lease terms and financial structures, Air Lease helps airlines expand their fleets, modernize their aircraft, and optimize their operational efficiency.
Founded in 2010, Air Lease has rapidly grown into one of the most prominent aircraft leasing firms in the industry. The company maintains a diverse and modern fleet, leasing aircraft to a broad range of airlines across different regions and market segments. Its portfolio includes aircraft from leading manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus, ensuring that its clients have access to state-of-the-art aviation technology.
Air Lease’s success is driven by its team of experienced professionals, who possess deep knowledge of aircraft financing, fleet planning, and airline economics. The company’s business model is designed to provide long-term value to both its airline customers and investors, balancing growth with financial stability.
Looking Ahead: New Leadership, New Opportunities
The appointment of Grant Newman as Senior Vice President and Treasurer comes at an important time for Air Lease. The global aviation industry continues to recover from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with airlines ramping up capacity, renewing fleet investments, and focusing on sustainable growth. As a key player in the aircraft leasing sector, Air Lease is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate the evolving market landscape.
With Newman at the helm of Air Lease’s treasury operations, the company is expected to further enhance its financial flexibility, strengthen its capital position, and reinforce its commitment to delivering value to shareholders and airline partners alike. His experience in corporate finance, M&A, and strategic development will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategies moving forward.
Air Lease’s Commitment to Investors
As a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol AL, Air Lease remains dedicated to transparency and investor engagement. The company regularly provides updates on its financial performance, fleet expansion, and market outlook through investor communications and disclosures.
Air Lease routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the “Investors” section of its website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to visit the company’s website regularly for the latest financial reports, corporate announcements, and strategic insights. However, it is important to note that the information contained on, or that may be accessed through, Air Lease’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.
Grant Newman’s appointment as Senior Vice President and Treasurer marks an exciting new chapter for Air Lease Corporation. With his extensive background in finance, strategy, and aviation, Newman is well-equipped to contribute to the company’s ongoing growth and success. As Air Lease continues to expand its global footprint and strengthen its position in the aircraft leasing industry, Newman’s leadership will be instrumental in driving financial excellence and long-term value creation.
Air Lease looks forward to leveraging Newman’s expertise as the company advances its mission of providing high-quality aircraft leasing solutions to airlines worldwide. With a strong leadership team in place, Air Lease remains committed to innovation, financial strength, and industry leadership in the years to come.
