Willis Lease Finance Corporation Closes Two Additional JOLCO Deals, Bringing Total JOLCO Financing to Nearly $150 Million
Rhea-AI Summary
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) closed two JOLCO financings in March 2026 totaling approximately $50 million, raising the company's total JOLCO exposure to nearly $150 million. Both financings support LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines and mature in 2031.
Management said the transactions diversify term financing sources and provide competitive alternatives for airline customers.
Positive
- $50 million in March 2026 JOLCO financings closed
- Total JOLCO financing reached nearly $150 million
- Financings support LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines
- Transactions provide term financing diversification for the company
Negative
- Both transactions mature in 2031, concentrating repayment risk that year
News Market Reaction – WLFC
On the day this news was published, WLFC gained 3.15%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 30 | Credit facility expansion | Positive | -3.3% | Expanded revolving credit facility to $1.75B with extended maturity. |
| Mar 10 | Record earnings | Positive | -2.6% | Reported record 2025 revenue, pre-tax income, and adjusted EBITDA. |
| Mar 04 | Executive appointment | Positive | +1.7% | Named new Head of Origination for Asia Pacific growth initiatives. |
| Feb 12 | New service capability | Positive | -3.4% | Launched in-house engine module restoration under Willis Module Shop™. |
| Feb 10 | Earnings call timing | Neutral | -0.7% | Announced date and time for Q4 and full-year 2025 results call. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent history shows several positive corporate updates followed by short-term share price declines, with only one clear alignment between upbeat news and a price gain.
Over the past months, WLFC reported a larger revolving credit facility to $1.75 billion maturing in April 2031, record 2025 financial results with higher revenue and EBITDA, and strategic initiatives like launching Willis Module Shop™ and expanding leadership in Asia Pacific. Despite generally positive fundamentals, most of these announcements saw negative next-day price reactions. Today’s JOLCO financing news, supporting LEAP engines through 2031, fits the theme of continued balance-sheet and platform expansion.
Key Terms
japanese operating lease with call option financial
jolco financial
part 145 regulatory
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
COCONUT CREEK, Fla., April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, today announced the closing of two Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (“JOLCO”) transactions, totaling approximately
The financings support LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines with both transactions maturing in 2031.
“The JOLCO market provides the Company another term financing solution, allowing us to further diversify capital sources and to continue to offer competitive alternatives to our airline customers,” said Scott B. Flaherty, EVP, and Chief Financial Officer of Willis Lease Finance Corporation.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Additionally, through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO, and ground and cargo handling services.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve several inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are subject to change in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed, either expressly or implicitly, in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and natural disasters; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors, as well as the impact of new or increased tariffs; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
| CONTACT: | Scott B. Flaherty |
| EVP & Chief Financial Officer | |
| sflaherty@willislease.com | |
| 561.413.0112 |
