ISTAT Online

Aviation has made measurable progress toward net zero, but the path forward remains uneven. At the ISTAT Sustainability Symposium, industry leaders made clear that scaling solutions like SAF and fleet renewal will depend less on new technology and more on aligning policy, capital and global market forces.

Austin Willis, CEO of Willis Lease Finance Corporation, reflects on his unconventional path into aviation, the lessons learned building JT Power and how those experiences shape his leadership. He also shares his perspective on today’s engine leasing market, from persistent supply constraints to the strategic importance of integration and customer-focused partnerships.

Cameron Jones, assistant vice president of trading at AerFin and ISTAT Rising Executives member, hosts an introduction to the aviation aftermarket.

As the year gets underway, many professionals are looking ahead and refining their annual goals. If these goals include greater involvement in the aviation industry and giving back in meaningful ways, opportunities with the ISTAT Foundation are abundant.

While much of the discussion at ISTAT Americas, held 8-10 March 2026 in San Diego, centered on near-term pressures — from fuel prices to supply chain disruption — several sessions turned to a longer-term question: how quickly new technologies will reshape the industry.

Jetrader spoke with Greta Jankune, senior associate at Stratos and an ISTAT Rising Executive, about what she likes about the industry, the most challenging part of her profession and more. 

Demand for air travel continues to strengthen across global markets, but supply constraints and structural limitations are shaping very different outcomes for regional and widebody aircraft.

The aircraft trading market remains active as supply constraints, rising maintenance costs and strong airline demand continue to support asset values across much of the global fleet.

As global aviation continues to recover from pandemic-era disruptions, the aircraft leasing sector is entering a new phase defined by consolidation, evolving capital structures and increased competition for assets.

Aircraft production is gradually stabilizing after several years of disruption, but industry leaders say significant challenges remain across the global aerospace supply chain.

While geopolitical uncertainty and fuel volatility dominated much of the conversation at ISTAT Americas in San Diego on 8-10 March 2026, airline executives emphasized that long-term success will depend less on external events and more on disciplined strategy.

From geopolitical conflict and volatile fuel prices to supply chain constraints and evolving technologies, aviation leaders gathered at ISTAT Americas in San Diego from 8-10 March 2026 with no shortage of global challenges to discuss.