SEC Filing | Aircastle Limited

(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)

(I.R.S. Employer
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7, 2006

Registration No. 333-134669

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Amendment No. 1
to
FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

AIRCASTLE LIMITED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

c/o Aircastle Advisor LLC
300 First Stamford Place
5th Floor
Stamford, Connecticut 06902
(203) 504-1020

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)

David Walton, Esq.
Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel
c/o Aircastle Advisor LLC
300 First Stamford Place
5th Floor
Stamford, Connecticut 06902
(203) 504-1020

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone
Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)

Copies to:


Joseph A. Coco, Esq. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Four Times Square New York, New York 10036-6522 (212) 735-3000			Edward F. Petrosky, Esq. J. Gerard Cummins, Esq. Sidley Austin LLP 787 Seventh Avenue New York, New York 10019 (212) 839-5300

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and we are not soliciting offers to buy these securities, in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to completion, dated July 7, 2006.

Prospectus

Aircastle Limited

Common shares

This is an initial public offering of common shares of Aircastle Limited.

All of the common shares are being sold by Aircastle. After this offering, funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC will beneficially own approximately % of Aircastle's common shares. These funds are not selling any shares in this offering.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the common shares. It is currently estimated that the public offering price per share will be between $ and $ . Aircastle intends to list the common shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘‘ ’’.

Per Share

Total

Public offering price

Underwriting discounts and commissions

Proceeds to Aircastle (before expenses)

We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to additional common shares at the public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any.

Investing in our common shares involves a high degree of risk. See ‘‘Risk factors’’ beginning on page 10.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, state securities regulators, the Minister of Finance and the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda, the Bermuda Monetary Authority nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares against payment in New York, New York on , 2006.


JPMorgan	Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.	Citigroup

, 2006

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	Page
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY		1
RISK FACTORS		10
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		36
MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA AND FORECASTS		37
USE OF PROCEEDS		38
DIVIDEND POLICY		39
CAPITALIZATION		40
DILUTION		42
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA		44
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS		46
INDUSTRY		71
BUSINESS		80
MANAGEMENT		90
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS		101
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS		105
DESCRIPTION OF INDEBTEDNESS		107
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL		114
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE		125
MATERIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS		128
UNDERWRITING		135
LEGAL MATTERS		142
EXPERTS		142
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION		142
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		F-1

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information or to make representations as to matters not stated in this prospectus. You must not rely on unauthorized information. This prospectus may be used only where it is legal to sell these securities. The information in this prospectus is only accurate on the date of this prospectus.

Consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 (and its related regulations) has been obtained from the Bermuda Monetary Authority for the issue and transfer of our common shares to and between non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes, provided our shares remain listed on an appointed stock exchange, which includes the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE. This prospectus will be filed with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda in accordance with Bermuda law. In granting such consent and in accepting this prospectus for filing, neither the Bermuda Monetary Authority nor the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda accepts any responsibility for our financial soundness or the correctness of any of the statements made or opinions expressed in this prospectus.

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Prospectus Summary

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the section entitled ‘‘Risk Factors’’ and our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision to purchase common shares. Unless the context suggests otherwise, references in this prospectus to ‘‘Aircastle,’’ the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to Aircastle Limited and its subsidiaries. References in this prospectus to ‘‘AL’’ refer only to Aircastle Limited. References in this prospectus to ‘‘Aircastle Bermuda’’ refer to Aircastle Holding Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries. References in this prospectus to ‘‘Fortress’’ refer to Fortress Investment Group LLC, affiliates of which manage the Fortress shareholders, and certain of its affiliates and references to the ‘‘Fortress shareholders’’ refer to AL shareholders which are affiliates of Fortress. Throughout this prospectus, when we refer to our aircraft, we include aircraft that we have transferred into grantor trusts or similar entities, for purposes of financing such assets through securitization. These grantor trusts or similar entities are consolidated for purposes of our financial statements. All amounts in this prospectus are expressed in U.S. dollars and the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (‘‘GAAP’’).

Aircastle Limited

We are a global company that acquires and leases high-utility commercial jet aircraft to passenger and cargo airlines throughout the world. High-utility aircraft are generally modern, operationally efficient jets with a large operator base and long useful lives. As of March 31, 2006, our aircraft portfolio consisted of 42 aircraft that were leased to 24 lessees located in 16 countries and managed through our offices in the United States, Ireland and Singapore. All of our aircraft are subject to net operating leases whereby the lessee is generally responsible for maintaining the aircraft and paying operational and insurance costs and, in some cases, we are obliged to pay a portion of specified maintenance or modification costs. We also make investments in other aviation assets, including debt securities secured by commercial jet aircraft. As of May 22, 2006, we had acquired and committed to acquire aviation assets having an aggregate purchase price equal to $1.2 billion and $244.2 million, respectively, for a total of approximately $1.4 billion. Our revenues and income from continuing operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 were $33.0 million and $7.8 million, respectively.

We expect to benefit from the size and growth of the commercial aircraft market and to increase our revenues and earnings by acquiring additional aviation assets. The current worldwide commercial aircraft fleet consists of more than 17,000 aircraft with an aggregate estimated value in excess of $330 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% through 2015. The market is highly fragmented, with over 1,800 owners. Operating lessors, including us, own approximately 30.1% of the global fleet. The continued growth in air traffic, driven in large part by emerging markets with strong economic growth and rising levels of per capita air travel, has increased the demand, and lease rates, for certain high-utility aircraft types.

We intend to pay regular quarterly dividends to our shareholders. We plan to grow our dividends per share through the acquisition of additional aviation assets using cash on hand and available credit facilities. We expect to finance our acquisitions on a long-term basis using low-cost, non-recourse securitizations. Securitizations allow companies to raise long-term capital by pledging cash flows of an asset pool, such as aircraft leases. In June 2006, we closed our first securitization, a $560 million transaction comprising 40 aircraft, which we refer to as Securitization No. 1. On , 2006, our board of directors declared an ordinary

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dividend of $ per common share for the three months ended , 2006, which is payable on , 2006. This dividend may not be indicative of the amount of any future dividends.

Competitive Strengths

We believe that the following competitive strengths will allow us to capitalize on the growth opportunities in the global aviation industry:

•

Diversified portfolio of high-utility aircraft. We have a portfolio of 42 high-utility aircraft that is diversified with respect to geographic markets, lease maturities and aircraft type. Our lease expirations are well dispersed, with a weighted average remaining lease term of 4.2 years at March 31, 2006, and only six of our aircraft require re-deployment within the next 12 months. We believe that our focus on portfolio diversification reduces the risks associated with lessee defaults and any adverse geopolitical or economic issues and results in generally predictable cash flows.

•

Disciplined acquisition approach and broad sourcing network. We evaluate the risk-adjusted return of any potential acquisition first as a discrete investment and then from a portfolio management perspective. To evaluate potential acquisitions, we employ a rigorous due diligence process focused on: (i) cash flow generation with careful consideration of macro trends, industry cyclicality and product life cycles; (ii) aircraft specifications and maintenance condition; (iii) when applicable, lessee credit worthiness and the local jurisdiction's rules for enforcing a lessor's rights; and (iv) legal and tax implications. We source our acquisitions through well-established relationships with airlines, other aircraft lessors, financial institutions and other aircraft owners.

