Deepak Sharma, the driving force behind AFL Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd, has established himself as a formidable leader in the aviation finance landscape. As CEO since the company’s inception in 2019, Sharma has spearheaded AFL’s rise to prominence by crafting innovative financing solutions tailored to the global aviation and aerospace sectors. His career, spanning over two decades, is characterized by a steadfast commitment to growth and adaptability across challenging markets. With a foundation in technical, commercial, operational, and contractual domains, Sharma’s expertise is further enriched by his roles in various high-profile organizations such as AJW Group and UK International Airlines. In this exclusive interview, Deepak Sharma delves into the nuances of fostering innovation, navigating industry complexities, and maintaining a competitive edge in the ever-evolving aviation finance sector.
How do you cultivate a culture of innovation at AFL, ensuring your team remains agile and forward-thinking in the dynamic aviation finance sector?
Deepak Sharma: Innovation at AFL really starts with a mindset. I encourage the team to stay curious, challenge assumptions, and look beyond the usual way of doing things. The aviation finance world moves quickly, so we’ve created an environment where it’s safe to explore new ideas, share bold thinking, and even get things wrong occasionally, as long as we learn from it. That’s how we stay agile and ahead of the curve.
Can you share an instance where unconventional thinking led to a significant breakthrough in your career or at AFL?
Deepak Sharma: Yes — one that stands out is when we entered a few high-potential, but often overlooked, emerging markets. Many saw them as risky, but we looked at them differently. Instead of relying on standard Western metrics, we focused on the local dynamics, spoke to operators on the ground, and designed lease structures that fit their realities. That move turned out to be a game-changer — we opened up new revenue streams while supporting aviation growth in places that needed it most.
In what ways does creativity influence your decision-making process, especially when navigating complex financial and technical challenges?
Deepak Sharma: Creative thinking helps me see around corners — it’s especially important when things aren’t black and white. In aviation finance, we often have to juggle engineering constraints, regulatory frameworks, and commercial realities all at once. Being creative means thinking laterally, exploring different perspectives, and often coming up with solutions that others might miss. It’s not about taking wild risks — it’s about finding smart, workable ways forward.
What strategies do you use to encourage your team to innovate and experiment with new ideas, particularly in a traditionally structured industry like aviation finance?
Deepak Sharma: We try to create space for creativity. That might mean hosting brainstorming sessions, innovation days, or simply encouraging informal chats where new ideas can surface. We also make a point of recognizing and rewarding initiative, whether or not every idea becomes a success. It’s important that the team feels their ideas are valued, even in a traditionally risk-averse industry like ours.
Could you describe a particularly creative solution you’ve implemented to address a business challenge within AFL?
Deepak Sharma: A good example would be the modular leaseback solution we developed. Some of our clients needed more flexibility due to cash flow challenges, especially after COVID. So, we designed a lease structure that let them access liquidity without giving up too much operational control. It wasn’t a standard model, but it solved a real problem and built trust. That’s the kind of creative thinking that’s both practical and impactful.
How do you maintain a steady flow of creative inspiration in a highly competitive and regulated industry?
Deepak Sharma: For me, inspiration comes from staying curious. I read a lot — not just about aviation but also about what’s happening in tech, finance, and even other industries like logistics or space. I also enjoy speaking with people from different backgrounds. It’s amazing how often a conversation or an article sparks an idea that we can adapt to our world. Keeping your perspective broad really helps in a niche sector like aviation finance.
How do you strike a balance between fostering creativity and ensuring practical, actionable outcomes in your projects?
Deepak Sharma: That’s always a balancing act. I’m a big believer in creative ideas that lead somewhere concrete. So, we often prototype ideas on a small scale first, test them, see what works, and then scale up. It helps keep creativity grounded in reality. The best ideas are the ones that inspire and deliver.
Can you share details about an innovative project or idea you’re currently developing at AFL?
Deepak Sharma: We’re currently working on a blockchain-based asset tracking platform. It’s designed to bring greater transparency and trust to how aircraft assets are managed across their lifecycle — from delivery to return. It’s early days, but we believe it could really transform the way the industry handles compliance, documentation, and valuation in real-time. It’s technical, yes — but the goal is very human: to make things simpler, clearer, and more efficient for everyone involved.
How do you assess the success of creative initiatives within your company, and what indicators do you find most telling?
Deepak Sharma: We look at a few things: first, are people using it? Adoption is key. Then, what impact has it made? That could be time saved, revenue generated, or client satisfaction. But we also look at softer indicators, like how excited the team is or whether it sparks further innovation. Sometimes the ripple effect of a good idea is just as valuable as the result itself.
Given your extensive experience, what do you see as your most significant achievement in the aviation finance industry?
Deepak Sharma: If I had to pinpoint a single achievement, it would be the establishment and growth of AFL Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd. From nothing, we were able to build a company that’s not only financially successful but also genuinely respected in the industry. We’ve developed innovative solutions that have changed how people think about aviation finance, and that’s been incredibly rewarding.
What unique strengths do you bring to your role as CEO of AFL, and how have these influenced the company’s trajectory?
Deepak Sharma: think my diverse background in technical, commercial, and operational domains gives me a comprehensive view of the industry. This allows me to integrate different perspectives into our strategies and operations. My hands-on experience in both large organizations and startups means I can scale our solutions effectively while maintaining the flexibility to adapt quickly to market changes.
What emerging trends in aviation finance do you believe will shape the future of the industry, and how is AFL preparing for them?
Deepak Sharma: Sustainability will be a major driver, with more operators looking for green solutions and financiers pushing for environmentally responsible investments. We’re also seeing a shift towards digitalization, with blockchain and AI playing larger roles in asset management and financing. At AFL, we’re investing in technologies that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate future demands. Our blockchain initiative is one step in that direction.
How do you envision AFL’s role in the aviation finance sector evolving over the next five years?
Deepak Sharma: I see AFL becoming a leader in sustainable aviation finance. We aim to expand our portfolio with innovative products that support the industry’s green transition. Additionally, we’re working on partnerships and technology that enhance transparency and efficiency in the market. Our focus is to keep pushing boundaries, opening up new avenues, and creating value for our clients while contributing positively to the industry as a whole.
With the rapid pace of technological advancement, how does AFL ensure that it remains at the forefront and continues to innovate?
Deepak Sharma: Staying at the forefront requires a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. We emphasize staying connected with technological advancements across industries, not just within aviation. This includes collaborating with tech startups and academic institutions to explore new ideas and solutions. We also foster a culture where our team feels empowered to experiment and innovate, knowing that failure is often a stepping stone to success.
In conclusion, Deepak Sharma’s leadership at AFL demonstrates the power of innovation and foresight in transforming an industry. His diverse expertise and strategic vision continue to position AFL as a trailblazer in aviation finance, ready to address future challenges with creative and sustainable solutions.
