Willis Lease Finance Corporation Appoints Amy Ruddock as Senior Vice President, Sustainable Aviation & Corporate Development

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Sept. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:WLFC) ("WLFC"), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and provider of global aviation service operations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Amy Ruddock in the newly created role of Senior Vice President, Sustainable Aviation & Corporate Development. Amy will be responsible for delivering and growing WLFC's sustainable aviation business while also overseeing corporate development.

Austin C. Willis, WLFC's Chief Executive Officer, commented on the appointment: "We are thrilled to welcome Amy to our leadership team. As we continue to expand our services businesses, we have recruited Amy for her deep expertise in sustainable aviation and her proven track record in project development and technology implementation. Amy will be instrumental in driving Willis Sustainable Fuels' UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel project in Tees Valley, England, which is currently in the advanced planning stage and supported by the UK's Advanced Fuels Fund. Additionally, she will contribute to broader global strategic initiatives.

Amy most recently served as Vice President of EMEA at Carbon Engineering, a leader in direct air capture technology. Previously, as Vice President of Corporate Development and Sustainability at Virgin Atlantic, she was significantly involved in shaping the airline's carbon strategy and its £1.2 billion ($1.55 billion) recapitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to Virgin Atlantic, Amy spent a decade at Boston Consulting Group, where she led aviation-focused projects across EMEA and North America in strategy, transformation, operations and commercial development. Amy holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge.

"I am delighted to join WLFC at such an exciting time for the aviation industry. With the Company's innovative spirit and ambition to play a leading role in industry decarbonization, I look forward to contributing to WLFC's continued success and driving forward our shared vision for the future of aviation," said Amy Ruddock.

For more information on Willis Lease Finance Corporation and the Company's comprehensive aviation services, visit www.wlfc.global.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation 

Willis Lease Finance Corporation ("WLFC") leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center^®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the company's service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.