•

Scaleable business platform. We operate globally through offices in the United States, Ireland and Singapore, using a modern asset management system designed specifically for aircraft operating lessors and capable of handling a significantly larger aircraft portfolio. We believe that our facilities, systems and personnel currently in place are capable of supporting an increase in our revenue base and asset base without a proportional increase in overhead costs.


•	Experienced management team with significant technical expertise. Our management team has significant experience in the acquisition, leasing, financing, technical management, restructuring/repossession and sale of aviation assets.


•	Innovative long-term debt financing structure. We closed Securitization No. 1 on June 15, 2006. We have structured the securitization to provide for the release to us during the first five years of the cash flows attributable to the underlying aircraft after payment of expenses, interest and scheduled principal payments.

Growth Strategy

We plan to grow our business and increase our dividends per share by employing the following business strategies:

•

Selectively acquire commercial jet aircraft and other aviation assets. We believe the large and growing aircraft market provides significant acquisition opportunities. We plan to leverage our experience to make opportunistic acquisitions of other asset-backed aviation assets, including debt securities secured by aviation assets and other non-aircraft aviation assets. As of May 22, 2006, we had acquired or committed to acquire approximately $1.4 billion in aviation assets in 31 separate transactions.

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•	Reinvest amounts approximately equal to non-cash depreciation expense in additional aviation assets. Through our strategy of reinvesting amounts approximately equal to non-cash depreciation expense, we will seek to maintain our asset base and grow our dividends.


•	Maintain an efficient capital structure. We expect to finance acquisitions on a long-term basis using aircraft lease portfolio securitizations. We believe that our long-term debt structure and dividend payment strategy result in a low cost of capital and a high degree of financial flexibility, allowing us to grow our business and dividends.

Industry Trends

The following industry dynamics create a favorable environment in which to expand our business, including:


•	Large and growing commercial aircraft fleet. The current worldwide commercial aircraft fleet consists of more than 17,000 aircraft with an aggregate estimated value in excess of $330 billion. According to The Airline Monitor, the worldwide commercial aircraft fleet is expected to increase to approximately 23,000 aircraft by 2015.

•

Increasing use of operating leases. The high cost of aircraft fleet renewal and expansion, and the competitive environment of the commercial airline industry have led many airlines to outsource aircraft ownership to operating lessors like us. Over the last ten years, the percentage of the global commercial aircraft fleet owned by operating lessors increased from 17.6% to 30.1%, while the percentage owned by airlines declined from 55.5% to 48.4%. Operating leasing is an attractive alternative to ownership for airlines because leasing (i) increases fleet flexibility, (ii) requires a lower capital commitment and (iii) significantly reduces aircraft residual value risk.

•

Increasing air traffic and demand for commercial aircraft. Global passenger and cargo traffic has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by factors such as globalization, strong economic growth in developing countries, and liberalization of global aviation markets. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, over the next five years global gross domestic product, or GDP, is expected to grow at an average rate of 4.2% per year. Since 1994, for every 1.0% increase in global GDP, passenger and freight traffic have, on average, grown by 1.4% and 1.6%, respectively.

•

Improving lease rates. Following a downturn from 2001 to 2003, the global commercial aviation industry has experienced a broad based recovery of aircraft values and lease rates. The relative increase in lease rates, however, has exceeded the increase in values for certain aircraft types. As a result, lease rate factors, or the ratio between lease rates and current market values, have been increasing for popular aircraft models such as 737 classics, A320s and 767-300ERs. It is possible, however, that higher lease rates could drive demand toward other aircraft models, new aircraft orders or other financing alternatives, and away from operating leasing for one or more of these popular aircraft models.

Recent Developments

Securitization

On June 15, 2006 we closed Securitization No. 1. The securitization generated gross proceeds of $560 million through the issuance of floating-rate aircraft lease-backed securities. We expect to refinance the securitization on or prior to June 2011. We have entered into a series of interest

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rate hedging contracts which result in a fixed-rate financing cost of 6.6% per annum, including recurring administrative costs and amortization of issuance expenses. The obligations under the aircraft lease-backed securities are secured by the ownership interests in our subsidiaries that own 40 of our aircraft, or Portfolio No. 1, and the related aircraft leases. A portion of the proceeds from Securitization No. 1 were used to repay amounts outstanding under our $525 million senior secured credit facility, which we refer to as Credit Facility No.1.

The aircraft in Portfolio No. 1 had an aggregate initial appraised value, or Initial Appraised Value, of $1.022 billion, based on the lesser of the mean and the median of the base values with respect to such aircraft determined in three base value appraisals from three internationally recognized appraisal firms as of dates from October to December 2005.

Second Quarter Financial Results

Our net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was $ . Revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 were $ . EBITDA for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was $ . Our basic and diluted income per share from net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was $ and $ , respectively.

Fortress

Fortress is a leading global alternative investment management firm founded in 1998 with over $21 billion of equity capital currently under management. Fortress is headquartered in New York City and has affiliates with offices in Dallas, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Rome, San Diego, Sydney and Toronto. Fortress manages capital for a diverse group of investors, including pension funds, university endowments and foundations, financial institutions, funds-of-funds and high-net-worth individuals.

Additional Information

We are a Bermuda exempted company and were incorporated on October 29, 2004 under the provisions of Section 14 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda. To date, Fortress has contributed approximately $400 million in equity capital to us. Our registered office is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda, and our principal executive offices are located at c/o Aircastle Advisors LLC, 300 First Stamford Place, 5th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06902. Our subsidiaries also maintain offices at Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Road, Dublin 2 Ireland; and 6 Battery Road, #30-00, Singapore, 049909. Our main telephone number is 203-504-1020. Our internet address is www.aircastle.com. Information on our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.

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The Offering


Common shares offered by us in this offering			shares


Common shares to be issued and outstanding after this offering			shares


Use of proceeds		We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay approximately $ million of the amount outstanding under our $500 million senior secured credit facility, which we refer to as Credit Facility No. 2, and for general corporate purposes. See ‘‘Use of Proceeds.’’


Dividend policy		On , 2006, our board of directors declared an ordinary dividend of $ per common share, or an aggregate of $ , for the three months ended , 2006, which is payable on , 2006. This dividend may not be indicative of the amount of any future dividends. We intend to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends to our shareholders. We plan to grow our dividends through the acquisition of additional aviation assets. The payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on many factors, including our ability to make and finance acquisitions, our ability to negotiate favorable lease and other contractual terms, the financial condition and liquidity of our lessees, unexpected or increased expenses, the level and timing of capital expenditures, principal repayments and other capital needs, the value of our aircraft portfolio, our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, general business conditions, restrictions imposed by financing arrangements, legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. In any quarterly period, we may pay dividends in excess of net income for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP. See ‘‘Dividend Policy.’’ We expect that our dividends will not be eligible for either the dividends-received deduction for corporate U.S. Holders or treatment as ‘‘qualified dividend income’’ (which is taxable at rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains) for U.S. Holders taxed as individuals.

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Proposed New York Stock Exchange symbol


Risk factors		Please read the section entitled ‘‘Risk Factors’’ beginning on page 10 for a discussion of some of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our common shares.


