Willis Lease Finance Reports Engine Leasing Activity in December 2013 Reaches New High

NOVATO, Calif., Jan. 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (Nasdaq:WLFC), the premier independent jet engine lessor in the commercial finance sector, today reported it closed 2013 with one of the strongest months of new leasing activity in the company’s history.

“We ended 2013 by purchasing six brand new engines for over $75 million and closing new lease agreements for 19 engines, making December one of the most productive months we’ve ever had,” said Charles F. Willis, Chairman and CEO. “Excluding two off-lease engines purchased just prior to year-end, our portfolio utilization reached 87%, which represents significant improvement over the preceding quarter-end level of 85%, and the highest level of 2013. While this year-end activity will have little impact on 2013 financial results, it is a great way to launch 2014.”

December 2013 Leasing Highlights:

— Closed the purchase and lease of a new GE90-115b engine, our first for
this type of engine, on a long-term lease to a European lessee. The
lessor was Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Services Ltd. (WMES) a joint
venture between Willis Lease and Mitsui & Co.

— Purchased three new CF34-10E engines to satisfy a lease commitment in
Asia, with Willis Lease buying two of the engines and WMES purchasing
one.

— Closed the purchase and lease of a new CF34-10E through WMES on long-term
lease to a European airline.

— Closed the purchase and lease of a new CFM56-7B/E by Willis Lease on
long-term lease to an Asian airline.

— The above six engine purchases total over $75 million for the Willis
Lease and WMES portfolios.

— In addition to the three leases referred to above, Willis Lease closed 16
new leases on engines having a combined book value of over $60 million.