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The AELF team works closely with its partners to craft tailored solutions for the unique challenges within the global aircraft leasing industry.
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Board of Directors
Victoria Ricks is an American investor and business owner with a diversified portfolio of business interests developed over the last 20 years, spanning the commercial aviation, real estate, hospitality, and lodging sectors.
After working in aircraft sales and marketing for several years, in 2008, Victoria teamed up with two financial backers to become a partner in a commercial aircraft venture and began building an aviation portfolio.
In 2015, Victoria formed Aircraft Engine Lease Finance Inc. (“AELF”), which has grown from a fleet comprised primarily of B737 Classics and Airbus A340 aircraft to a fleet of Airbus A330-200 and Boeing 737 NG aircraft.
Victoria received a B.A. in Journalism from Indiana University.
Victoria is a member of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading and International Aviation Women’s Association.
Philip Scruggs brings a more than 25 years of experience in the commercial aircraft leasing industry. He spent more than two decades with AerCap (and previously International Lease Finance Corporation), the world’s largest commercial aircraft leasing company.
During that time, Phil held a variety of legal and commercial positions, culminating with his appointment as Chief Commercial Officer and President of the company. As President and Chief Commercial Officer, he led AerCap’s worldwide leasing business including the marketing, pricing, underwriting and contracts functions.
Phil received a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.
Commercial Department
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Joe brings more than 20 years of experience in aircraft and engine leasing and trading with a broad spectrum of aircraft operators worldwide. Joe is responsible for the development and implementation of AELF’s fleet strategy, leading the business’s aircraft origination, marketing, leasing, and sale activities.
Joe has extensive experience engineering financial structures to help airlines respond to growth opportunities, expand lift capacity, manage maintenance costs with power-by-the-hour programs, increase liquidity with sale leaseback programs, and scheduling aircraft retirement consistent with phase-in.
Joe has a B.A. in Economics from St. Louis University, with a focus in Finance and Aviation Management from Parks College of Aviation, Engineering and Technology.
Stephen is responsible for the origination, analysis, and acquisition/ lease of commercial aircraft and engines. Based in London, Stephen is actively involved in the commercial aircraft leasing industry and has built numerous relationships with leading aircraft lessors and airlines to assist in AELFs aircraft and engine trading activities.
Stephen holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business & Economics from Trinity College Dublin, and a Masters of Science (MSc) in Aviation Finance from Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, University College Dublin. Stephen received a scholarship by the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) to undertake studies in aircraft finance, leasing and trading through the ISTAT University program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and received a Certificate in Aviation Finance and Leasing from the Law Society of Ireland.
Daniela brings more than 10 years of experience in the aviation industry. Based in Lisbon, Daniela is responsible for originating wet lease and charter transactions for Maleth Aero AOC Limited, one of AELF’s lessees.
Prior to AELF, Daniela worked at Hi Fly Ltd., as a commercial assistant, and SmartLynx Airlines, Ltd., as a sales manager, where she was responsible for the origination, negotiation, and execution of wet lease and charter arrangements.
Daniela has a post-graduate degree in international relations, investment, international business, banking and financing and a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations, both from the Universidade Lusófona – Centro Universitário Lisboa.
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AJ is responsible for building and managing AELF’s portfolio of lease-encumbered aircraft. In this role, AJ originates, analyzes, and acquires commercial aircraft. AJ also leads AELF’s financing efforts and regularly interacts with bank and non-bank lenders to help optimize AELF’s capital structure and secure financing for its fleet.
Prior to AELF, AJ worked at Seabury Capital Management where he was responsible for the execution of its private equity and merchant banking strategy. His experience at Seabury included assisting in the formation of Zephyrus Aviation Capital, structuring and arranging the DIP and exit financings for SAS, Avianca and Philippine Airlines, as well as advising United Airlines on its loan to Synergy group and its proposed joint business agreement with Avianca and Copa Airlines. He has a wide range of experience, having provided execution leadership on over US$ 10 billion of M&A, restructuring, leveraged buyout, debt and equity financing transactions for publicly traded, financial sponsor-owned and family-owned companies across the aviation, aerospace and defense sectors. He began his career in the investment banking division of RBC Capital Markets.
AJ holds an MBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, a JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and a BA in Business Economics from Brown University.
Technical Department
Jim brings over 30 years of experience in the aircraft industry. He is responsible for the technical assessment of AELF’s aircraft and engines portfolio, pre-purchase, during bridging maintenance, at lease delivery, throughout the life of any lease, at lease redelivery, and at the time of sale.