Important tax considerations		We expect that we will be treated as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In order to avoid possible deferred tax and interest charges under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and regulations thereunder, you will need to make a ‘‘qualified electing fund,’’ or QEF, election, with respect to your investment in common shares and with respect to each of our PFIC subsidiaries. Investors who are U.S. persons should consult with their tax advisors as to whether or not to make such election and the related consequences and should carefully review the information set forth under ‘‘Material Tax Considerations — Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — Consequences to U.S. Holders — Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Related Tax Consequences’’ for additional information.

The number of common shares to be issued and outstanding after this offering is based on 40,992,000 common shares issued and outstanding as of , 2006, and excludes an additional 3,138,000 common shares which remain available for issuance under our equity and incentive plan.

Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus:


•	assumes an initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus; and


•	assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase an additional common shares from us to cover over-allotments.

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Summary Consolidated Financial Information

The following tables summarize the consolidated financial information for our business. You should read these tables along with ‘‘Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,’’ ‘‘Business’’ and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

We derived the summary historical consolidated statements of operations data and consolidated statements of cash flows data for the period from inception through December 31, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2005 and the summary historical consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2004 and 2005, set forth below, from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. AL was incorporated and commenced operations on October 29, 2004. The statements of operations data and consolidated statements of cash flows data for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2006 and the balance sheets data as of March 31, 2006 are derived from our unaudited consolidated interim financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year.


	Period from October 29 (Commencement of Operations) Through December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Three Months Ended March 31,
	2004			2005			2005			2006
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Total revenues		$	78		$	36,026		$	2,187		$	33,012
Selling, general and administrative expenses			1,117			12,595			1,548			5,954
Depreciation			390			14,460			1,462			9,915
Interest expense, net			(9)			7,739			313			7,717
Income (loss) from continuing operations			(1,465)			(879)			(1,374)			7,781
Discontinued operations			—			1,107			—			3,399
Net income (loss)			(1,465)			228			(1,374)			11,180
Basic income (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	(.04)		$	(.02)		$	(.03)		$	.19
Discontinued operations		$	—		$	.03		$	—		$	.08
Net income (loss)		$	(.04)		$	.01		$	(.03)		$	.27
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	(.04)		$	(.02)		$	(.03)		$	.19
Discontinued operations		$	—		$	.03		$	—		$	.08
Net income (loss)		$	(.04)		$	.01		$	(.03)		$	.27
Other Operating Data:
EBITDA(1)			(1,084)			22,260			570			26,417
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data:
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities		$	4,290		$	20,562		$	(1,886)		$	13,904
Cash flows used in investing activities			(97,405)			(742,144)			(51,313)			(255,159)
Cash flows provided by financing activities			93,115			801,525			96,656			188,866

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	As of December 31,							As of March 31,
	2004			2005				2006
	(Dollars in thousands)
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
Flight equipment held for lease, net of accumulated depreciation		$	94,430		$	746,124			$	941,692
Debt securities, available for sale			—			26,907				120,558
Total assets			104,981			967,532				1,218,462
Borrowings under credit facilities			—			490,588				568,859
Repurchase agreements			—			8,665				84,434
Shareholders' equity (2)			99,235			410,936				475,800
Other Data:
Number of aircraft (at end of period)			3			32				42
Total debt to total capitalization			N/A			54.9	%			57.9	%

(1) EBITDA is a measure of operating performance that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for net income, income from operations or cash flows provided by or used in operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is a key measure of our operating performance used by management to focus on consolidated operating performance exclusive of income and expense that relate to the financing and capitalization of the business.

We define EBITDA as income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. We use EBITDA to assess our consolidated financial and operating performance, and we believe this non-GAAP measure, is helpful in identifying trends in our performance. This measure provides an assessment of controllable expenses and affords management the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial performance. It provides an indicator for management to determine if adjustments to current spending decisions are needed. EBITDA provides us with a measure of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis as it removes the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest charges on our outstanding debt) and asset base (primarily depreciation and amortization) from our operating results. Accordingly, this metric measures our financial performance based on operational factors that management can impact in the short-term, namely the cost structure or expenses of the organization. EBITDA is one of the metrics used by senior management and our board of directors to review the consolidated financial performance of the business.

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The table below shows the reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2006 and the period from October 29 through December 31, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2005.


	Period from October 29, 2004 (Commencement of Operations) Through December 31, 2004				Year Ended December 31, 2005				Three Months Ended March 31,
					Year Ended December 31, 2005				2005				2006
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss)		$	(1,465	)		$	228			$	(1,374	)		$	11,180
Depreciation			390				14,460				1,462				9,915
Interest, net			(9	)			7,739				313				7,717
Income tax provision			—				940				169				1,004
Earnings from discontinued operations, net taxes			—				(1,107	)			—				(3,399	)
EBITDA		$	(1,084	)		$	22,260			$	570			$	26,417

(2) The following table sets forth (a) our capitalization at March 31, 2006, (b) our capitalization as of such date as adjusted to give effect to: (i) the use of a portion of proceeds from Securitization No. 1 to repay $487.0 million of indebtedness under Credit Facility No. 1 and to return $36.9 million to Fortress in exchange for the cancellation of 3,693,200 common shares; (ii) the payment of an ordinary dividend from cash on hand in the amount of $ per common share, or an aggregate of $ million, declared by our board of directors on , 2006 and paid on , 2006; and (iii) the purchase of 277,000 common shares by employees and a director nominee in May, 2006 and (c) our capitalization as of such date as further adjusted to give effect to this offering and the use of proceeds therefrom.


	Actual			Adjusted		As further Adjusted
Borrowings under credit facilities		$	568,859		$		$
Securitization debt			—
Repurchase agreements			84,434
Common shares			444
Additional paid-in capital			438,189
Retained earnings			9,943
Accumulated other comprehensive income			27,224
Total shareholders' equity			475,800
Total capitalization		$	1,129,093		$		$

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Risk Factors

Investing in our common shares involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as other information contained in this prospectus, before deciding to invest in our common shares. Generally, the risks facing us fall into five categories – Risks Related to Our Business, Risks Related to the Aviation Industry, Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure, Risks Related to this Offering, and Risks Related to Taxation. The occurrence of any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow, in which case, the trading price of our common shares would decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

Risks related to our operations

We have limited operating history and we are therefore subject to the risks generally associated with the formation of any new business.

We were incorporated in October 2004, prior to which we had no operations or assets. We are therefore subject to the risks generally associated with the formation of any new business, including the risk that we will not be able to implement our business strategies. Because of our limited operating history, it will be difficult for investors to assess the quality of our management team and our results of operations, and our financial performance to date may not be indicative of our long-term future performance. Furthermore, due to the lack of comparative annual historical financial statements, investors will find it more difficult to evaluate our performance and assess our future prospects than it would be were such information available. In addition, over our brief history we have incurred net losses of approximately $1.5 million for the period from October 29, 2004 through December 31, 2004, net income of only $228,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005, and net income of approximately $11.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. We may not be able to achieve, maintain and/or increase profitability in the future.

We have significant customer concentration and the loss of one or more of our major customers could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow and earnings and our ability to meet our debt obligations and pay dividends on our common shares.

