The aircraft lease return business has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade. Twenty years ago, there were not many aircraft leased by airlines. That has changed over time, and now leasing companies around the world own 50 percent of the global aviation fleet. With the growing number of the leased aircraft portfolio – almost 13,000 aircraft in 2019 – new challenges have arisen, both for airlines and lessors.

Regardless, whether you deliver or return a leased aircraft, its physical condition is the most pressing issue during the process. Why? Because the aircraft must undergo a thorough inspection to ensure the damages have been assessed or repaired and not left unspecified.

Although aircraft are now modern and longer-lasting, the visual inspection process is still outdated and time-consuming.

We have identified 10 struggles related to visual aircraft inspections during lease returns, lease transitions, or between Part M and Part 145 organizations.