Aviation Capital Group Creates Chief OEM Officer Role Amid Supply Chain Pressures
Event summary
- Aviation Capital Group (ACG) created a new Chief OEM Officer role, appointing Rob Downes to lead OEM partnerships.
- Downes previously served as ACG's Chief Investment Officer and began his career at Airbus in 2001.
- ACG manages approximately 450 aircraft leased to 85 airlines across 50 countries as of December 31, 2025.
- The move underscores the strategic importance of OEM relationships amid ongoing supply chain challenges.
The big picture
ACG's creation of a Chief OEM Officer role highlights the growing importance of manufacturer relationships in aircraft leasing. As supply chain disruptions persist, this move suggests that ACG is prioritizing deeper coordination with OEMs to navigate industry-wide challenges and secure long-term growth. The appointment reflects broader trends in aviation asset management where strategic partnerships are becoming critical to managing operational risks.
What we're watching
- Supply Chain Coordination
- How ACG's focused OEM leadership will address current supply chain bottlenecks and reliability issues.
- Strategic Partnerships
- Whether the new role can strengthen long-term OEM relationships to support cross-cycle growth.
- Industry Trends
- The pace at which other lessors adopt similar senior OEM-focused roles in response to market pressures.