Aircraft leasing is a practice where airlines and other operators rent aircraft from leasing companies rather than purchasing them outright. This can be beneficial for airlines because it allows them to avoid the large upfront costs associated with buying new aircraft. Leasing also provides flexibility, as airlines can adjust their fleet size and composition more easily to meet changing market demands.

There are different types of aircraft leasing arrangements, including wet leasing, dry leasing and operating leasing. In a wet lease, the lessor provides not only the aircraft but also the crew, maintenance, and insurance. Dry leasing involves leasing just the aircraft itself, while the lessee is responsible for all other aspects of operation. Operating leasing is a type of short- to medium-term lease where the lessee typically has the option to return the aircraft at the end of the lease term or purchase it at a predetermined price.

Aircraft leasing is a common practice in the aviation industry and plays a significant role in the global airline fleet. It allows airlines to access a wide range of aircraft types without the financial commitment of ownership, enabling them to operate more efficiently and adapt to market changes.