Technology & Innovation
BOC Aviation Implements GE Aerospace’s Cloud Aircraft Leasing Platform
Singapore-based lessor adopts SaaS solution for 32% faster documentation processing, enhancing compliance and scalability in global aircraft leasing operations.
In a significant move reflecting the aviation industry’s growing embrace of digital transformation, BOC Aviation has implemented GE Aerospace’s Asset Transfer System (ATS), a cloud-based software platform designed to revolutionize the management of leased aircraft documentation. This partnership, announced on July 3, 2025, underscores a broader industry shift toward Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions that enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and asset value preservation.
As one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors, with a portfolio of 829 aircraft and engines leased to 93 airlines across 48 countries as of March 31, 2025, BOC Aviation’s adoption of ATS is more than a technological upgrade, it is a strategic investment. The integration of ATS not only supports the company’s growth trajectory but also sets a new standard for digital documentation management in the global aircraft leasing market, which is projected to grow from $172.88 billion in 2023 to $401.67 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.1% during the forecast period.
GE Aerospace’s ATS is built around two core modules: Records Management and Project Management. The Records Management module enables the digital organization, retrieval, and transfer of technical documentation, structured according to ATA Spec 2500 and IATA checklists. This ensures consistency and compliance across all documentation processes.
The Project Management module offers real-time dashboards, interactive checklist tracking, and digital issue management, allowing stakeholders to monitor the status of documentation during lease transitions, audits, and inspections. These modules are fully integrated, providing a unified interface for managing the entire lifecycle of aircraft documentation.
ATS supports ingestion of vast volumes of technical records, GE Aerospace currently manages over 1.3 billion maintenance records globally. Features like automated indexing, third-party collaboration portals, and bulk document transfer capabilities reduce administrative overhead and accelerate transaction timelines.
“Our digital solutions empower customers like BOC Aviation to boost productivity, ensure compliance, and drive growth.”, Andrew Coleman, President, GE Aerospace SaaS
Regulatory compliance is embedded into ATS’s architecture. The platform automatically applies document retention rules aligned with EASA’s five-year and FAA’s two-year requirements. It also flags incomplete compliance packages and maintains audit trails for all document actions, reducing the risk of regulatory violations during lease transitions.
Security is another cornerstone of the ATS platform. It employs AES 256-bit encryption, role-based access controls, and secure cloud hosting to protect sensitive aircraft data. These features are critical in an environment where documentation errors or data breaches can delay aircraft redelivery or reduce asset value.
ATS integrates seamlessly with existing maintenance and engineering systems, enabling a unified data environment from aircraft manufacture through retirement. This interoperability enhances data accuracy and reduces duplication of effort across departments. BOC Aviation expects to realize significant efficiency gains from ATS implementation. Lease transitions often involve the exchange of 20,000–40,000 documents per aircraft. ATS reduces documentation processing time by approximately 32% per transaction, thanks to features like automated checklist tracking and bulk digital transfers.
These gains translate into weeks of saved labor per aircraft transition, especially valuable for a company managing hundreds of aircraft across multiple jurisdictions. Real-time dashboards provide visibility into document status, eliminating the need for manual follow-ups and reducing transaction friction.
Moreover, well-organized documentation preserved through ATS can increase aircraft residual value by 3–5%, a critical factor in sale-and-leaseback transactions that account for a significant portion of BOC Aviation’s business model.
BOC Aviation’s decision to implement ATS was driven by three primary strategic considerations: scalability, lifecycle documentation management, and regulatory compliance. With 346 aircraft on order, the company needed a scalable solution that could handle increasing transaction volumes without proportional increases in administrative workload.
The ATS platform supports documentation from “birth to delivery,” ensuring consistency across lease transitions and reducing the risk of information loss when aircraft move between operators. Built-in compliance frameworks for EASA, FAA, and other authorities also reduce jurisdictional risk, a key concern for a company operating in 48 countries.
According to Thomas Chandler, COO of BOC Aviation, “This innovative solution will enhance efficiency in managing asset documentation supporting our growth strategy and reinforcing our commitment to delivering value to our customers.”
BOC Aviation joins a growing list of lessors adopting ATS, including Genesis, Carlyle Aviation Partners, and Avolon. These companies report streamlined transaction processes, accelerated records transfer, and improved operational agility following implementation.
The global aviation SaaS market is projected to grow from $5.3 billion in 2023 to $20.5 billion by 2033, driven by digital transformation initiatives and increasing operational complexity. Specialized platforms like ATS are gaining traction because they address aviation-specific workflows, such as lease return checklists and maintenance reserve tracking. Standardization efforts, including the adoption of ATA Spec 2500, are further facilitating digital transformation by reducing compatibility issues during aircraft transitions. This convergence around shared standards and platforms is reshaping the competitive landscape of aircraft leasing.
GE Aerospace’s roadmap for ATS includes integration with predictive analytics tools that forecast maintenance needs based on documentation patterns. Future iterations may also incorporate blockchain for immutable record-keeping and AI-assisted document gap analysis, potentially reducing manual review time by an additional 40%.
In the Asia-Pacific region, where aircraft leasing is growing 15% faster than the global average, BOC Aviation’s implementation strengthens GE Aerospace’s market position. ATS’s multilingual interface and regional compliance templates make it well-suited for this growth market.
Environmental documentation is also becoming a priority. ATS is developing modules to automate emissions reporting, ESG compliance, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tracking, features increasingly demanded by airline lessees under carbon reduction agreements.
BOC Aviation’s adoption of GE Aerospace’s Asset Transfer System marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of aircraft leasing operations. By digitizing and integrating documentation workflows, the company addresses key operational challenges while positioning itself for future growth. The measurable efficiency gains, 32% faster processing, enhanced compliance, and asset value preservation, highlight the strategic value of specialized SaaS platforms in capital-intensive industries.
This move also reflects broader trends in aviation toward cloud-based operational systems and standardized digital documentation practices. As the industry navigates increased passenger demand, regulatory pressures, and economic volatility, platforms like ATS provide the data infrastructure necessary for resilient and scalable operations. For BOC Aviation, the implementation is not just a technological upgrade, it is a foundational step toward redefining leasing efficiency in a digital age.
What is GE Aerospace’s Asset Transfer System (ATS)? Why did BOC Aviation choose ATS? What efficiency gains can be expected from ATS? How does ATS support regulatory compliance? What future features are planned for ATS?
BOC Aviation Adopts GE Aerospace’s Asset Transfer System: A Strategic Leap in Aircraft Leasing Efficiency
GE Aerospace’s Asset Transfer System: Architecture and Capabilities
Dual-Module System Design
Compliance and Security Framework
Efficiency Metrics and Operational Gains
Strategic Implications and Industry Trends
BOC Aviation’s Strategic Objectives
Industry-Wide Adoption Patterns
Future Developments and Technological Integration
Conclusion
FAQ
ATS is a cloud-based software platform designed to manage the documentation of leased aircraft. It includes modules for Records Management and Project Management, supporting digital workflows and regulatory compliance.
BOC Aviation selected ATS for its scalability, lifecycle documentation capabilities, and built-in compliance frameworks. The system supports the company’s growth strategy and enhances operational efficiency.
ATS reduces documentation processing time by approximately 32% per transaction. It also helps preserve asset value, improve compliance, and accelerate lease transitions.
The system automatically applies retention rules aligned with EASA and FAA requirements and maintains audit trails for all document actions, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
Future developments include integration with predictive analytics, blockchain technology, AI-assisted document review, and environmental documentation modules for ESG compliance.
Sources
Photo Credit: GE – Montage