Lease rental revenue from our four largest customers, US Airways, Inc., Hainan Airlines, Swiss International and Air India, accounted for 50.1% of our total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The lease rental revenue, as a percent of our total revenue, for these four customers for that period was 28.1%, 11.5%, 5.5% and 5.0%, respectively. These customers operate under 13 operating lease agreements that have terms ranging from 1.5 to 8.0 years. In addition, US Airways, Inc. reorganized under Chapter 11 in August 2002 and exited bankruptcy in March 2003. US Airways, Inc. again reorganized in September 2004 and, in September 2005, exited bankruptcy and merged with America West Airlines. The loss of one or more of these customers or their inability to make operating lease payments due to financial difficulties, bankruptcy or otherwise could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow and earnings and our ability to meet our debt obligations and pay dividends on our common shares.

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Under our current business model, we will need additional capital to finance our growth, and we may not be able to obtain it on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which may limit our ability to grow and compete in the aviation market.

Continued expansion of our business through the acquisition of additional aircraft and other aviation assets will require additional capital, particularly if we were to accelerate our acquisition plans. Financing may not be available to us or may be available to us only on terms that are not favorable. In addition, the terms of certain of our outstanding indebtedness restrict, among other things, our ability to incur additional debt. Our Credit Facility No. 2, subject to certain limited exceptions, prohibits us from incurring additional recourse debt or guaranteeing the indebtedness of our subsidiaries. If we are unable to raise additional funds or obtain capital on terms acceptable to us, we may have to delay, modify or abandon some or all of our growth strategies. Further, if additional capital is raised through the issuance of additional equity securities, the percentage ownership of our then current common shareholders would be diluted. Newly issued equity securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common shares. See ‘‘Description of Share Capital.’’

We may not be able to issue aircraft lease-backed securities on attractive terms, which may require us to seek more costly or dilutive financing for our investments or to liquidate assets.

We intend to continue to finance our aircraft portfolio on a long-term basis through the aircraft securitization market. We use short-term credit facilities to finance the acquisition of aircraft until we accumulate a sufficient quantity, quality and diversity of aircraft, at which time we intend to refinance these facilities through a securitization, such as an issuance of aircraft lease-backed securities, or other long-term financing. As a result, we are subject to the risk that we will not be able to acquire, during the period that our credit facilities are available, a sufficient amount of eligible aircraft to maximize the efficiency of an issuance of aircraft lease-backed securities. We also may not be able to obtain additional credit facilities or may not be able to renew or refinance any of our existing credit facilities should we need more time to acquire aircraft necessary for a long-term securitization financing. In addition, we anticipate refinancing our securitization transactions within five years of closing each such transaction. The inability to renew or refinance our credit facilities may require us to seek more costly or dilutive financing for our aircraft or to liquidate assets. In addition, conditions in the capital markets may make the issuance of aircraft lease-backed securities more costly or otherwise less attractive to us when we do have a sufficient pool of aircraft or during the period of time when we anticipate refinancing a securitization portfolio. We also may not be able to structure any future securitizations to allow for distributions of excess securitization cash flows to us. If we are unable to access the securitization market to finance these assets, we may be required to seek other forms of more costly, dilutive or otherwise less attractive financing or otherwise to liquidate the assets.

An increase in our borrowing costs may adversely affect our earnings and cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

We enter into repurchase agreements to finance a portion of the purchase price of our debt securities. Our repurchase agreements typically have initial terms to maturity of between six months and one year. We utilize credit facilities to finance a portion of the purchase price of our aircraft. Our credit facilities have had initial terms to maturity of between one and two years. As our repurchase agreements and credit facilities mature, we will be required to either refinance these instruments by entering into new repurchase agreements or credit facilities, which could result in higher borrowing costs, or repay them by using cash on hand or cash from the sale of our assets.

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Our repurchase agreements and credit facilities are LIBOR-based floating-rate obligations and the interest expense we incur will vary with changes in the applicable LIBOR reference rate. As a result, an increase in short-term rates will increase our interest costs and may reduce the spread between the returns on our portfolio investments and the cost of our borrowings. An increase in interest rates would adversely affect the market value of our debt investments that are fixed-rate and/or subject them to prepayment or extension risk, which may adversely affect our earnings and cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

As of March 31, 2006, if interest rates were to increase by 1%, we would expect to incur an increase in interest expense on our repurchase agreements of approximately $25,000 on an annualized basis, net of amounts received from our interest rate hedges. Also, as of March 31, 2006, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the use of a portion of the proceeds of Securitization No. 1 to pay down a portion of the outstanding obligations on our credit facilities, if interest rates were to increase by 1%, we would expect to incur an increase in annual interest expense on our credit facilities of approximately $46,000 on an annualized basis, net of amounts received from our interest rate hedges.

Departure of key officers could harm our business and financial results.

Our senior management's reputations and relationships with lessees and sellers of aircraft are a critical element of our business. We encounter intense competition for qualified employees from other companies in the airline leasing industry, and we believe there are only a limited number of available qualified executives in our industry. Our future success depends, to a significant extent, upon the continued service of our senior management personnel, particularly: Ron Wainshal, our Chief Executive Officer; Mark Zeidman, our Chief Financial Officer; and David Walton, our Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, each of whose services are critical to the successful implementation of our growth strategies. These key officers have been with us as we have substantially grown our operations since the end of 2005 and as a result have been critical to our development. If we were to lose the services of any of these individuals, our business and financial results could be adversely affected. See ‘‘Management.’’

We may not be able to pay or maintain dividends and the failure to do so would adversely affect our share price.

On , 2006, our board of directors declared an ordinary dividend of $ per common share, or an aggregate of $ , for the three months ended , 2006, which is payable on , 2006. This dividend may not be indicative of the amount of any future dividends. We intend to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends to our shareholders; however, our ability to pay, maintain or expand cash dividends to our shareholders and to execute our dividend payment strategy is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on many factors, including our ability to make and finance acquisitions, our ability to negotiate favorable lease and other contractual terms, the level of demand for our aircraft, the economic condition of the commercial aviation industry generally, the financial condition and liquidity of our lessees, the lease rates we are able to charge and realize, our leasing costs, unexpected or increased expenses, the level and timing of capital expenditures, principal repayments and other capital needs, the value of our aircraft portfolio, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, general business conditions, restrictions imposed by our securitizations or other financing arrangements (including our credit facilities), legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. Some of the factors are beyond our control and a change in any such factor could affect our ability to pay dividends on our common shares. In the future we may not be able to pay or maintain dividends. We also may not be able to maintain our current level of dividends or increase them over time. Increases in demand for our aircraft and operating lease payments may not occur, and may not increase our actual cash

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available for dividends to our common shareholders. See ‘‘Dividend Policy.’’ The failure to maintain or pay dividends would adversely affect our share price.

We are subject to risks related to our indebtedness that may limit our operational flexibility, our ability to compete with our competitors and our ability to pay dividends on our common shares.

