Willis Lease Finance Corporation Closes Two Additional JOLCO Deals, Bringing Total JOLCO Financing to Nearly $150 Million

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.

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

Argus Apr 1 session

+3.15% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – WLFC

On Apr 1, the day this news came out, WLFC closed 3.15% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Apr 1 session.

Market Context

This announcement highlights WLFC’s use of JOLCO structures to add about $50 million in term financi...

Analysis

This announcement highlights WLFC’s use of JOLCO structures to add about $50 million in term financing, bringing total JOLCO funding to nearly $150 million for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines maturing in 2031. It builds on recent steps like expanding the revolving credit facility to $1.75 billion and launching new engine services. Investors may watch future disclosures on asset utilization, lease demand, and additional financing activity to gauge how effectively this funding supports growth.

Key Figures

New JOLCO financing: $50 million Total JOLCO financing: $150 million Financing maturity: 2031 +5 more

New JOLCO financing

$50 million

Two JOLCO transactions closed March 2026

Total JOLCO financing

$150 million

Aggregate JOLCO financing outstanding after latest deals

Financing maturity

2031

Both new JOLCO transactions mature in 2031

Share price

$170.26

WLFC price before impact of this news

Daily move

4.49%

WLFC 24h price change ahead of article timestamp

Trading volume

35,431 shares

Today vs 20-day average 59,847 shares

52-week high

$207.05

WLFC 52-week price ceiling

Operating lease portfolio

$2,801.7 million

Equipment in operating lease portfolio as of Dec 31, 2025 (10-K/A)

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 30

5 events

1. Mar 30

   Credit facility expansion

   24h Move

   -3.3%

   Expanded revolving credit facility to $1.75B with extended maturity.

2. Mar 10

   Record earnings

   24h Move

   -2.6%

   Reported record 2025 revenue, pre-tax income, and adjusted EBITDA.

3. Mar 04

   Executive appointment

   24h Move

   +1.7%

   Named new Head of Origination for Asia Pacific growth initiatives.

4. Feb 12

   New service capability

   24h Move

   -3.4%

   Launched in-house engine module restoration under Willis Module Shop™.

5. Feb 10

   Earnings call timing

   24h Move

   -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.

Key Terms

japanese operating lease with call option, jolco, part 145

3 terms

japanese operating lease with call option financial

"the closing of two Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (“JOLCO”) transactions"

A Japanese operating lease with a call option is a rental agreement under Japanese practice where a company rents an asset (like equipment) without recording it as owned, while retaining the right to buy that asset later at a pre-set price. Think of it as leasing a car with a guaranteed buyout option; it keeps the asset off the balance sheet initially, affects reported expenses and cash flow, and can change a company’s future liabilities and capital needs if the purchase option is exercised.

jolco financial

"two Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (“JOLCO”) transactions, totaling approximately $50 million"

A JOLCO is a lease-financing structure where investors buy an asset (often aircraft) and lease it to an operator, with the operator holding an option to buy the asset at the lease end. Think of it like a group of lenders buying a car and renting it out, while the renter can choose to purchase it later; investors get steady lease payments and potential tax benefits, while buyers avoid large upfront costs. For investors, JOLCOs affect cash flow timing, ownership risk, and the tax treatment of returns.

part 145 regulatory

"the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance"

Part 145 is the regulatory approval that lets an aviation maintenance facility legally inspect, repair and sign off on aircraft and components; think of it like a licensed mechanic shop for airplanes. For investors, holding a Part 145 approval matters because it enables a company to win maintenance contracts, generate recurring service revenue, and avoid costly grounding or compliance penalties that can disrupt operations and cash flow.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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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 $50 million in financing. Both transactions closed in March 2026, bringing WLFC’s total JOLCO financing to nearly $150 million.

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

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did WLFC announce about JOLCO financing on April 1, 2026?

WLFC closed two JOLCO financings totaling about $50 million in March 2026. According to WLFC, these deals bring total JOLCO financing to nearly $150 million and support LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines.

Which engines are covered by WLFC's recent JOLCO financings (WLFC)?

The financings cover LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, the company said. According to WLFC, both JOLCO transactions specifically support those engine types and their associated leasing activities through 2031 maturities.

When do WLFC's new JOLCO financings mature and what does that mean for investors?

Both JOLCO transactions mature in 2031, per the company announcement. According to WLFC, investors should note concentration of maturities in 2031 could affect refinancing timing and liquidity planning for that period.

How do the March 2026 JOLCO deals affect WLFC's capital strategy (WLFC)?

The deals provide additional term financing diversification for WLFC, the company said. According to WLFC, JOLCO transactions are an alternative funding source intended to expand capital options and support airline customer solutions.

How large is WLFC's total JOLCO exposure after these transactions?

After the March 2026 closings, WLFC's total JOLCO financing is nearly $150 million, according to the company. This aggregate figure reflects current JOLCO positions supporting the firm's engine leasing portfolio.