Macquarie AirFinance announces change in leadership

Macquarie AirFinance has announced today that John Willingham, Chief Executive Officer, will retire in January 2022 and will be succeeded by Eamonn Bane.

John Willingham has led Macquarie AirFinance since its inception in 2006, building a global franchise with 79 airline customers in 41 countries and 241 aircraft and order commitments.  He retires after a 35-year career in aircraft finance and leasing, during which he was also Chief Operating Officer of Boullioun Aviation Services and the founding Managing Director of Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (now BOC Aviation).

Eamonn Bane is being promoted from Chief Operating Officer, where he has been responsible for technical management, new aircraft purchasing, transaction execution, risk and human resources. Mr Bane joined the technical team of Macquarie’s engine leasing business in 2008 and subsequently moved to Macquarie AirFinance in 2011, where he has had a central role in the growth and development of the business to date. Prior to taking the Chief Operating Officer role he was Chief Technical Officer.

Stephen Cook, Chairman of Macquarie AirFinance, said: “As a result of John’s leadership, Macquarie AirFinance has a team of professionals that is second to none and a business that is poised to emerge strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a testament to John’s commitment to leadership development and his ability to create a collaborative culture that we are promoting his successor from within the company.

“We are pleased to be able to turn to someone of Eamonn’s calibre to become our new Chief Executive Officer. Eamonn has proven his worth during his 13 years at Macquarie AirFinance. His intimate knowledge of the business and demonstrated leadership skills make him an ideal successor to John.”

John Willingham, current Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie AirFinance, said: “It has been a privilege to work with the extraordinary people at Macquarie AirFinance and with Stephen Cook, Jonathan Watkinson-Hall and the outstanding team at Macquarie. I am leaving the company happy in the knowledge that it is in very capable hands, with the strong support and trust of our shareholders.” 

About Macquarie AirFinance

Macquarie AirFinance, an aviation lessor founded in 2006, provides aircraft and capital to the world’s airlines and advisory and management services to aircraft owners. The company owns, manages and leases commercial jet aircraft internationally through offices in Europe, Asia and North America. Macquarie AirFinance is owned by Macquarie Asset Management (50 per cent), PGGM Infrastructure Fund (25 per cent) and Sunsuper (25 per cent).

For further information, visit www.macquarie.aero.