General Risks. Our indebtedness subjects us to certain risks, including:


•	substantially all of our aircraft leases serve as collateral for our secured indebtedness and the terms of certain of our indebtedness require us to use proceeds from sales of aircraft, in part, to repay amounts outstanding under such indebtedness;


•	we may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations, if available, to debt service payments, thereby reducing the amount of our cash flow available to pay dividends, fund working capital, make capital expenditures and satisfy other needs;


•	our failure to comply with the terms of our indebtedness, including restrictive covenants contained therein, may result in additional interest being due or defaults that could result in the acceleration of the principal, and unpaid interest on, the defaulted debt, as well as the forfeiture of the aircraft pledged as collateral; and


•	we are not permitted to pay dividends on our common shares to the extent a default or an event of default exists under Credit Facility No. 2.

Risks relating to Securitization No. 1. The terms of Securitization No. 1 require us to satisfy certain financial covenants, including the maintenance of debt service coverage ratios. Our compliance with these covenants depends substantially upon the timely receipt of lease payments from our lessees. In particular, during the first five years from issuance, Securitization No. 1 has an amortization schedule that requires that lease payments be applied to reduce the outstanding principal balance of the indebtedness so that such balance remains at 54.8% of the assumed future depreciated value of the portfolio. If the debt service coverage ratio requirements are not met on two consecutive monthly payment dates in the fourth and fifth year following the closing date of Securitization No. 1, and in any month following the fifth anniversary of the closing date, all excess securitization cash flow is required to be used to reduce the principal balance of the indebtedness and will not be available to us for other purposes, including paying dividends to our shareholders.

In addition, under the terms of Securitization No. 1, certain transactions will require the consent or approval of one or more of the securitization trustees, the rating agencies that rated the Portfolio 1 certificates and the financial guaranty insurance policy issuer for the securitization, including (i) sales of aircraft at prices below certain scheduled minimum amounts or, in any calendar year, in amounts in excess of 10% of the portfolio value at the beginning of that year, (ii) the re-leasing of aircraft to the extent not in compliance with the lessee and geographic concentration limits, and the other operating covenants, pursuant to the terms of the securitization (iii) modifying an aircraft if the cost thereof would exceed certain amounts or (iv) entering into any transaction between us and the Securitization No. 1 entities not already contemplated in the securitization. Absent the aforementioned consent, which we may not receive, the lessee and geographic concentration limits under Securitization No. 1 will require us to re-lease the aircraft to a diverse set of customers, and may place limits on our ability to re-lease Portfolio No. 1 aircraft to certain customers in certain jurisdictions, even if to do so would provide the best risk-adjusted returns at that time.

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Risks relating to our credit facilities. The terms of our credit facilities restrict our ability to:


•	create liens on assets;


•	incur additional indebtedness;


•	sell assets;


•	make certain investments or capital expenditures;


•	engage in mergers, amalgamations or consolidations;


•	engage in certain transactions with affiliates;


•	incur secured indebtedness; and


•	receive payments or excess cash flows from subsidiaries.

Credit Facility No. 2 requires us to make principal payments to the extent that amounts outstanding under the facility exceed 85% of the depreciated book value of the aircraft financed with proceeds from the facility. In addition, upon completion of this offering, we will be required to maintain a consolidated net worth of at least $500 million under the terms of Credit Facility No. 2.

The restrictions described above may impair our ability to operate and compete with our direct and indirect competitors.

Risks Related to Our Aviation Assets

The variability of supply and demand for aircraft could depress lease rates for our aircraft, which would have an adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects and on our ability to meet our debt obligations and to pay dividends on our common shares.

The aircraft leasing and sales industry has experienced periods of aircraft oversupply and undersupply. The oversupply of a specific type of aircraft in the market is likely to depress aircraft lease rates for and the value of that type of aircraft.

The supply and demand for aircraft is affected by various cyclical and non-cyclical factors that are not under our control, including:


•	passenger and air cargo demand;


•	fuel costs and general economic conditions affecting our lessees’ operations;


•	geopolitical events, including war, prolonged armed conflict and acts of terrorism;


•	outbreaks of communicable diseases and natural disasters;


•	governmental regulation;


•	interest rates;


•	airline restructurings and bankruptcies;


•	the availability of credit;


•	manufacturer production levels and technological innovation;


•	retirement and obsolescence of aircraft models;


•	manufacturers merging or exiting the industry or ceasing to produce aircraft types;


•	reintroduction into service of aircraft previously in storage; and


•	airport and air traffic control infrastructure constraints.

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These factors may produce sharp decreases or increases in aircraft values and lease rates, which would impact our cost of acquiring aircraft, and may result in lease defaults and also prevent the aircraft from being re-leased or, if desired, sold on favorable terms. This would have an adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects and on our ability to meet our debt obligations and to pay dividends on our common shares.

Other factors that increase the risk of decline in aircraft value and lease rates could have an adverse affect on our financial results and growth prospects and on our ability to meet our debt obligations and to pay dividends on our common shares.

In addition to factors linked to the aviation industry generally, other factors that may affect the value and lease rates of our aircraft include:


•	the particular maintenance and operating history of the airframe and engines;


•	the number of operators using that type of aircraft;


•	whether the aircraft is subject to a lease and, if so, whether the lease terms are favorable to the lessor;


•	any renegotiation of a lease on less favorable terms;


•	any regulatory and legal requirements that must be satisfied before the aircraft can be purchased, sold or re-leased; and


•	compatibility of our aircraft configurations or specifications with other aircraft owned by operators of that type.

Any decrease in the values of and lease rates for commercial aircraft which may result from the above factors or other unanticipated factors may have a material adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects and on our ability to meet our debt obligations and to pay dividends on our common shares.

The concentration of aircraft types in our aircraft portfolio could lead to adverse effects on our business and financial results should any difficulties specific to these particular types of aircraft occur.

As of March 31, 2006, our aircraft portfolio included 14 aircraft types, the three highest concentrations of which together represented 51.8% of our aircraft by net book value:


•	A310-300F constitute 1.7%;


•	A319-100 constitute 5.1%;


•	A320-200 constitute 12.6%;


•	A330-200 constitute 6.2%;


•	A330-300 constitute 23.0%;


•	737-300 constitute 4.5%;


•	737-300QC constitute 4.4%;


•	737-400 constitute 5.9%;


•	737-500 constitute 3.3%;


•	737-700 constitute 2.6%;


•	737-800 constitute 16.2%;


•	767-200ER constitute 1.0%;


•	767-300ER constitute 10.0%; and


•	747-400PC constitute 3.5%.

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Should any of these aircraft types (or other types we acquire in the future) or Airbus or Boeing encounter technical, financial or other difficulties, a diminution in value of such aircraft, an inability to lease the aircraft on favorable terms or at all, or a potential grounding of such aircraft could occur. As a result, the inability to lease the affected aircraft types may have an adverse effect on our financial results, to the extent the affected aircraft types comprise a significant percentage of our aircraft portfolio. The composition of our aircraft portfolio may therefore adversely affect our business and financial results. In addition, the abandonment or rejection of the lease of any of the aircraft listed above by one or more carriers in reorganization proceedings under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or comparable statutes in non-U.S. jurisdictions may diminish the value of such aircraft and will subject us to re-leasing risks.

The advanced age of some of our aircraft may expose us to higher than anticipated maintenance related expenses, which could adversely affect our financial results and our ability to pursue additional acquisitions.

