Executive Vice President of Marketing, Air Lease
Search every verified Kishore Korde interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Kishore Korde, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Air Lease Corporation (ALC), appeared on the podcast "Flightpath with Alok" in September 2023 and September 2024. In these appearances, Korde discussed the state of aircraft leasing, stating that leasing now contributes to about 50% of the global airline fleet, up from around 40% pre-COVID. He described ALC's model as focused on new, fuel-efficient aircraft, noting the company has an order book of close to 400 aircraft. Korde said that in good times, airlines need ALC's order book, and in bad times, they need its balance sheet, and that the company builds a "fortress balance sheet" with diversified funding sources. Korde said that India is viewed positively by the leasing community, particularly after large orders from airlines such as Air India, but added that the proof will be in how airlines perform under their leases and how regulatory frameworks are enacted. He stated that investors seek assurance of policy continuity and that India needs to move from a mistrust-based system to a trust-based one. Korde also advised young professionals to love what they do and not be afraid to take chances, and noted that the pandemic reinforced the need for newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes as airlines retired older fleets.
“Leasing contributes to about 50% of the global airline fleet now, up from around 40%, making it a significant and mainstream part of the aviation industry that most people outside the industry have no clue about.”
“Our model is focused on new airplanes with the latest technology and most fuel-efficient aircraft; we have an order book today of close to about 400 aircraft, which gives us a strategic advantage as launch customers for new aircraft types.”
“In good times, airlines need our order book; in bad times, they need our balance sheet. We build a fortress balance sheet with diversified funding sources including over 50 banks and unsecured bonds on Wall Street, giving us flexibility to support airlines' specific needs.”
“India is viewed positively by the leasing community, especially after recent large orders like Air India's; however, the proof will be in how airlines perform under leases and how regulatory frameworks like the Cape Town Convention are enacted.”
“The Indian government’s efforts to create an ecosystem for aircraft leasing through IFSC and other initiatives are positive, but investors from abroad seek assurance of policy continuity and trust-based systems rather than mistrust-based ones.”
“Post-pandemic, the aviation leasing industry has not drastically changed its business model, but the pandemic reinforced the need for newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes as airlines retired older, less efficient fleets.”
“Order book lessors like ALC are in a strong position amid production line challenges because they control their own supply of aircraft and can offer early delivery positions to airlines that might otherwise face long waits.”
“Earning people's trust as a leasing company means being a trusted advisor who sometimes has to say no or suggest better options, not just being a yes man.”
“The hybrid work model is beneficial, but young professionals should consider how to integrate into company culture and gain mentorship through face-to-face interactions, which are critical for career development.”
“My advice to those entering the industry is to love what you do and not be afraid to take chances, because failure is not frowned upon but seen as part of the entrepreneurial spirit, especially in America.”
“Leasing contributes to about 50 percent of the global airline fleet now, up from around 40 percent pre-COVID, making it a significant and mainstream part of the aviation industry.”
“Our model is focused on new airplanes with the latest technology and most fuel-efficient aircraft, and we have an order book today of close to about 400 aircraft, giving us a strategic advantage.”
“In good times, airlines need our order book; in bad times, they need our balance sheet. We focus on building a fortress balance sheet and diversifying funding sources.”
“India is viewed positively by the leasing community, especially after recent large orders like Air India's, but the proof will be in how airlines perform under their leases.”
“Investors need reassurance that policies will remain consistent despite changes in government, as uncertainty affects risk assessments and investment decisions.”
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