COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLF...








    



            







    
        
            February 04, 2026 08:30 ET
        

        
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                Willis Lease Finance Corp.
            
                

        
    

    

    

    





        
COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Feb.  04, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, today announced a purchase and leaseback agreement with Nauru Airlines (“Nauru”) for seven CFM56-7B engines. The agreement will provide Nauru with reliable ConstantThrust® support for the airline’s entire modern fleet of CFM56-7B engines powering Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft for six plus years.  Under WLFC’s ConstantThrust® program engines are seamlessly exchanged for fully serviceable replacements as they reach major maintenance intervals. ConstantThrust® leverages WLFC’s global expertise in spare parts provisioning, technical management, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to ensure uninterrupted operational performance for airlines and lessors worldwide. This program will play a key role in supporting Nauru’s continued growth and its critical role in providing reliable air transportation across the Central and South Pacific region.“Our partnership with Nauru Airlines underscores the global reach and adaptability of the ConstantThrust® program,” said Austin C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer of WLFC. “Nauru Airlines operates in a uniquely demanding and remote environment as an island country in the Pacific Ocean. We are excited to support their continued growth and leadership in regional aviation with our investment.” “Working with a global lessor like WLFC will bring us the operational leverage we need,” said Honorable Minister Asterio Appi, Minister for Nauru Air Corporation, Government of Nauru. “We are thrilled to be leveraging the Willis ecosystem.”  The deal terms are extendable to accommodate new aircraft deliveries.  About Willis Lease Finance Corporation  Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services, as well as 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.  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. CONTACT:Lynn Mailliard Kohler Director, Global Corporate Communications (415) 328-4798 
            

WLFC

Willis Lease Finance Corporation Signs ConstantThrust® Agreement with Asia Pacific Flag Carrier, Nauru Airlines

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLF...</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Willis Lease Finance Corporation has announced a purchase and leaseback agreement with Nauru Airlines for seven CFM56-7B engines, enhancing Nauru&#039;s fleet performance and ensuring reliable operational support. This deal signifies WLFC&#039;s commitment to strengthening its presence in the aviation market and expanding its services in the Pacific region, with potential long-term growth implications.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>WLFC enters agreement with Nauru Airlines for seven engines.</li><li>Partnership enhances Nauru&#039;s fleet performance and operational capabilities.</li><li>ConstantThrust® support ensures uninterrupted engine performance during maintenance.</li><li>Agreement terms are extendable for new aircraft deliveries.</li><li>Deal enhances WLFC&#039;s regional presence in the Pacific aviation market.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Nauru Airlines (N/A)</strong>: Partnership boosts WLFC&#039;s regional influence and potential revenue.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This news falls under &#039;Corporate Developments&#039; as WLFC expands its operational agreements with Nauru Airlines. Such arrangements can lead to increased revenue and market share, impacting investor sentiment positively.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>The lease agreement confirms WLFC&#039;s strong position in aviation leasing.</li><li>Nauru Airlines partnership may lead to additional contract opportunities.</li><li>ConstantThrust® program offers competitive advantage in engine support services.</li><li>Expanding regional presence can attract further airline partnerships.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>WLFC leases CFM56-7B engines to Nauru Airlines for six-plus years.</li><li>ConstantThrust® program provides seamless engine service exchange.</li><li>Nauru Airlines operates Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft.</li><li>Agreement terms are extendable for future aircraft deliveries.</li><li>CEO Austin C. Willis emphasized the adaptability of their services.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Invest in WLFC for potential growth, driven by new contracts and regional expansion.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<article>
    <h2>Willis Lease Finance Corporation Announces Major Agreement with Nauru Airlines</h2>
    <p>COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- <strong>Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC)</strong>, a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines, has signed a significant purchase and leaseback agreement with Nauru Airlines. This deal involves seven CFM56-7B engines that will support the carrier's fleet of Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft for over six years.</p>

    <section>
        <h3>ConstantThrust® Program: Ensuring Operational Continuity</h3>
        <p>The agreement will enable Nauru Airlines to access WLFC’s <strong>ConstantThrust®</strong> support program, which offers seamless engine exchanges for fully serviceable replacements at key maintenance intervals. This initiative aims to enhance operational reliability for the airline's modern fleet, ensuring that Nauru Airlines can effectively serve its routes across the Central and South Pacific region.</p>
        <p>WLFC’s ConstantThrust® program is designed to leverage the company's global expertise in:</p>
        <ul>
            <li>Spare parts provisioning</li>
            <li>Technical management</li>
            <li>Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services</li>
        </ul>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h3>Comments from Leadership</h3>
        <p>WLFC's CEO, <strong>Austin C. Willis</strong>, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Our partnership with Nauru Airlines underscores the global reach and adaptability of the ConstantThrust® program. Nauru Airlines operates in a uniquely demanding and remote environment as an island country in the Pacific Ocean. We are excited to support their continued growth and leadership in regional aviation with our investment.”</p>
        <p>Interestingly, the Honorable <strong>Asterio Appi</strong>, Minister for Nauru Air Corporation, remarked, “Working with a global lessor like WLFC will bring us the operational leverage we need. We are thrilled to be leveraging the Willis ecosystem.”</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h3>Future Expansion Opportunities</h3>
        <p>The terms of the agreement are flexible, allowing for extensions to accommodate upcoming aircraft deliveries. This adaptability positions WLFC and Nauru Airlines to respond efficiently to growing aviation demands in the region.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h3>About Willis Lease Finance Corporation</h3>
        <p>Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) is dedicated to leasing commercial aircraft engines and providing extensive aviation services. Their offerings include:</p>
        <ul>
            <li>Engine lease pools and asset management services</li>
            <li>End-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials via Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc.</li>
            <li>Part 145 engine maintenance and aircraft line and base maintenance</li>
            <li>Disassembly, parking, storage, and handling services</li>
        </ul>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h3>Forward-Looking Statements</h3>
        <p>While this announcement reflects the current strategies of WLFC, it also includes forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The company advises stakeholders not to over-rely on these statements, as actual outcomes may differ significantly due to various economic and regulatory factors.</p>
    </section>
</article>

Willis Lease Finance Corporation has announced a purchase and leaseback agreement with Nauru Airlines for seven CFM56-7B engines, enhancing Nauru's fleet performance and ensuring reliable operational support. This deal signifies WLFC's commitment to strengthening its presence in the aviation market and expanding its services in the Pacific region, with potential long-term growth implications.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation Signs ConstantThrust® Agreement with Asia Pacific Flag Carrier, Nauru Airlines

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

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