Willis Lease Acquires Three A330-300s for China Airlines and EVA Air

Willis Lease Finance Corporation has finalized the acquisition of three Airbus A330-300 aircraft, immediately placing the widebody jets on long-term leases with Taiwan-based operators China Airlines and EVA Air.

The transaction, announced in a June 25, 2026 press release, underscores the commercial aviation sector’s increasing reliance on the leasing market. Airlines are actively seeking available lift to maintain international networks while navigating persistent manufacturer delivery delays and extended maintenance turnaround times.

Widebody demand drives portfolio expansion

The placement of the A330-300s with China Airlines (CI) and EVA Air (BR) secures immediate capacity for the two major Taiwanese carriers. Both airlines operate extensive regional and long-haul networks across the Asia-Pacific region, where passenger demand has rebounded but aircraft availability remains tight.

In the company statement, Willis Lease Finance Corporation Chief Executive Officer Austin C. Willis noted that the current market analysis offers a compelling opportunity to deploy capital into high-quality assets. The acquisition represents a targeted expansion of the lessor’s portfolio to support global operators facing supply chain constraints.

“Demand for assets and aftermarket services remains exceptionally strong as operators navigate fleet growth, delivery delays, and ongoing maintenance capacity constraints,” Willis stated.

Financial momentum and shareholder actions

The aircraft acquisition follows a period of significant financial growth for the Coconut Creek, Florida-based lessor. On June 23, 2026, company shareholders approved a 3-for-1 forward stock split along with all 2026 proxy proposals.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation Executive Chairman Charles F. Willis stated that the proposal passed with overwhelming shareholder support, characterizing the action as being in the best interests of the company and its investors.

The lessor’s stock has surged approximately 60 percent year-to-date, with recent market analysis citing a share price of $216.27. The record date for the stock split is set for July 6, 2026, and the common stock is expected to begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on July 20, 2026.

AirPro News analysis

We view the acquisition and immediate placement of these Airbus A330-300s as a clear indicator of the structural supply deficit in the commercial widebody market. With Airbus and Boeing facing persistent supply chain bottlenecks that limit the production rates of new-generation twin-aisle aircraft, operators are forced to extend the lives of existing fleets or turn to lessors for mature assets like the A330-300. Willis Lease Finance Corporation is capitalizing on this dynamic, leveraging its capital position to acquire assets that guarantee immediate lease revenue. The concurrent 60 percent year-to-date stock surge and 3-for-1 split reflect strong investor confidence in this asset-heavy, high-demand strategy.

Sources: Willis Lease Finance Corporation