Jim previously held management roles in the technical departments of multiple airlines, including Piedmont Airlines, US Air, Air Wisconsin / United Express, and Great Lakes Aviation. He is seasoned in all areas of maintenance, engineering, technical services, purchasing, records management, and contract administration. He holds FAA licenses in both airframe and powerplant, and an FCC license.
Jim graduated as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician from George T. Baker Aviation Technical College (FAA Certificate #CT9T072R)
Gian Carlo brings nearly 20 years of experience in aviation. Gian Carlo has substantial experience in technical and commercial functions, managing all lease transactions, aircraft deliveries, aircraft and engine sales and acquisitions.
Gian Carlo previously held positions at GECAS, as a CAE Technical Aviation Structures Representative for the North America region, and at AerCap, as a Technical Support Manager. Prior to joining AELF, Gian Carlo was a Senior Technical Support Representative at Aviation Watch Group and a Sales and Marketing Customer Manager at AeroThrust Holdings.
Gian Carlo completed the FAA A&P Training Course at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has been an Airframe & Powerplant mechanic, licensed by the FAA, since 2012. Gian Carlo also has an Aeronautical Maintenance Technician license from the National Institute of Civil Aviation of Venezuela.
Gian Carlo has a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the Universidad Nacional Experimental Politécnica de la Fuerza Armada of Venezuela.
As a senior member of the technical team, Yoana brings nearly 10 years of hands-on experience in the aviation industry to her role as Manager, Technical Support. Her responsibilities include overseeing the progress and quality of maintenance projects, with a focus on delivery maintenance, heavy maintenance, and redelivery maintenance. She also brings extensive experience performing and managing aircraft record audits and record analysis, including but not limited to back-to-birth traceability, Airworthiness Directives, hard-time components, Supplemental Type Certificates, and repairs.
Prior to her current role at AELF, Yoana provided aircraft technical support for Aviation Watch Group.
Yoana has an A.S. in Science Aeronautics and Aviation Maintenance, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She also has a certificate in Aviation Maintenance Technology Part 645 from the same institution. Her academic achievements, coupled with her extensive industry experience, make her a formidable professional. Yoana is a member of the International Aviation Women’s Association.
Claudia brings more than 10 years of experience in the aviation industry. Claudia has extensive experience performing and overseeing aircraft record audits and record analysis, in the context of acquisitions, sales, lease delivery, and lease redelivery. She is often charged with ensuring the progress and quality of maintenance projects, ensuring they are accomplished to the highest safety standard, while monitoring on-time delivery.
Claudia began her aviation career as a warehouse manager and logistics department specialist for Aviation Watch Group. Before joining AELF, she was promoted to Technical Support Specialist and Business Administrator.
Claudia has an A.S. in Business Administration and Management and a BASc in Supervision Management, both from Miami Dade College. Claudia is a member of the International Aviation Women’s Association.
Orlando is an Aeronautical Engineer with over 11 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, with special focus on engineering and planning. Orlando has a wealth of experience in maintenance planning, workscope development, technical records audits, aircraft delivery, pre-lease and lease returns. He has acted as AELF’s technical representative during major maintenance checks, providing technical, materials and logistics support and FAA repair station supervision.
Orlando is an ISO 9001 Quality Auditor (ID 22054), a member of the College of Engineers of Venezuela (ID 257795), and holds an Aeronautical Maintenance Technician – Fixed Wing Rating from the National Institute of Civil Aviation of Venezuela.
Orlando has a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the Universidad Nacional Experimental Politécnica de la Fuerza Armada of Venezuela.
Hernán is a Senior Technical Engineer with more than 30 years of experience.
Prior to joining AELF’s Technical Department, Hernán previously held positions at Avior Airlines, as the Head of Engineering and Planning, RUTACA Airlines, as the Engineering and Maintenance Manager, Aserca Airlines, as the Chief of Planning Department, and Avensa Airlines, as a Planning Engineer, Maintenance Planning Manager, and Aircraft System Supervisor.
Hernán has a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the Universidad Nacional Experimental Politécnica de la Fuerza Armada of Venezuela.
With 15 years of experience, AELF’s Warehouse Manager, Ramon is responsible for supervising daily activities at AELF’s warehouse, including quality assurance, inventory control, and space management.
Prior to joining AELF, Ramon worked as a shipping and receiving inspector at Sky Mart, and an inbound inspector at DASI.
