Willis Lease Finance Secures $35M Preferred Stock Investment from DBJ — Willis Lease Finance Corporation

Event summary

Willis Lease Finance Corp. (WLFC) raised $35M via 1,750,000 shares of 8.09% Series B Preferred Stock from the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) on September 16, 2026.
This follows a 2024 deal where DBJ refinanced and expanded WLFC’s $50M Series A Preferred Stock into a $65M Series A.
Funds will support WLFC’s global aviation services expansion, including a new Willis Engine Repair Center in Johor, Malaysia.
WLFC and DBJ have maintained a partnership for nearly a decade.

The big picture

This investment underscores WLFC’s strategic pivot toward expanding its aviation services platform, leveraging long-term partnerships to fuel growth. The deal comes as the aviation sector navigates post-pandemic recovery, rising inflation, and geopolitical uncertainties. WLFC’s ability to secure such funding highlights its position as a key player in the engine leasing and maintenance space.

What we're watching

Execution Risk: How WLFC will deploy the $35M to support its global expansion, particularly the new engine repair center in Malaysia.
Partnership Dynamics: Whether DBJ’s continued investment signals long-term confidence in WLFC’s strategic direction.
Market Trends: The pace at which WLFC can capitalize on growing demand for aviation services amid industry volatility.