Willis Lease Finance Corporation, the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, today announced the appointment of Pascal Picano as Senior Vice President, Aircraft Leasing & Trading, effective immediately.
Pascal reports directly to Austin C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer of WLFC, and will work closely with Marc Pierpoint, Senior Vice President, Head of Trading & Investments, to drive the continued growth and evolution of WLFC’s portfolio.
In this newly created role, Pascal will be building upon the Company’s leading aviation leasing platform by strategically growing its aircraft portfolio. He will also support the Company’s commitment to investing in next-generation assets that meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry. Marc Pierpoint will continue to focus on growth of the engine portfolio.
“Pascal has been a trusted figure in aviation finance for decades, and we are delighted to welcome him to the WLFC senior leadership team,” said Austin C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer. “He will be an invaluable addition, bringing deep expertise, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a proven track record to our organization.”
“I am honored to join WLFC, a company I have long admired for its innovation and leadership in aviation leasing and MRO,” said Pascal Picano. “I look forward to working closely with Austin, Marc, and the broader team to build on the company’s strong momentum and help realize the next phase of WLFC’s success.”
Pascal brings more than 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, specializing in aircraft acquisition, leasing, and capital raising. He most recently served as a Member of the Board of Directors at Avia Solutions Group and previously held senior leadership roles at Carlyle Aviation Partners (formerly Apollo Aviation Group). Throughout his career, Pascal has structured complex transactions, raised equity and debt for aircraft deals, and built and led high-performing teams across the aviation finance sector.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers worldwide.
These leasing activities are integrated with 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.
Willis Sustainable Fuels intends to develop, build and operate projects to help decarbonize aviation.
