• Aircraft leasing has grown to nearly 60% of the fleet, driven by airlines' need for capital-light models.
• Lessors face challenges in managing technical integrity and risk during aircraft transfers between operators.
• Engineering-led oversight is crucial for asset protection, operational continuity, and financial performance.
• A combined technical consultancy and CAMO support model can reduce risk and improve transition predictability.
• Early-readiness audits, AD/SB validation, and records-integrity work are critical for smooth aircraft transitions.

The shift towards ACMI and leasing may indicate a growing need for lessors to adopt more proactive risk management strategies. The deployment of engineering-led oversight may signal a focus on asset protection and operational continuity, which could benefit the entire industry. However, the extent to which this trend will spread remains uncertain, and the competitive landscape may continue to evolve in response to changing market conditions.