Jaime Nieto
Jaime Nieto
Speaker
Chief Commercial Officer

Rolls-Royce PF

United Kingdom

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Main Stage

Investing in Thrust: Debating Engines as an Asset Class

Jaime Nieto
Chief Commercial Officer,
Rolls-Royce PF
Moderator
James Kelly
Head of Aviation Finance,
KPMG Ireland

As values surge and shop visit queues stretch into 2026, engines are commanding investor attention like never before. But behind the headline returns lies a more complex story: rising technical risk, OEM dominance, and a market that’s becoming harder to navigate—and harder to exit.

This session brings together leading voices from across the investment and leasing spectrum to debate the future of engine exposure. Are engines a smart hedge in a constrained market, or a structurally risky play in disguise? What does a “good” engine deal look like in 2025—and who’s really positioned to win?

  • Are engines still delivering superior returns compared to airframes? How are investors pricing in shop visit inflation, turnaround delays, and OEM parts scarcity?
  • What’s the outlook for lease rate factors and residual values in the next 3–5 years?
  • How are engines performing in ABS pools and structured finance deals?
  • Is the engine trading market liquid enough for institutional capital? What are the exit strategies available to investors?
  • What does a 'smart' engine investment look like today?