Aircraft for Lease
A smarter way to lease an aircraft.
Aircraft Authority connects lease listings with detailed aircraft profiles, specifications, avionics, photos, ownership information, and Estimated Market Values -- giving operators more information before they ever make the call.
Leasing out an aircraft? Be among the first owners to list on Aircraft Authority.
Lease listings are just beginning to come online.
Leasing basics
Understanding Aircraft Leases
Lease vs. purchase
Leasing provides use of an aircraft for a defined term without ownership, typically with lower upfront cost than buying outright -- an option operators and flight departments often consider alongside a purchase.
Dry lease vs. wet lease
A dry lease provides the aircraft only, with the lessee arranging its own crew. A wet lease typically bundles crew (and often maintenance/insurance) with the aircraft. The right structure depends on how the aircraft will actually be operated -- confirm exactly what a specific listing includes rather than assuming either term.
Maintenance and insurance responsibility
Who carries maintenance and insurance responsibility varies by lease structure and by listing -- it is not standardized across the marketplace. This is a key point to confirm directly with the lessor before committing to a term.
Aircraft management relationships
Many leased aircraft are operated under a management relationship with the lessor or a third-party management company, which can affect scheduling, maintenance oversight and crew. Understanding who manages day-to-day operation of the aircraft is part of evaluating any lease.
Common questions
Aircraft for Lease FAQ
- What's the difference between leasing and buying an aircraft?
- Leasing gives you use of an aircraft for a defined term without taking ownership, typically with lower upfront cost than a purchase. Exact terms -- length, payment structure, maintenance responsibility -- are set by each individual lease listing, not a platform-wide standard.
- What's the difference between a dry lease and a wet lease?
- A dry lease provides the aircraft alone -- the lessee arranges its own crew, and typically carries more of the operational and maintenance responsibility. A wet lease includes crew (and often maintenance/insurance) provided by the lessor. Which structure applies, and what it actually includes, is set by the individual listing/lessor -- always confirm exactly what is and isn't included before treating either term as a fixed standard.
- Who is responsible for maintenance and insurance on a leased aircraft?
- It depends on the lease structure. A dry lease typically shifts more maintenance and insurance responsibility to the lessee; a wet lease typically keeps more of that with the lessor/operator. Aircraft Authority does not set or standardize these terms -- confirm exact responsibilities in the lease agreement itself.
- Are lease terms the same across every listing?
- No. Lease structure, term length, maintenance responsibility and other conditions are provider- and listing-specific. Always review the specific terms offered on a listing, and confirm details directly with the lessor.
- Does Aircraft Authority provide legal or tax advice on leasing?
- No. Aircraft Authority provides aircraft profiles, marketplace discovery and general information only -- consult a qualified aviation attorney or tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation, including any lease-vs-buy or tax-structuring decision.
Have an aircraft available for lease? List it on Aircraft Authority.