COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Sept. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), 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.

About Willis Lease Finance Corporation

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.

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 a number of 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.