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The Global Insight

Should I buy or lease a plane?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 16, 2026

Leasing an aircraft has several clear benefits, chief among them affordability. Not only do you forgo the upfront cost of purchasing a jet outright, but the cost of ongoing ownership is also much lower. This means more cash on hand in the immediate, as well as over the long-term.

What are the benefits of aircraft leasing?

There are four main benefits to leasing aircraft instead of buying. They are financial liquidity, capacity flexibility, rapid expansion, fleet consistency and reduced maintenance costs. Financial liquidity has been critical for low cost carriers, but this benefit can accrue to any firm in the industry.

How much does it cost to lease an airplane?

For a 737-800 you are looking at USD 120,000–350,000 monthly. For a 747-8i you are looking at USD 640,000–1,250,000 monthly. Leasing costs are calculated in various ways.

Why do airlines lease instead of buy?

Planes are expensive Considering airlines usually need dozens of aircraft to grow their operations, orders can cost billions of dollars. Most airlines usually don’t have, or would rather not spend, this much money on just one order. So instead, airlines opt to lease their aircraft from an aircraft lessor.

What are the disadvantages of airplanes?

Here are my 10 disadvantages of flying.

  • Going Through Security.
  • Cramped Economy Flights.
  • The Food.
  • Expensive Airports.
  • Inconsiderate and Noisy Neighbors.
  • Delays, Cancellations, and Lost Baggage.
  • Passports, Bureaucracy, and Luggage Collection.
  • Traveling To and From the Airport.

Is it cheaper to buy or lease?

In terms of out-of-pocket spending, leasing costs $2,584 less over six years than buying a new car, excluding any maintenance and repair costs the new car might incur. The out-of-pocket cost of buying a used car is $5,547 cheaper than leasing and $8,131 cheaper than buying a new car.

What airline owns the most planes?

World Airline Fleets: Top 10 Aviation Armadas With Most Airplanes

  • Air France: 381 planes.
  • Lufthansa: 401 planes.
  • China Southern: 423 planes.
  • FedEx Express: 634 planes.
  • Southwest: 683 planes.
  • United Airlines: 1,264 planes.
  • Delta: 1,280 planes.
  • American Airlines: 1,494 planes.

Which is better leasing or buying an aircraft?

Benefits of Leasing Over Buying Leasing aircraft benefits airlines in several ways. First, the amount of capital required to lease an aircraft is significantly less than the amount needed to purchase an aircraft. If capital is limited, which it usually is, an airline may not have enough on hand to purchase several aircraft.

Who are the companies that lease out planes?

These aircraft leasing companies, such as the International Lease Finance Corporation, make up a billion-dollar industry. These companies act as middlemen, purchasing aircraft and then leasing them out to airlines. Leasing aircraft benefits airlines in several ways.

What to consider when buying a small plane?

The type of plane you wish to purchase radically affects the price point. If you finance an aircraft, it’s essential to budget for monthly payments. Consider establishing an escrow fund for maintenance to pay for engine, propeller, avionics, and airframe overhauls.

What’s the best way to lease a plane?

Leasing can also be a good way to test drive the private-plane concept before signing on any dotted lines. Aviation company Tyrus Wings offers a Try Before You Buy scheme, for example, offering access to a jet (and crew) on a short-term basis (three or six months).