Aircraft Finance Lease (AFL) founder and CEO Deepak Sharma recalls standing in an airline hangar years ago when a powerful realization struck him: even the most advanced engines and sophisticated equipment couldn’t move forward without a clear vision and decisive leadership.
“That day,” he says with a quick smile, “I understood that technology and human ingenuity must work hand in hand—and that clear direction can propel even the most grounded enterprise to soar.”
From that day on, Sharma’s trajectory has been shaped by his unwavering commitment to leading with purpose and drive. Today, Deepak Sharma—CEO of AFL Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd (AFL)—sits at the helm of an innovative London-based company that offers cutting-edge financing solutions for the global aviation and aerospace sectors.
Since launching in 2019, Sharma has positioned the company as a trusted partner to leading aircraft and engine lessors, forging relationships that continue to influence the broader aviation finance landscape.
“In the rapidly evolving field of aviation finance, the leadership quality of decisiveness is imperative,” Deepak Sharma, AFL, said. “Drawing upon my experience in engineering and operations, I prioritize assessing risks and opportunities from multiple perspectives before reaching a conclusion. And when I finally arrive at a decision, it’s made with careful consideration.”
AFL Deepak Sharma Has Built a Career on Relentless Innovation
Sharma’s extensive background in the aviation industry spans more than two decades and multiple leadership roles.
Formerly President of Integrated Solutions at a leading global aviation services provider, he was instrumental in broadening that organization’s portfolio to deliver innovative solutions. His earlier experience as Chief Technical Officer at AJW Group further refined his skills in spearheading large-scale engineering and operational projects.
Prior to that, he served as Engineering Director at UK International Airlines, earning recognition for launching the airline’s operations and engineering departments. He has also contributed to key roles at British Aerospace and Brymon Airways Engineering, a subsidiary of British Airways.
Yet it is his work at AFL that garners the most attention today—particularly his focus on delivering tailored solutions under the demanding conditions that define global aviation finance.
“A fundamental strategy that I have adopted at AFL entails the development of innovative, customized aviation finance solutions,” Sharma said. “We tailor our approach to clients’ unique needs. By understanding their evolving requirements, we’ve cultivated trusted relationships and ensured sustained business growth. That’s what solidifies our position as a respected leader in the field of aviation finance.”
Fostering Trust, Integrity, and Collaboration
Central to Sharma’s leadership is an abiding belief in professional relationships anchored by trust.
“I firmly believe in the importance of creating and maintaining relationships that promote mutual respect,” he said. “In my 30-plus years in aviation, transparency and respect have been critical in every success story—both inside our team and when engaging with external partners.”
Sharma’s emphasis on collaboration is especially evident in how he manages high-pressure situations.
“When it comes to challenging clients or urgent scenarios, my go-to approach is a trifecta of empathy, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving,” he said. “Everyone involved is feeling the heat. The best way forward is to move with and through the problem—never around it.”
Leadership in Action
Throughout his career, Sharma has made it a personal priority to mentor and uplift others. He recalls one instance that showcased the power of dedicated guidance.
“One colleague, a remarkably talented yet introverted young man, was asked to give an important seminar,” Sharma said. “I worked with him closely so he could tap into his potential. It was rewarding to see how support and mentorship can transform an individual—and I realized it also helped me grow as a leader.”
In his capacity as CEO at AFL, Sharma practices a leadership philosophy of strategic focus combined with careful delegation. “Understanding when to dive in directly and when to empower someone else is crucial,” he noted. “I spend my energy on initiatives that can have a profound, strategic impact while also giving my team members the room to grow and make critical decisions on their own. It’s all about balance.”
Continual Growth and High Standards
Sharma’s passion for personal and organizational development is evident in his commitment to ongoing learning.
“I do not wish to remain stagnant in my knowledge,” he said. “I make sure to pursue training and certifications in relevant fields—especially in areas like aviation finance, asset management, and regulatory compliance—so that I remain well ahead of emerging trends.”
At AFL, Sharma employs clear goal-setting frameworks complemented by regular performance reviews.
“We embrace a culture of accountability and measurable objectives,” he explained. “This ensures every individual—and all of us collectively—knows exactly what we’re aiming for and how to achieve it.”
That structured approach to goal-setting has delivered results, but Sharma also credits the human factor behind AFL’s success.
“I celebrate both the big and small wins,” he said. “That recognition fosters an environment where people feel proud of their work. I encourage innovation, risk-taking, and big thinking because aviation finance is an industry that demands continuous evolution.”
Mentorship and giving back are important to Sharma on both a personal and professional level.
“I really value mentorship,” Sharma said. “I find it incredibly rewarding to help colleagues and co-workers when they are facing professional hurdles — it’s almost like being a therapist. One story I’ll share is from when I first came to Virginia Tech. I was in a workgroup of all men. One of the young men was very talented but also very introverted. When he was assigned to give a seminar, I worked with him so he could feel more comfortable being extroverted. In helping him live up to his potential, I was definitely allowing my own potential to shine as a mentor.”
Sharma’s Lasting Impact on Aviation Finance
With an academic foundation in Aircraft Engineering, multiple EASA licenses, and advanced qualifications in aviation, contract law, and business administration, Sharma has built a formidable reputation. He is also recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), reflecting his influence across the aerospace sector.
Under his guidance, AFL Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd has become synonymous with reliability and visionary thinking, shaping a future where cutting-edge finance meets the demanding realities of aviation.
From his early days in engineering to his current role at AFL, Deepak Sharma remains laser-focused on leading the aviation industry forward—one innovative financing solution at a time.
As he often reminds his team, true leadership doesn’t just keep an enterprise afloat—it propels it skyward toward horizons yet to be discovered. “My focus,” Sharma said, “has always been on ensuring AFL stays innovative and is guided by integrity. Aviation finance is about more than just numbers and transactions—it’s about the people and partnerships that make flight possible in the first place.”
