Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”), a leading engine lessor based in Ireland and backed by funds managed by New York-based global alternative asset manager Wafra, announced against the backdrop of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Americas conference the creation of a new U.S. office in Fort Worth, Texas, recently designated as the “Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas.”
Based in The Crescent Offices, a dynamic new development in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, the new office will enable Aquila to grow its operations as part of the city’s vibrant and innovative business hub, while playing an integral part in strengthening the region’s aviation sector.
“Fort Worth’s rising profile as a leading hub for the global aviation and aerospace industry is the principal reason we chose to locate our U.S. office in this area, where we can continue our growth as a leading full-service engine leasing platform,” says Al Wood, Aquila Air Capital’s Chief Executive Officer.
The Dallas-Fort Worth (“DFW”) metroplex is home to major aviation investors, lessors, operators, as well as engineering and MRO companies in the aerospace industry, including Lockheed Martin, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Embraer, Gulfstream Aerospace and MTU Aero Engines. Fort Worth’s transformation into a major business destination has fueled the growth of the region’s aviation cluster, expanding the state’s footprint in the industry.
“With Aquila joining other leading aviation-focused businesses, Fort Worth is the right place to accelerate our platform’s expansion and continue successfully serving our global customer base,” adds Gary Lew, Aquila Air Capital’s Chief Financial Officer.
