How Deepak Sharma at Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd is Redefining Global Aviation Finance Through Innovation and Leadership

Deepak Sharma stands as one of the top visionary leaders in the world of aviation finance. As CEO and founder of AFL Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd., a London-based firm established in 2019, Deepshak has leveraged more than two decades of industry experience to shape and redefine aircraft financing solutions. Under his watch, AFL has become a trusted partner to the major aircraft and engine industry.  This is driven by innovation, technical excellence, and strategic agility.

A Legacy of Technical Mastery and Strategic Leadership

As a graduate in Aircraft Engineering holding multiple EASA licenses, Deepak Sharma began his distinguished career in the engineering & operations wings of British Aerospace and Brymon Airways Engineering (a segment of British Airways). These early years honed his technical acumen and introduced him early on to the detailed complexities of aviation.

As Deepak transitioned into leadership, he served as Engineering Director at UK International Airlines. There, he launched their operations and engineering department and earned formal recognition for exceptional contributions. From there, he was named Chief Technical Officer at AJW Group, overseeing numerous transformative initiatives, and later became President of Integrated Solutions at a prominent global aviation services provider. In all these roles, Deepak Sharma Aviation expertise in engineering, program management, and commercial strategy enabled each organization to scale and flourish.

In 2019, he founded AFL Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd. Based in London, AFL specializes in bespoke financing and leasing arrangements tailored to complex technical, contractual, and commercial challenges in aviation and aerospace. As reported in Business Matters and Global Banking & Finance Review, this blend of deep expertise with strategic foresight, Deepak Sharma has propelled AFL to sixfold growth in revenue and established it as a go-to partner for aircraft lessors.

AFL Today: Transforming Aviation Finance

Since its initial launch, Deepak Sharma, aviation leader, has upheld a mission of redefining aviation finance by merging technical proficiency with creative financial structuring. AFL has proven adept at the following:

• Strategic placement of new and used aircraft within global markets.
• Delivering complex portfolio solutions.  This includes everything, from lease structuring, asset management, and distressed-asset handling.
• Designing modular leaseback solutions that provide both flexibility and financial control.  This proved to be especially valuable during post-pandemic recovery.

These customized financial models have unlocked new revenue streams for clients, all while expanding access to aircraft in emerging markets.  This was an early example of unconventional thinking championed by Deepak Sharma Aviation. By integrating ground-level intelligence, such as operator needs and regional cash flows, into deal design, AFL transformed perceived risk into opportunity.

Cultivating an Innovation Philosophy

A key to AFL’s success lies in its culture of innovation, something that has always been championed by Deepak Sharma. He emphasizes that innovation begins with a mindset.  This consists of encouraging curiosity, challenging assumptions, and accepting failure as part of learning. AFL hosts regular brainstorming sessions, innovation days, and informal “blue-sky” conversations.  These are places where creators of breakthroughs in a traditionally structured industry.

One standout example is the firm’s decision to pursue emerging markets in regions typically dismissed as risky. Deepak Sharma designed lease structures that mirrored regional realities, which led to new market penetration,  as well as massive revenue gains. Another demonstration of creative problem-solving came when AFL developed modular leasebacks.  This allows clients to access liquidity without sacrificing operational control, something that became a practical answer to COVID-era liquidity pressures.

AFL is developing a blockchain-based asset tracking platform to enhance transparency, streamline documentation, and ensure real-time compliance. This proof-of-concept underlines how Deepak Sharma champions tech innovation, which is all anchored in pragmatic, value-driven outcomes.

Technical Excellence and Academic Credentials

Deepak holds a degree in Aircraft Engineering and multiple category EASA licenses. He further bolstered his skill set with advanced studies in contract law and business administration, demonstrating a multi-disciplinary approach to aviation finance.

As a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), his thought leadership reflects both technical and commercial maturity.  This is a rare combination and is highly regarded within the aerospace ecosystem.

Mentorship, Ethics, and Quiet Leadership

Despite his accomplishments, Deepak Sharma is known for his low-profile, yet integrity-focused leadership style. He emphasizes that reputation is built slowly, through consistent reliability and clear communication. In his free time, he mentors emerging aviation professionals.  He focuses on empowering them across engineering, finance, and strategic development.  The biggest points he consistently emphasizes are humility, learning, and collaborative growth.

In previous interviews, he shared that “I strive to listen fully, resist immediate judgment, and gracefully assess the underlying intent … leadership demands the humility to accept that we are all works in progress”.

Quantifiable Impact: Deals and Growth

Under Deepak Sharma, AFL has executed aircraft deals valued in the billions of dollars.  This fosters an asset lifecycle optimization and access for global operators.  This has become a testament to his leadership in the company’s consistent EBITDA performance, even under high-pressure market dynamics.

Innovation in Practice

Deepak Sharma always describes innovation as both strategic as well as purposeful. Whether it’s introducing digital contract platforms, data-driven diagnostics, or the blockchain pilot project.  Every initiative complements human judgment and operational integrity.

His creative problem-solving process involves the following:

1. Prototyping on a small scale.
2. Engaging multidisciplinary teams for broader input.
3. Adopting innovations incrementally by grounding creativity in measurable impact.

The Road Ahead for AFL

Looking forward, Deepak Sharma plans to do the following in the immediate future:

• Scale the blockchain-based asset tracking initiative.
• Expand into untapped geographic markets.
• Deepen strategic alliances in aircraft finance, leasing, asset management, and MRO sectors.
• Continue fostering a culture of innovation, ensuring AFL remains agile and ahead of industry trends.

His strategies are rooted in long-term industry adaptation and responsiveness.  This has always been a testament to his ability to reconcile visionary thinking with business pragmatism.

In just a few short years since founding AFL, Deepak Sharma has established a reputation for integrity, technical proficiency, and strategic innovation. Deepak grounds creativity in utility, embraces unconventional markets, and nurtures both people and ideas. This has not only influenced global aviation finance but has also created a platform for continued impact.

Through the experience of Deepak Sharma, the aviation industry is witnessing a new model of leadership.  This model includes technical depth integrated with commercial adaptability, guided by ethical conviction. As he continues to guide AFL into its next chapter, the industry watches not just for deals closed, but for minds inspired.  This is the future of aircraft finance reimagined under his leadership.