To serve as a key member of the aircraft leasing and financing team, responsible for structuring, negotiating, and executing aircraft leasing and financing transactions that support Air India groups fleet expansion requirements. The role involves managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders while ensuring optimal financing solutions that align with the companys strategic objectives and risk parameters.

Transaction Management

• Analyse and understand Air Indias aircraft delivery schedule and operational needs
• Review, evaluate, and negotiate aircraft leasing and financing term sheets with Air India, lessors and financial institutions
• Lead the execution of complex aircraft leasing and financing transactions from inception to closure
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal policies throughout transaction lifecycle

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with banks, aircraft lessors, financiers, and legal advisors
• Collaborate effectively with internal departments including Tax, Finance, Legal, and Engineering
• Coordinate with external legal counsel and advisors to facilitate smooth transaction execution

Risk Management and Market Intelligence

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage risks associated with leasing and financing transactions
• Monitor and escalate issues that may impact transaction timelines or outcomes
• Stay current with regulatory changes, interest rate movements, and industry trends
• Track and analyze recent spanet transactions to inform negotiation strategies and pricing benchspans

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare comprehensive reports on transaction progress and spanet developments
• Maintain accurate documentation for all transactions and stakeholder interactions
• Provide regular updates to senior management on portfolio performance and spanet conditions

Technical Skills

• Deep understanding of aircraft leasing structures, documentation, and spanet practices
• Knowledge of aviation finance instruments including operating leases, finance leases, and secured debt facilities
• Familiarity with foreign currency financing mechanisms and hedging strategies
• Understanding of aviation regulations and compliance requirements
• Proficiency in financial modeling and analysis
• Knowledge of international banking and finance regulations

Analytical and Negotiation Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent negotiation and commercial acumen
• Ability to structure complex financial transactions
• Risk assessment and mitigation skills

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong presentation and stakeholder management abilities
• Cross-cultural communication skills for international transactions
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and time zones

Personal Attributes

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment

Transaction Efficiency

• Number of successful aircraft leasing/financing transactions completed as per Air India’s delivery schedule
• Average time from term sheet to transaction closure
• Achievement of cost of capital targets and financing terms benchspans

Relationship Management

• Maintenance and expansion of lender/lessor network
• Stakeholder satisfaction ratings from internal and external partners
• Number of new financing sources developed annually

Risk and Compliance

• Zero tolerance for regulatory compliance failures
• Timely identification and escalation of risks
• Accuracy of spanet intelligence and trend analysis reports

Financial Performance

• Achievement of annual financing cost reduction targets
• Optimization of lease terms and conditions relative to spanet benchspans
• Contribution to overall portfolio performance metrics

Internal Interfaces

• Senior Management: Regular reporting on transaction progress and spanet developments
• Finance Department: Coordination on budget planning, cash flow management, and financial reporting
• Legal Department: Collaboration on contract negotiation, documentation, and compliance matters
• Tax Department: Alignment on tax-efficient structuring and implications
• Engineering Team: Understanding operational requirements and aircraft specifications
• Treasury Department: Coordination on foreign exchange and interest rate risk management

External Interfaces

• Aircraft Lessors: Negotiation of lease terms and ongoing relationship management
• Banks and Financial Institutions: Structuring and negotiating financing facilities
• Legal Advisors: Transaction documentation and regulatory compliance
• Regulatory Bodies: Ensuring compliance with aviation and financial regulations of IFSCA and DGCA. Participate in regulatory advocacy for changes required for ease of doing business
• Industry Associations: Participation in industry forums and spanet intelligence gathering

Minimum Education Requirement

• CA, MBA, or professional qualification (LLB, CFA, FRM) preferred
• Additional certifications in aviation finance or leasing would be advantageous

Minimum Requirement

Desired Requirement

Experience

• Minimum 3+ years of direct experience in aircraft leasing, aircraft financing, or raising foreign currency financing
• Proven track record in structuring and executing complex financial transactions
• Experience in relationship management with banks, lessors, or financial institutions
• Background in aviation industry or transportation finance preferred

Specialized Knowledge

• Understanding of aircraft valuation methodologies and spanet dynamics
• Experience with international financing structures and cross-border transactions
• Knowledge of aviation regulations and compliance frameworks
• Familiarity with GIFT City regulations and benefits preferred

Language and Communication

• Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
• Additional language skills relevant to key spanets would be beneficial
• Strong presentation and documentation skills