Seasoned Industry Executive Brings Nearly Two Decades of Experience in Aircraft Financing
AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AEI”), a private equity firm specializing in National Security, Aerospace and Industrial Services, announced today the appointment of Lewis Sutherland as a Managing Director for Aerospace Leasing. In this role, he will be responsible for managing and originating finance and leasing transactions across the commercial, business and special mission aviation segments.
Sutherland joins AEI with over eighteen years of experience in aircraft finance, including work with institutional fund investors. He was previously Chief Commercial Officer at Deucalion Limited, where he was responsible for the origination, execution, and management of new transactions. Prior to joining Deucalion, Sutherland was Lead Originator at Investec Aviation Equity Funds, where he played an active role in managing and interfacing with the fund’s Asia-based investors in markets including Singapore, South Korea, China, and Japan.
“We’re very excited to welcome Lewis to our growing team,” said Nathan Dickstein, Managing Director and Head of AEI Aerospace Leasing. “We look forward to tapping his industry knowledge and operational expertise as we help aircraft owners and operators access the right solutions for their needs. With nearly two decades of aviation and leasing experience, Lewis will help extend our leadership in late life commercial aircraft and engines, business aviation and special mission assets.”
Established in 2020, AEI’s Aerospace Leasing Funds focus on leasing strategies for aerospace-related assets, primarily mid-life and end-of-life commercial aircraft and engines, designed to produce income and capital appreciation for its investors. Leveraging a dedicated team of experienced investment professionals, AEI has partnered with airlines in both developed and emerging markets, as well as providers of business aviation solutions and specialized, mission-specific aircraft.
“I am delighted to join AEI’s dynamic and expanding Aerospace Leasing team, alongside Nathan and his colleagues, who have such an impressive track record,” said Sutherland. “I was drawn to the aviation DNA that runs through AEI and its impressive portfolio of investments and look forward to playing my part in building on the team's capabilities and contributing to its continued success.”
Sutherland holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and modern languages from the University of Strathclyde and is a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.