This week Nick talks to Jeff Chatfield
Jeff Chatfield is the CEO of Avation, a publicly listed aircraft leasing company with a global portfolio of commercial and regional aircraft. He has over two decades of experience in the aviation finance industry, leading the company through multiple bond issues and strategic fleet expansions. Known for his pragmatic approach to capital management, Chatfield has built Aviation into one of the few small-scale lessors capable of issuing public bonds. Based between Singapore and London, he is recognised for his clear, data-driven insights into market trends and aircraft investment strategy.
In this episode Nick and Jeff discuss the company’s recent US$300 million bond issue and improved credit ratings from major agencies, marking a significant step forward since its earlier, lower-rated bonds. Jeff discusses how the refinancing provides long-term stability, enabling the company to continue its growth trajectory over the next five and a half years. He explains how the upgraded ratings reflect Aviation’s maturity and scale in a market where even US$20 billion is now considered small, while also noting the flexibility and strategic value of bonds for managing capital efficiently.
The discussion moves to fleet strategy, including the extended lease of a wide-body A330 to EVA Air and the company’s ongoing focus on narrow-body aircraft such as A320s and ATRs. Chatfield highlights the global demand for aircraft driven by replacement cycles and rising air travel in emerging economies such as India and China. He emphasises Aviation’s valuable order book and purchase rights, which position the company strongly amid limited aircraft supply.
Jeff’s Book Choice was:
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
A Different Perspective is a Zeus podcast, hosted by Nick Searle, Co-Head of Equity Sales. Here, Nick interviews interesting characters from the world of business and finance, to uncover a different perspective.
Zeus is an independent financial services group working across public and private capital markets in the UK. We work alongside many of the most exciting businesses in the UK and we are passionate about supporting our clients. This podcast is a series of interviews with interesting characters from the world of business and finance, uncovering a different perspective.
View all episodes on the Zeus website or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Apple – Spotify – Amazon
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed, within constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
Contact
If you would like further information, please get in touch with our team.