Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has successfully completed the purchase and leaseback of six De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft with Porter Airlines. The aircraft are operated by Porter from its Toronto headquarters and represent a continued investment in the expanding turboprop market.
Austin Willis, Chief Executive Officer of WLFC, acknowledged the completion of the transaction with Porter. “This investment reflects our continued confidence in the turboprop market and complements our significant turboprop engine portfolio. We look forward to expanding our relationship with Porter through future aircraft and engine opportunities.”
“Securing this agreement with WLFC introduces Porter to another experienced partner who is contributing to our growth story. The Dash 8-400 has been the foundation of our regional network for nearly 20 years and continues serving regional communities throughout our network,” added Robert Palmer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Porter Airlines.
This transaction highlights our regional team’s continued ability to deliver strategic, value-driven solutions for airline partners worldwide. Turboprop aircraft remain a vital component of regional connectivity, and we are proud to support operators with flexible, long-term capital solutions aligned with their growth.
The acquisition further reinforces WLFC’s commitment to the regional aviation sector and its strategy of supporting airlines with flexible leasing and financing solutions. Turboprop aircraft continue to play an important role in regional networks, providing efficient and reliable connectivity for communities across North America and beyond.
