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Ben Lmadani and the Rise of ABL Aviation

Ben Lmadani and the Rise of ABL Aviation
Since its inception just over a decade ago, ABL Aviation has swiftly emerged as a significant player in the global aircraft management and leasing industry. By September 2025, the independent firm had deployed more than US$7 billion in aircraft investments, completing 116 transactions involving a diverse range of aircraft types and sizes. Under the stewardship of founder and sole owner Ali Ben Lmadani, ABL Aviation is now broadening its scope to include the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) sector, while also exploring new asset classes—moves that underscore the company’s ambitions for sustained growth.
In an exclusive interview with AeroTime, Ben Lmadani detailed plans to substantially increase both the fleet under management and the company’s international presence in the coming years. This expansion is set against a backdrop of evolving dynamics in asset-based lending (ABL), where regional banks are increasingly targeting niche markets, intensifying competition and adding layers of complexity to the sector.
Building from the Ground Up
ABL Aviation’s origins date back to 2014, but its foundation lies in a ground support equipment (GSE) trading business that Ben Lmadani established nearly twenty years ago. “GSE was my first business. That’s how I started,” he reflected. Initially, the company focused on purchasing equipment in the United States and subsequently selling or leasing it to clients across Europe and Africa. The transition into aircraft leasing began in 2014 with Boeing 737s, followed by a landmark 25-year joint venture in Japan in 2017.
Japan remains a cornerstone of ABL Aviation’s strategy, anchored by a strategic partnership with a leading Japanese financial services conglomerate. This alliance enables the company to offer specialized financial instruments such as Japanese Operating Leases (JOL) and Japanese Operating Leases with Call Option (JOLCO) to its global clientele. Beyond financial innovation, Ben Lmadani emphasized the critical importance of maintaining a local presence: “During COVID, we made sure that we didn’t lose any money for Japanese investors. We protected our investors. They saw us, even during COVID, opening an office in Tokyo to have a presence locally, to be able to speak with them, and they appreciate that.”
Navigating Challenges and Competition
The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the aviation industry, grounding fleets worldwide and placing immense financial strain on airlines. Nevertheless, ABL Aviation viewed the crisis as an opportunity to deepen relationships with both investors and airline partners. “People trusted us as a company because of our speed of execution and the fact that we always kept our word,” Ben Lmadani noted.
Looking forward, ABL Aviation confronts a complex and competitive environment. The asset-based lending sector is expected to grow, driven by demand from asset-rich but cash-constrained businesses. However, this growth is accompanied by challenges, including intensified competition from established players in business aviation, ongoing supply-chain disruptions, and infrastructure constraints. Competitors are responding with strategic collaborations and market-entry initiatives shaped by global wealth trends and shifting infrastructure timelines.
Despite these obstacles, Ben Lmadani remains confident. With a proven record of adaptability and a steadfast commitment to building trust, ABL Aviation is positioning itself to navigate the evolving aviation finance landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

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