As of March 31, 2006, the average age of our aircraft portfolio calculated from the date of delivery by manufacturer, and weighted by net book value, was 8.7 years. In general, the costs of operating an aircraft, including maintenance expenditures, increase with the age of the aircraft. Also, older aircraft typically are less fuel-efficient than newer aircraft and may be more difficult to re-lease or sell. Variable expenses like fuel, crew size or aging aircraft corrosion control or modification programs and related airworthiness directives could make the operation of older aircraft less economically feasible and may result in increased lessee defaults. We may also incur some of these increased maintenance expenses and regulatory costs upon acquisition or releasing of our aircraft. Any of these expenses or costs will have a negative impact on our financial results and our ability to pursue additional acquisitions.

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities in aviation assets and for the leasing of aircraft.

A number of entities compete with us to make the types of investments that we plan to make. We compete with public partnerships, investors and funds, commercial and investment banks and commercial finance companies with respect to our investments in debt securities. We compete with other operating lessors, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, financial institutions (including those seeking to dispose of repossessed aircraft at distressed prices), aircraft brokers and other investors with respect to aircraft acquisitions and aircraft leasing. The aircraft leasing industry may be divided into two leasing segments: (i) leasing of new aircraft acquired directly or indirectly from manufacturers and (ii) leasing or re-leasing of aircraft in the secondary market. Currently, we compete primarily in the latter segment, and our competition is comprised of other aircraft leasing companies, including GE Capital Aviation Services, International Lease Finance Corp., CIT Group, AerCap, Aviation Capital Group, Pegasus, GATX Air, RBS Aviation Capital, AWAS, Babcock & Brown and Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise.

Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships than us and bid more aggressively on aviation assets available for sale and offer lower lease rates than us. For instance, we may not be able to grant privileged rental rates to airlines in return for equity investments or debt financings in order to lease aircraft and minimize the number of aircraft on the ground (unless such equity investments or debt financings are in connection with the bankruptcy, reorganization or similar process of a lessee in settlement of expected or already delinquent obligations, as permitted under the terms of certain of our indebtedness). Certain of our competitors, however, may enter

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into similar arrangements with troubled lessees to restructure the obligations of those lessees while maximizing the number of aircraft remaining on viable leases to such lessees and minimizing their overall cost. Such disparity could impair our ability to effectively compete in the marketplace, maximize our revenues and grow our business. In addition, some competitors may provide financial services, maintenance services or other inducements to potential lessees that we cannot provide. As a result of competitive pressures, we may not be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time, and we may not be able to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objectives. Additionally, we may not be able to compete effectively against present and future competitors in the aircraft leasing market. The competitive pressures we face may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not realize gains or income from our debt investments.

We seek to generate both current income and capital appreciation. The debt securities in which we invest may not appreciate in value, and, in fact, may decline in value and default on interest and/or principal payments. As of March 31, 2006, all of the obligors under our debt investments are U.S. airlines. During the past 15 years a number of North American passenger airlines, including US Airways, Inc, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and several major U.S. airlines ceased operations altogether.

As in Europe, North America has experienced the development of low-cost carriers and the resultant increased competition among such carriers and between such carriers and traditional carriers. This evolution in the North American airline industry may have a material adverse effect on the ability of North American lessees to meet their financial and other obligations under our leases. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains or income from our debt investments. Any gains that we do realize may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience. Any income that we realize may not be sufficient to offset our expenses.

Declines in the market values of our debt investments may adversely affect periodic reported results and credit availability, which may reduce earnings and, in turn, cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

Our debt investments are, and we believe are likely to continue to be, classified for accounting purposes as available for sale. Changes in the market values of those assets will be directly charged or credited to shareholders' equity. As a result, a decline in values may reduce the book value of our assets. Moreover, if the decline in value of an available for sale security is considered by our management to be other than temporary, such decline will reduce our earnings.

A decline in the market value of our debt investments may adversely affect us particularly in instances where we have borrowed money based on the market value of those debt investments. If the market value of those assets declines, the lender may require us to post additional collateral to support the loan. If we were unable to post the additional collateral, we would have to sell those assets or other assets at a time when we might not otherwise choose to do so. A reduction in available credit may reduce our earnings and, in turn, cash available for distribution to shareholders.

Market values of our debt investments may decline for a number of reasons, such as causes related to changes in prevailing market rates, increases in defaults, increases in voluntary prepayments for any debt investments that we have that are subject to prepayment risk, and widening of credit spreads.

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Risks related to our leases

We generally will need to re-lease or sell aircraft as current leases expire to continue to generate sufficient funds to meet our debt obligations, to finance our growth and operations and to pay dividends on our common shares, and we may not be able to re-lease or sell such aircraft on favorable terms, or at all.

Our business strategy entails the need to re-lease aircraft as our current leases expire in order to continue to generate sufficient revenues to meet our debt obligations, to finance our growth and operations and to pay dividends on our common shares. The ability to re-lease aircraft will depend on general market and competitive conditions. If we are not able to re-lease an aircraft, we may need to attempt to sell the aircraft to provide adequate funds for debt payments and to otherwise finance our growth and operations. Further, our ability to re-lease or sell aircraft on favorable terms or at all or without significant off-lease time is likely to be adversely impacted by risks affecting the airline industry.

A schedule of contractual lease expirations by year and aircraft type is presented in the table below. Leases subject to extension options are shown at the expiration of the current lease term. The table assumes that, except as indicated, no lease terminates prematurely, no substitute aircraft are delivered, no aircraft are sold and no additional aircraft are purchased. Contractual revenues represented by expiring leases totaled $2.6 million in 2006, $4.0 million in 2007 and $11.7 million in 2008. More aircraft will need to be re-leased to the extent leases terminate prematurely.

Lease Expiration by Year, at March 31, 2006


	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014
A310-300F	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
A319-100	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
A320-200	1	1	0	2	1	0	0	0	0
A330-200	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
A330-300	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	0
737-300	0	0	5	0	0	0	0	0	0
737-300QC	0	0	1	3	0	0	0	0	0
737-400	0	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	0
737-500	0	0	0	1	3	0	1	0	0
737-700	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0
737-800	0	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	2
747-400PC	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
767-200ER	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
767-300ER	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0
Total	2	6	9	10	5	3	5	0	2

If lessees are unable to fund their maintenance requirements on our aircraft, our cash flow and our ability to meet our debt obligations or to pay dividends on our common shares could be adversely affected.

The standards of maintenance observed by the various lessees and the condition of the aircraft at the time of sale or lease may affect the future values and rental rates for our aircraft.

Under our leases, the relevant lessee is primarily responsible for maintaining the aircraft and complying with all governmental requirements applicable to the lessee and the aircraft,

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including, without limitation, operational, maintenance, and registration requirements and airworthiness directives (although in certain cases we have agreed to share the cost of complying with certain airworthiness directives). Failure of a lessee to perform required maintenance with respect to an aircraft during the term of a lease could result in a diminution in value of such aircraft, an inability to lease the aircraft at favorable rates or at all, or a potential grounding of such aircraft, and will likely require us to incur maintenance and modification costs upon the expiration or earlier termination of the applicable lease, which could be substantial, to restore such aircraft to an acceptable condition prior to sale or re-leasing.