As AELF’s Warehouse Assistant, Hernán is responsible for the processing, organizing, and storage of AELF’s parts inventory in our facility and packaging and preparing parts for shipment.
Lease Department
Jerry has more than 15 years of aviation experience and is currently responsible for fleet lifecycle management across AELF’s portfolio of assets.
Jerry oversees lease portfolio management, including maintenance reserve management and communication with AELF’s lessees. Other key responsibilities include transaction-level analysis to support acquisitions and lease activity, cross-company coordination of aircraft entry-into-service, evaluation of fleet performance, maintenance fly forward reports, asset redelivery management, ad-hoc financial analysis, and end-of-life strategy development. Jerry received a B.S. in Finance from Northern Illinois University.
Operations and Logistics
With 8 years of aviation experience, Lauren develops and oversees the company's operations, the company's adherence to its policies and procedures, in order to maintain the company's ISO 9001 certification.
Following successful completion of Purdue University’s program in 2023, Lauren earned a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Lauren is a member of the International Aviation Women’s Association.
Lauren has a B.S. in Health Services Administration from Western Illinois University, with a minor in Business.
Joe is responsible for leading and directing all parts purchasing activities for AELF. Joe and his team support the Technical and Commercial teams in pre-purchase maintenance, heavy maintenance, and delivery maintenance, in addition to supporting AELF’s lessees with parts requirements, on an as-needed basis.
Joe began his career in after-market sales at AAR, moving to after-market product line management at AeroDirect, before joining AELF 6 years ago.
Joe has a B.S. from Marquette University.
Cristian sources and acquires aircraft parts to support of AELF’s fleet, with a special focus on parts vendors located within in the European Union. Charged with ensuring continuity of supply, consistency of quality, and competitive pricing, Cristian receives and verifies purchase requisitions, prepares purchase orders, and coordinates parts exchanges, as critical member of part of AELF’s procurement team.
Cristian has extensive purchase planning, purchase management, requisition, and aviation experience, having worked with both AJW Group and AAR.
With over 15 years of aviation procurement experience, Nathalia is responsible for driving new parts sales and leads for AELF.
Prior to joining AELF in 2022, Nathalia garnered significant experience in parts procurement and sales at Summit Aerospace, Aero Accessories & Repair, Standard Aero and NAS Aerospace, among others.
Nathalia has an A.S. in Business Application Development from Florida Career College and is pursuing a B.S. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
As the Logistics Manager at AELF, Luis brings 18 years of experience in international air, ocean, and domestic transportation, working in close coordination with the parts procurement team to coordinate day-to-day supply and logistics activities to support AELF’s portfolio.
Responsible for directing the movement, storage, and processing of AELF’s parts inventory, Luis liaises with the operations department to ensure supply activities are integrated with other facets of the business.
Accounting
Jennifer brings over 20 years of financial accounting experience across multiple industries. Jennifer is active in establishing best practices for implementing group-wide policies, task procedures, and internal controls. She is a trusted advisor for internal staff on the financial treatment of transactions, in addition to providing advice on U.S. tax compliance issues.
Jennifer manages AELF’s financial statements, reviews all general ledger activity, and works in tandem with AELF accounting personnel and AELF’s outside auditors, Kevane Grant Thornton, Grant Thornton Ireland, and RSM US, on its audited financial statements.
Jennifer received a M.P.A. and B.S. from Illinois State University and successfully completed the CPA exam in 2009.
Mariely, a Certified Public Accountant, has 15 years of accounting experience and nearly 8 years in aviation finance. Since joining AELF in 2017, Mariely has overseen the day-to-day operations and ongoing development of AELF’s accounting department.
Mariely has successfully assisted businesses and individuals in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and optimizing financial strategies for growth and stability.
Mariely has a BBA in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico - Bayamon and a JD from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. Bonilla is licensed to practice law in Puerto Rico, where she also serves as a notary. She is a member of the International Aviation Women’s Association.
Ana is an accounting specialist at AELF, bringing over 9 years of expertise the manufacturing sector, particularly in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and audit response.
Since joining AELF in 2022, Ana further expanded her accounting expertise, particularly in the specialized areas of wet leasing and charter airline operations. Her role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including invoicing, account reconciliation, account management, financial reporting, and payroll and HR support. Additionally, Ana is adept at modeling proposed wet lease and charter contracts, producing budgets, and conducting financial profitability analysis related to flight operations, ground operations, crew training, and crew travel.
