05 Feb 2026
#1 February 2026: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
Azorra Appoints Ronan McGee as Accounting Manager
Azorra announced the appointment of Ronan McGee as Accounting Manager. McGee brings over eight years of aircraft leasing experience, having previously worked within PwC’s Banking, Insurance & Aircraft Leasing Assurance department and finance teams at ORIX Aviation and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. His background includes managing complex technical accounting matters specific to the aviation leasing sector.
IAT Leasing Announces Senior Leadership Promotions
IAT Leasing announced the creation of three new senior leadership roles as part of an organisational realignment supporting continued growth. John Fields has been promoted to President, Coleman Byrne to Chief Financial Officer, and Christine Davin to Chief Operating Officer. The revised structure formalises leadership accountability across commercial strategy, financial management, and operational execution as IAT Leasing expands its fleet, investor base, and global airline relationships.
KKR Increases Ownership Stake in Altavair
KKR and Altavair announced a definitive agreement under which KKR will increase its ownership stake in Altavair and its sister company, AV AirFinance. KKR-managed funds have committed more than $5 billion to aircraft leasing and lending transactions since the partnership began in 2018. As part of the transaction, Matthew Hoesley will assume the role of President & Chief Commercial Officer, while Andrew Carpenter will become Chief Financial Officer of Altavair. The investment strengthens Altavair’s capital base and supports its next phase of portfolio and platform growth.
Acumen’s Take
On Azorra’s Appointment
The hire reflects continued investment in technical accounting expertise as leasing structures, financing instruments, and reporting requirements grow more complex across the sector.
On IAT Leasing’s Leadership Restructure
Formalising senior roles signals operational maturity and readiness for scale. Clear separation of commercial, financial, and operational leadership is increasingly important as mid-sized lessors grow institutional investor exposure.
On KKR’s Increased Stake in Altavair
KKR’s deeper capital commitment highlights sustained private credit confidence in aircraft leasing fundamentals. The leadership changes point to a focus on disciplined growth, balance sheet optimisation, and long-term portfolio expansion.
Acumen Aviation © 5 February 2026 All Rights Reserved.
