Deepak Sharma (Aviation Executive)
Deepak Sharma | |
|---|---|
.JPG) Deepak Sharma, CEO of AFL Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd | |
| Born | United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Degree in Aircraft Engineering; EASA License holder; Advanced studies in Contract Law and Business Administration |
| Occupation | CEO, Aviation Executive |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Organization | Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd. (AFL) |
| Known for | Founder and CEO of AFL; Leadership in aviation finance |
| Awards | Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS) |
| Website | deepaksharmaafl.com |
Deepak Sharma is a British aviation executive, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd. (AFL), a London-based company that provides customized financing and leasing solutions to the global aviation and aerospace sectors.[1] With over two decades of experience, Sharma is recognized as a prominent figure in the aircraft finance industry and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS).[2][3]
Career
Sharma began his professional journey in the aviation sector with roles at British Aerospace and Brymon Airways Engineering, a subsidiary of British Airways, where he gained foundational experience in engineering and operations. Over the years, he has held various technical and executive leadership roles, with a strong emphasis on strategy, sales, engineering, and asset management.
He served as Engineering Director at UK International Airlines, where he successfully launched the airline's operations and engineering department. For his contributions, he received a certificate of recognition. Sharma went on to become Chief Technical Officer at AJW Group, overseeing several strategic initiatives and projects that enhanced the company’s global reputation in the MRO and leasing segments.
Prior to founding AFL, he was the President of Integrated Solutions at a leading global aviation services company. In that role, he was instrumental in expanding the firm’s solutions portfolio, working with airlines, MROs, and suppliers to develop new revenue streams and improve operational efficiency.
In 2019, Sharma founded Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd. (AFL), headquartered in London. Under his leadership, AFL has established itself as a trusted partner to major aircraft and engine lessors. The company is known for offering innovative aircraft financing strategies, lease structuring, and asset management services. Sharma’s leadership has been credited with significantly enhancing the company’s global reach and profitability, particularly in complex and competitive market conditions.[4]
Expertise
Sharma’s domain knowledge spans across technical, commercial, operational, contractual, and regulatory frameworks in aviation. His in-depth understanding of asset lifecycle management, supply chains, and airline engineering operations enables him to develop creative and practical solutions for leasing and financing.[5]
He holds a degree in Aircraft Engineering and is licensed under the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in multiple categories. In addition to his technical education, Sharma has pursued certifications in business administration and contract law, reinforcing his multidisciplinary approach to aviation finance and corporate leadership.[6][7]
Public Presence and Thought Leadership
Sharma is active across various professional and media platforms, frequently sharing insights on leadership, strategy, and innovation in the aviation finance sector.[8] He is featured in several interviews and editorial features that discuss his views on the future of aircraft leasing and the importance of ethics, trust, and precision in building sustainable aviation businesses.[9]
Affiliations
Sharma is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), one of the highest honors in the field of aerospace.
References
- ↑ Space Coast Daily (2025-03-25). "Deepak Sharma, CEO of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd (AFL), Advancing Aircraft Leasing and Asset Management". Space Coast Daily. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ↑ "Deepak Sharma of Aircraft Finance Lease (AFL) navigates the future of flight financing". Business Money. 2025-03-24. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ↑ Deepak Sharma News (2025-03-01). "Deepak Sharma — The One Book Everyone Should Read — Lee Kuan Yew: The Man and His Ideas". Deepak Sharma News. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ↑ Deepak Sharma News (2025-03-15). "Deepak Sharma, Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd. (AFL) CEO, Facilitates Growth With Strategic Decision Making And Lifelong Learning". Deepak Sharma News. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ↑ Deepak Sharma News (2025-03-20). "Deepak Sharma, CEO Of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd (AFL), Has A Fascination With Flight, Leading Him To The Pinnacle Of The Aviation Industry". Deepak Sharma News. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ↑ "How AFL Founder Deepak Sharma is Transforming Aviation Finance One Custom Deal at a Time". Fox Interviewer. 2025-05-06. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ↑ Deepak Sharma News (2025-04-15). "Deepak Sharma On Leading AFL And Innovating Aviation Finance With Vision And Precision". Deepak Sharma News. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ↑ Global Banking & Finance Review (2025-06-10). "How Deepak Sharma Built AFL into a Trusted Aviation Brand Through Ethics and Excellence". Global Banking & Finance Review. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ↑ "Deepak Sharma of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd (AFL) Transforms Aviation Finance Through Leadership". Business Matters. 2025-03-02. Retrieved 2025-06-26.