BDO Ireland Launches Aviation Advisory Practice

BDO Ireland has established a dedicated Aviation Advisory unit targeting aircraft lessors, airlines, investors, financial institutions and other participants in the global aviation finance market.

The new practice is led by Stan Barnes, Partner and Head of Aviation Advisory, alongside Donal Boylan and Gerry Power. BDO said the three executives bring more than 100 years of combined experience spanning aircraft leasing, aviation finance, asset management and aviation technology.

The unit will advise clients on aircraft and portfolio transactions, asset lifecycle management, operational transformation, risk and governance, technology projects and regulatory requirements. It will combine specialist aviation expertise with BDO Ireland’s broader financial and professional services capabilities.

BDO is launching the business from Ireland, where many of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies are headquartered or maintain significant operations. Irish-based lessors manage more than half of the global leased commercial aircraft fleet, according to the firm.

The practice will also use BDO’s international network to serve aviation clients outside Ireland as the firm seeks to develop the unit into a global advisory platform.

The expansion comes as aircraft owners and financiers face increasingly complex capital markets, regulatory requirements, technology investments and asset-management decisions, creating additional demand for specialized advisory services across the aircraft lifecycle.