AI Fleet Services IFSC Ltd (AIFS) is a 100% subsidiary of Air India Ltd, strategically located in GIFT City, Gandhinagar. As Air India embarks on one of the largest fleet expansion programs in aviation history with orders for 500+ aircraft scheduled for delivery over the next 5+ years, AIFS serves as the primary leasing and financing arm for the Air India group. The company specializes in aircraft leasing and raising foreign currency financing to support this ambitious growth trajectory.
Position Title:
Manager – Leasing
Job Code:
TBD
Grade:
Manager
Function:
Commercial (Leasing)
Location:
GIFT City, Gandhinagar
Reports To:
CFO, AI Fleet Services
Role Level:
TBD
Job Purpose
To serve as a key member of the aircraft leasing and financing team, responsible for structuring, negotiating, and executing aircraft leasing and financing transactions that support Air India group's fleet expansion requirements. The role involves managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders while ensuring optimal financing solutions that align with the company's strategic objectives and risk parameters.
Key Accountabilities
Transaction Management
Analyse and understand Air India's aircraft delivery schedule and operational needs
Review, evaluate, and negotiate aircraft leasing and financing term sheets with Air India, lessors and financial institutions
Lead the execution of complex aircraft leasing and financing transactions from inception to closure
Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal policies throughout transaction lifecycle
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with banks, aircraft lessors, financiers, and legal advisors
Collaborate effectively with internal departments including Tax, Finance, Legal, and Engineering
Coordinate with external legal counsel and advisors to facilitate smooth transaction execution
Risk Management and Market Intelligence
Proactively identify, assess, and manage risks associated with leasing and financing transactions
Monitor and escalate issues that may impact transaction timelines or outcomes
Stay current with regulatory changes, interest rate movements, and industry trends
Track and analyze recent market transactions to inform negotiation strategies and pricing benchmarks
Reporting and Documentation
Prepare comprehensive reports on transaction progress and market developments
Maintain accurate documentation for all transactions and stakeholder interactions
Provide regular updates to senior management on portfolio performance and market conditions
Skills Required for the role
Technical Skills
Deep understanding of aircraft leasing structures, documentation, and market practices
Knowledge of aviation finance instruments including operating leases, finance leases, and secured debt facilities
Familiarity with foreign currency financing mechanisms and hedging strategies
Understanding of aviation regulations and compliance requirements
Proficiency in financial modeling and analysis
Knowledge of international banking and finance regulations
Analytical and Negotiation Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Excellent negotiation and commercial acumen
Ability to structure complex financial transactions
Risk assessment and mitigation skills
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong presentation and stakeholder management abilities
Cross-cultural communication skills for international transactions
Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and time zones
Personal Attributes
High attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Strong project management and organizational skills
Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment
Key Performance Indicators
Transaction Efficiency
Number of successful aircraft leasing/financing transactions completed as per Air India’s delivery schedule
Average time from term sheet to transaction closure
Achievement of cost of capital targets and financing terms benchmarks
Relationship Management
Maintenance and expansion of lender/lessor network
Stakeholder satisfaction ratings from internal and external partners
Number of new financing sources developed annually
Risk and Compliance
Zero tolerance for regulatory compliance failures
Timely identification and escalation of risks
Accuracy of market intelligence and trend analysis reports
Financial Performance
Achievement of annual financing cost reduction targets
Optimization of lease terms and conditions relative to market benchmarks
Contribution to overall portfolio performance metrics
Key Interfaces
Internal Interfaces
Senior Management: Regular reporting on transaction progress and market developments
Finance Department: Coordination on budget planning, cash flow management, and financial reporting
Legal Department: Collaboration on contract negotiation, documentation, and compliance matters
Tax Department: Alignment on tax-efficient structuring and implications
Engineering Team: Understanding operational requirements and aircraft specifications
Treasury Department: Coordination on foreign exchange and interest rate risk management
External Interfaces
Aircraft Lessors: Negotiation of lease terms and ongoing relationship management
Banks and Financial Institutions: Structuring and negotiating financing facilities
Legal Advisors: Transaction documentation and regulatory compliance
Regulatory Bodies: Ensuring compliance with aviation and financial regulations of IFSCA and DGCA. Participate in regulatory advocacy for changes required for ease of doing business
Industry Associations: Participation in industry forums and market intelligence gathering
Educational and Experience Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement
CA, MBA, or professional qualification (LLB, CFA, FRM) preferred
Additional certifications in aviation finance or leasing would be advantageous
Minimum Requirement
Desired Requirement
Experience
Minimum 3+ years of direct experience in aircraft leasing, aircraft financing, or raising foreign currency financing
Proven track record in structuring and executing complex financial transactions
Experience in relationship management with banks, lessors, or financial institutions
Background in aviation industry or transportation finance preferred
Specialized Knowledge
Understanding of aircraft valuation methodologies and market dynamics
Experience with international financing structures and cross-border transactions
Knowledge of aviation regulations and compliance frameworks
Familiarity with GIFT City regulations and benefits preferred
Language and Communication
Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
Additional language skills relevant to key markets would be beneficial
