Willis Lease Finance, a lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, appointed Stephen Jones to its board of directors effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Jones has a 40-year career in the airline and energy industries. An engineer by training, he began in international oil and gas development, focusing on gas turbine cogeneration projects in North America and Australia. Joining Air New Zealand in 2001 as vice president of investor relations, he played a key role in its post-9/11 transformation. He managed Freedom Air, the Tasman and Pacific Islands airline and the New Zealand domestic airline units. As chief network, strategy and alliances officer, he built alliances with major carriers like United Airlines and Air China and chaired the star alliance management board and strategy committee.
In 2017, Jones became deputy CEO of Wizz Air, driving the growth of one of Europe’s largest Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers (ULCCs) and operations, commercial, digital and sustainability initiatives. As CEO of Flair Airlines from 2020 to 2024, he established a ULCC in Canada, expanding across Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Jones holds a bachelor of mechanical engineering from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
“We are delighted to welcome Stephen to our board of directors,” Charles F. Willis, founder and executive chairman of WLFC, said. “Stephen brings an extensive depth of airline experience. He has worked for and with some of the best airlines in the world, in operational, commercial and financial roles, and has a very strong communication and leadership profile that will complement our existing board composition well.”
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be joining WLFC at this time,” Jones said. “Charlie and the entire WLFC team have built a fantastic company that has now achieved real scale and market recognition. I firmly believe that the period ahead will continue to be one of strong growth for the company, and I look forward to working hard with the rest of the board to cement WLFC’s position as the number one lessor of jet engines to the world’s airlines.”
Director Rae Ann McKeating submitted her resignation from the board, which resignation was accepted and is effective Dec. 31, 2024.
“We are deeply grateful for Rae’s exceptional service and dedication to WLFC,” Willis said. “As a valued member of the board and chair of the compensation committee, Rae’s insights, leadership and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on the company, and she will always remain a part of the Willis family.”