As of March 31, 2006, 25 of our leases provide that the lessee is required to make periodic payments to us during the lease term in order to provide cash reserves for the payment of maintenance tied to the usage of the aircraft. In these leases there is an associated liability for us to reimburse the lessee for such scheduled maintenance performed on the related aircraft, based on formulas tied to the extent of any of the lessee’s maintenance reserve payments. In some cases, we are obligated and in the future may incur additional obligations pursuant to the terms of the leases to contribute to the cost of maintenance work performed by the lessee in addition to maintenance reserve payments.

Our operational cash flow and available liquidity may not be sufficient to fund our maintenance requirements, particularly as our aircraft age. Actual rental and maintenance payments by lessees and other cash that we receive may be significantly less than projected as a result of numerous factors, including defaults by lessees and our potential inability to obtain satisfactory maintenance terms in leases. Seventeen of our leases at March 31, 2006 do not provide for any periodic maintenance reserve payments to be made by lessees to us in respect of their maintenance obligations, and it is possible that future leases will not contain such requirements. Maintenance reserves may not cover the entire expense of the scheduled maintenance they are intended to fund. In addition, maintenance reserves typically cover only certain scheduled maintenance requirements and do not cover all required maintenance and all scheduled maintenance. Furthermore, lessees may not meet their obligations to pay maintenance reserves or perform required scheduled maintenance. Any significant variations in such factors may materially adversely affect our business and particularly our cash position, which would make it difficult for us to meet our debt obligations or to pay dividends on our common shares.

Failure to pay certain potential additional operating costs could result in the grounding of our aircraft and prevent the re-lease, sale or other use of our aircraft, which would negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

As in the case of maintenance costs, we may incur other operational costs upon a lessee default or where the terms of the lease require us to pay a portion of those costs. Such costs include:


•	the costs of casualty, liability and political risk insurance and the liability costs or losses when insurance coverage has not been or cannot be obtained as required or is insufficient in amount or scope;


•	the costs of licensing, exporting or importing an aircraft, airport taxes, customs duties, air navigation charges, landing fees and similar governmental or quasi-governmental impositions, which can be substantial; and


•	penalties and costs associated with the failure of lessees to keep the aircraft registered under all appropriate local requirements or obtain required governmental licenses, consents and approvals.

The failure to pay certain of these costs can result in liens on the aircraft and the failure to register the aircraft can result in a loss of insurance. These matters could result in the grounding

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of the aircraft and prevent the re-lease, sale or other use of the aircraft until the problem is cured, which would negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our lessees may have inadequate insurance coverage or fail to fulfill their respective indemnity obligations, which could result in us not being covered for claims asserted against us and may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

While we do not directly control the operation of any of our aircraft, by virtue of holding title to the aircraft (directly or through a securitization related special purpose entity), in certain jurisdictions around the world, aircraft lessors are held strictly liable for losses resulting from the operation of aircraft or may be held liable for those losses on other legal theories.

The lessees are required under our leases to indemnify us for, and insure against, liabilities arising out of the use and operation of the aircraft, including third-party claims for death or injury to persons and damage to property for which we may be deemed liable. Lessees are also required to maintain public liability, property damage and hull all risks and hull war risks insurance on the aircraft at agreed upon levels. However, they are not generally required to maintain political risk insurance. The hull insurance is typically subject to standard market hull deductibles based on aircraft type that generally range from $250,000 to $1,000,000. These deductibles may be higher in some leases, and lessees usually have fleet-wide deductibles for liability insurance and occurrence or fleet limits on war risk insurance. Any hull insurance proceeds in respect of such claims shall be paid first to us as lessor in the event of loss of the aircraft or, in the absence of an event of loss of the aircraft, to the lessee to effect repairs or, in the case of liability insurance, for indemnification of third-party liabilities. Subject to the terms of the applicable lease, the balance of any hull insurance proceeds after deduction for all amounts due and payable by the lessee to the lessor under such lease must be paid to the lessee.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, aviation insurers significantly reduced the amount of insurance coverage available to airlines for liability to persons other than employees or passengers for claims resulting from acts of terrorism, war or similar events. At the same time, they significantly increased the premiums for such third-party war risk and terrorism liability insurance and coverage in general. As a result, the amount of such third-party war risk and terrorism liability insurance that is commercially available at any time may be below the amount stipulated in our leases and required by the market in general.

Our lessees’ insurance, including any available governmental supplemental coverage, may not be sufficient to cover all types of claims that may be asserted against us. Any inadequate insurance coverage or default by lessees in fulfilling their indemnification or insurance obligations or the lack of political risk, hull, war or third-party war risk and terrorism liability insurance will reduce the proceeds that would be received by us upon an event of loss under the respective leases or upon a claim under the relevant liability insurance, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to obtain certain required licenses and approvals could negatively affect our ability to re-lease or sell aircraft, which would negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

A number of leases require specific licenses, consents or approvals for different aspects of the leases. These include consents from governmental or regulatory authorities for certain payments under the leases and for the import, re-export or deregistration of the aircraft. Subsequent changes in applicable law or administrative practice may increase such requirements. In addition, a governmental consent, once given, might be withdrawn. Furthermore, consents needed in connection with future re-leasing or sale of an aircraft may not be forthcoming. Any of these events could adversely affect our ability to re-lease or sell aircraft, which would negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

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Due to the fact that many of our lessees operate in emerging markets, we are indirectly subject to many of the economic and political risks associated with competing in such markets.

Emerging markets are countries which have less developed economies that are vulnerable to economic and political problems, such as significant fluctuations in gross domestic product, interest and currency exchange rates, civil disturbances, government instability, nationalization and expropriation of private assets and the imposition of taxes or other charges by governments. The occurrence of any of these events in markets served by our lessees and the resulting instability may adversely affect our ownership interest in an aircraft or the ability of lessees which operate in these markets to meet their lease obligations and these lessees may be more likely to default than lessees that operate in developed economies. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, 12 of our lessees which operated 21 aircraft and generated lease rental revenue representing 40.7% of our total revenue, are domiciled or habitually based in emerging markets.

Risks related to our lessees

Lessee defaults and other credit problems could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We operate as a supplier to airlines and are indirectly impacted by all the risks facing airlines today. Our ability to succeed is dependent upon (i) the financial strength of our lessees, (ii) the ability to diligence and appropriately assess the credit risk of our lessees and (iii) the ability of lessees to perform their contractual obligations to us. The ability of each lessee to perform its obligations under its lease will depend primarily on the lessee’s financial condition and cash flow, which may be affected by factors beyond our control, including:


•	competition;


•	fare levels;


•	air cargo rates;


•	passenger and air cargo demand;


•	geopolitical and other events, including war, acts of terrorism, outbreaks of epidemic diseases and natural disasters;


•	operating costs (including the price and availability of jet fuel and labor costs);


•	labor difficulties;


•	economic conditions and currency fluctuations in the countries and regions in which the lessee operates; and


•	governmental regulation of or affecting the air transportation business.

As a general matter, airlines with weak capital structures are more likely than well-capitalized airlines to seek operating leases, and, at any point in time, investors should expect a varying number of lessees and sublessees to experience payment difficulties. As a result of their weak financial condition, a large portion of lessees over time may be significantly in arrears in their rental or maintenance payments. Many of our existing lessees are in a weak financial condition and suffer liquidity problems, and this is likely to be the case in the future and with other lessees and sublessees of our aircraft as well. In addition, many of our lessees are exposed to currency risk due to the fact that they earn revenues in their local currencies and certain of their liabilities and expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars, including lease payments to us. However, given the size of our aircraft portfolio, we expect that some lessees from time to time, and possibly in the near future, will be slow in making or will fail to make their payments in full under the leases.