Deborah serves as an accounting assistant at AELF. Since 2021, she has handled accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and other financial reporting tasks.
Deborah has previous experience in the banking industry and other accounting areas.
Deborah has a BA in Accounting from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico.
Ida is an accounting assistant, supporting AELF’s financial operations through meticulous reconciliation of accounts.
Ida has been a member of AELF’s team since 2016, when she started as an aircraft records coordinator, dedicated to ensuring the compliance and accuracy of aircraft maintenance records generated by AELF’s fleet. Ida also provided invaluable assistance with respect to the administration of AELF’s Puerto Rico office.
Prior to joining AELF, Ida worked in the Puerto Rico transportation industry, serving as a manager of marketing and customer service.
Legal
For the past 14 years, Mónica has represented AELF’s sole shareholder, not only in her individual capacity, but also her respective companies, in a wide range of legal matters.
In her role as the chief legal officer, Mónica is responsible for overseeing legal affairs worldwide. She has extensive experience acting for AELF on acquisitions and sales, secured financings, and cross-border transactions involving used commercial aircraft and engines and representing AELF in leasing transactions, including operating leases, finance leases, restructurings, and aircraft repossession. Mónica also manages AELF’s litigation, monitors compliance, and retains and manages AELF’s relationships with outside counsel.
Significant accomplishments at AELF include documentation of a $40m revolving line of credit, settlement of litigation stemming from the redelivery of two Airbus A340s from lease, and development and implementation of AELF’s Know-Your-Customer, Business Ethics, and Anti-Money Laundering policies. Mónica has acted as lead transaction counsel for AELF with counterparties such as Air France, Air North, Air Transat, Airbus, Hi Fly, Merchants Bank of Indiana, Plus Ultra, and Rolls Royce, among others.
Mónica is a member of the International Aviation Women’s Association.
She received a J.D. from the University of Chicago and an A.B. from Princeton University. Mónica is admitted to practice in Georgia, Illinois, and New York.
Mauricio joined AELF in 2023, bringing more than 15 years of experience in complex commercial real estate transactions, including real estate acquisitions and sales, development, entity formation and structuring, and triple-net leasing.
Representative matters currently include U.S. and cross-border purchase, sale and lease of commercial aircraft, engines, and equipment, “end of life” programs including “green-time” leases, secured financings, cross-border collections, restructuring and workouts, maintenance, storage, flight service agreements, and “power by the hour” programs.
Prior to joining AELF, Mauricio served as the Vice President of Real Estate and Legal Counsel at Camping World, where the bulk of his work centered on commercial real estate transactions, including triple net leases, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, and sale-leasebacks for the company's numerous retail locations. Mauricio was previously an associate at Vedder Price LLP, where his practice focused on real estate transactions and finance work, some of which were in the aviation equipment industry.
Mauricio received a J.D. from the University of Chicago and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. He is admitted to practice in Florida and Illinois.
Administration
As the Executive Administrator for the Shareholder, Jacky plays a critical, cross-departmental role at AELF. Her breadth of expertise has allowed her to adapt to fluid roles within HR, accounting, special projects, and executive support, working directly for Ms. Ricks.
Prior to her time with AELF, her roles included serving as administrative personnel on an Army contract with L-3 Vertex Aerospace in California and serving first as an Accountant and then as an Executive Assistant to the CEO of the Wright Foundation, a non-profit and graduate university promoting SEI training & development in Chicago.
Jacky studied at the Illinois Institute of Technology and then transferred to the University of Houston, receiving a B.S. in Accounting in 2009.
Amy joined AELF as an Executive Assistant in November 2023. Amy is responsible for supporting the company’s day-to-day activities and booking travel for colleagues.
Prior to working at AELF, Amy gained over 12 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and other administrative roles with much of that time being spent at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture firm. The exposure to a broad swath of cultures and perspectives helped Amy gain insight into working with colleagues on different continents, and how to navigate the complexities that come along with it.
Amy received her B.S. in Public Service & Leadership from the University of Kentucky and is an active member of her local alumni association’s board of directors.
With more than 10 years of experience in the communications departments of a variety of multinational companies, Helena brings a wealth of expertise in the aviation industry. Having played key roles in media coverage of airline repatriation flights and Covid-19 operations, Helena is now responsible for the development and implementation of AELF’s branding strategy and the growth of AELF’s footprint in both social and traditional media.
Helena has a C.S. from the Universidad de Málaga (Spain), with a specialization in digital marketing and communications.