Aquila Air Capital, an engine lessor backed by funds managed by New York-based global alternative asset manager Wafra, added Cornelius Poon to its commercial team for the Asia Pacific region.
Reporting to Chance Fowler, chief commercial officer, Poon will serve in the role of vice president, commercial, Asia Pacific, focusing on the initiation and execution of leasing and trading transactions for a wide range of aircraft and engine types.
“We are delighted to welcome Cornelius to our commercial team at an exciting time in our growth journey, with ambitious goals set for expansion in the key Asia Pacific market,” Fowler said. “We look forward to tapping into Cornelius’ valuable experience and expertise stemming from years of leading sales and trading activity with Asian clients to support our platform’s growth in the area.”
With over a decade and a half of experience as a sales and marketing executive, as well as a former aircraft engineer, Poon has a deep background in managing marketing, business development, and customer support operations in support of airlines and lessors based in various markets across Asia Pacific.
Poon joins Aquila from the MTU Maintenance networks of companies, where he served in various managerial roles, supporting the engine leasing, trading and asset management activities of one of the largest providers of independent commercial engine services worldwide. His most recent positions included senior manager, accessory program of MTU Maintenance Canada and director of MTU Maintenance Singapore. Prior to MTU, he worked as technical aircraft engineer at GE Aviation and HAECO.
“I am excited to become part of the Aquila team and look forward to contributing to the business’ growth in the Asia Pacific region, as well as supporting our customers’ operations with Aquila’s comprehensive set of services,” Poon said.
Poon holds an M.B.A. degree from Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University and a Master of Engineering in Aerospace degree from the University of Southampton.
