The most authoritative survey of senior leadership across Ireland's aircraft leasing sector has produced a striking mix of confidence and concern. Published 28 May 2026, the Deloitte Ireland Aviation Finance Leaders Survey 2026 captured the views of executives overseeing more than 4,000 aircraft worldwide. With 19 of the world's top 20 lessors based in Ireland and Irish-based firms managing approximately 60% of the global leased fleet, Ireland remains the operational heart of commercial aviation.

The survey warrants a constructive reading. The headline finding — 68% more optimistic than a year ago, with none significantly more pessimistic — confirms that Ireland's leasing sector is operating from a position of structural confidence. The case for treating this as a board-level input rests on what it reveals about the operational, sustainability, and strategic challenges executives across the Irish aviation industry are now managing.

The geopolitical picture is unambiguous. Ninety-one per cent cite geopolitical uncertainties as a moderate or major challenge, reflecting Middle East conflict impacts on fuel prices. Every respondent — 100% — expects airline defaults or restructuring within 12 to 24 months, citing higher oil prices and pressure on weaker airline balance sheets. For operational excellence in aircraft leasing, this represents a material risk to asset utilisation and lease income continuity requiring active management.

Supply chain disruption and maintenance cost inflation dominate strategic planning. Eighty-two per cent identify parts supply disruption as a moderate or major challenge, while 50% say maintenance inflation is a major concern. Despite this, 82% plan to increase capital expenditure while reducing operating expenditure, reflecting the sector's disciplined approach to investment under pressure. Engine leasing is the leading adjacent growth opportunity, with 73% planning investment; aircraft maintenance and overhaul facilities follow at 55%.

The sustainability findings are the most consequential long-term signal. Despite Ireland adopting a SAF Policy Roadmap in 2025, 55% say zero and low-emission aircraft are not part of their current strategy and 41% say sustainability is not a priority. Only 9% plan to invest in SAF over the next three years. Deloitte calls for a more accessible R&D tax credit to encourage SAF investment and for targeted government incentivisation to accelerate SAF production.

Three priorities follow. First, aviation technology transformation — cited by more than 90% as a major focus — should be a core component of operational excellence and workforce development. Second, the Government should accelerate SAF incentivisation, targeting the R&D tax credit to match the regulatory mandate. Third, talent pipeline and aircraft maintenance engineering capacity should be treated as strategic national priorities, given the survey’s confirmation that MRO access remains a live constraint.

The Deloitte Ireland Aviation Finance Leaders Survey 2026 documents a sector resilient by instinct and diversified by design, yet carrying material exposure to geopolitical disruption, airline credit risk, and a sustainability transition not yet addressed at pace. Ireland's position as the leading aircraft leasing hub is secure for now. The next phase of aviation excellence will be defined by how quickly the sector aligns capital, aviation technology, and sustainability strategies.