Commercial aircraft sales and leasing

Commercial aircraft sales and leasing (CASL) is the business of marketing used commercial airliners and related equipment. Companies engaged in CASL are often referred to as aircraft lessors.

Newly started airlines are usually not in a financial position to afford factory direct aircraft and established carriers who prefer to maintain flexibility by leasing rather than owning their aircraft, will typically work with a CASL company to locate and procure used aircraft for lease or finance. The aircraft may be provided to the airline on the basis of an operating lease or a finance lease.

A number of commercial banks, hedge funds and financial institutions are active in the aircraft leasing business.