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We may not correctly assess the credit risk of each lessee or charge risk-adjusted lease rates, and lessees may not be able to continue to perform their financial and other obligations under our leases in the future. A delayed, missed or reduced rental payment from a lessee decreases our revenues and cash flow and may adversely affect our ability to make payments on our indebtedness and to pay dividends on our common shares. While we may experience some level of delinquency under our leases, default levels may increase over time, particularly as our aircraft portfolio ages and if economic conditions deteriorate. A lessee may experience periodic difficulties that are not financial in nature, which could impair its performance of its maintenance obligations under the leases. These difficulties may include the failure to perform under the required aircraft maintenance program in a sufficient manner and labor-management disagreements or disputes.

We will typically not be in possession of any aircraft while the aircraft are on lease to the lessees. Consequently, our ability to determine the condition of the aircraft or whether the lessees are properly maintaining the aircraft will be limited to periodic inspections we perform or that are performed on our behalf by third-party service providers or aircraft inspectors. A continuous failure by a lessee to meet its maintenance obligations under the relevant lease could:


•	result in a grounding of the aircraft;


•	in the event of a re-lease of the aircraft, cause us to incur costs, which may be substantial, in restoring the aircraft to an acceptable maintenance condition in order to induce a subsequent lessee to lease the aircraft;


•	result in us not being able to re-lease the aircraft promptly or result in a lower rental rate or a shorter term lease following repossession of the aircraft; and


•	adversely affect the value of the aircraft.

In the event that a lessee defaults under a lease, any security deposit paid or letter of credit provided by the lessee may not be sufficient to cover the lessee’s outstanding or unpaid lease obligations and required maintenance expenses.

If our lessees encounter financial difficulties and we decide to restructure our leases with those lessees, this would result in less favorable leases and could result in significant reductions in our cash flow and affect our ability to meet our debt obligations and to pay dividends on our common shares.

When a lessee (i) is late in making payments, (ii) fails to make payments in full or in part under the lease or (iii) has otherwise advised us that it will in the future fail to make payments in full or in part under the lease, we may elect to or be required to restructure the lease. Restructuring may involve anything from a simple rescheduling of payments to the termination of a lease without receiving all or any of the past due amounts. Since our formation in October 2004, none of our lessees have been granted reductions in or deferrals of rental payments due under the leases, although some have been slow in making the required lease payments. If any future requests are made and granted, we expect that the reduced or deferred rental payments would be payable over all or some part of the remaining term of the lease although the terms of any revised payment schedules may be unfavorable and such payments may not be made. We may be unable to agree upon acceptable terms for some or all of the requested restructurings and as a result may be forced to exercise our remedies under those leases. If we, in the exercise of our remedies, repossess the aircraft, we may not be able to re-lease the aircraft promptly at favorable rates, or at all. You should expect that restructurings and/or repossessions with some lessees might occur.

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The terms and conditions of possible lease restructurings may result in significant reductions of rental payments, which may adversely affect our cash flows and our ability to meet our debt obligations and to pay dividends on our common shares.

Significant costs resulting from lease defaults could have an adverse effect on our business.

As of May 22, 2006, none of our lessees owed rental payments, maintenance reserves payments and/or security deposit payments under their respective leases that were past due for a period of 30 days or more. Although we have the right to repossess the aircraft and to exercise other remedies upon a lessee default, repossession of an aircraft after a lessee default would result in us incurring costs in excess of those incurred with respect to an aircraft returned at the end of the lease. Those costs include legal and other expenses of court or other governmental proceedings (including the cost of posting surety bonds or letters of credit necessary to effect repossession of aircraft), particularly if the lessee is contesting the proceedings or is in bankruptcy, to obtain possession and/or de-registration of the aircraft and flight and export permissions. Delays resulting from any of these proceedings would also increase the period of time during which the relevant aircraft is not generating revenue. In addition, we may incur substantial maintenance, refurbishment or repair costs that a defaulting lessee has failed to pay and that are necessary to put the aircraft in suitable condition for re-lease or sale and we may need to pay off liens, taxes and other governmental charges on the aircraft to obtain clear possession and to remarket the aircraft effectively. We may also incur other costs in connection with the physical possession of the aircraft.

We may also suffer other adverse consequences as a result of a lessee default and the related termination of the lease and the repossession of the related aircraft. Our rights upon a lessee default vary significantly depending upon the jurisdiction and the applicable law, including the need to obtain a court order for repossession of the aircraft and/or consents for de-registration or re-export of the aircraft. When a defaulting lessee is in bankruptcy, protective administration, insolvency or similar proceedings, additional limitations may apply. Certain jurisdictions will give rights to the trustee in bankruptcy or a similar officer to assume or reject the lease or to assign it to a third party, or will entitle the lessee or another third party to retain possession of the aircraft without paying lease rentals or performing all or some of the obligations under the relevant lease. Certain of our lessees are owned in whole or in part by government-related entities, which could complicate our efforts to repossess our aircraft in that government's jurisdiction. Accordingly, we may be delayed in, or prevented from, enforcing certain of our rights under a lease and in re-leasing the affected aircraft.

If we repossess an aircraft, we will not necessarily be able to export or de-register and profitably redeploy the aircraft. For instance, where a lessee or other operator flies only domestic routes in the jurisdiction in which the aircraft is registered, repossession may be more difficult, especially if the jurisdiction permits the lessee or the other operator to resist de-registration. Significant costs may also be incurred in retrieving or recreating aircraft records required for registration of the aircraft and obtaining a certificate of airworthiness for the aircraft.

If our lessees fail to appropriately discharge aircraft liens, we might find it necessary to pay such claims, which could have a negative effect on our cash position and our business.

In the normal course of business, liens that secure the payment of airport fees and taxes, custom duties, air navigation charges (including charges imposed by Eurocontrol), landing charges, crew wages, repairer’s charges, salvage or other liens, or ‘‘Aircraft Liens,’’ are likely, depending on the jurisdiction in question, to attach to the aircraft. The Aircraft Liens may secure substantial sums that may, in certain jurisdictions or for limited types of Aircraft Liens (particularly fleet liens), exceed the value of the particular aircraft to which the Aircraft Liens have attached. Although

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the financial obligations relating to these Aircraft Liens are the responsibilities of our lessees, if they fail to fulfill their obligations, Aircraft Liens may attach to our aircraft and ultimately become our responsibility. In some jurisdictions, Aircraft Liens may give the holder thereof the right to detain or, in limited cases, sell or cause the forfeiture of the aircraft.

Until they are discharged, Aircraft Liens could impair our ability to repossess, re-lease or resell our aircraft. Our lessees may not comply with their obligations under their respective leases to discharge Aircraft Liens arising during the terms of their leases, whether or not due to financial difficulties. If they do not, we may, in some cases, find it necessary to pay the claims secured by such Aircraft Liens in order to repossess the aircraft. Such payments would adversely affect our cash position and our business generally.

Failure to register aircraft in certain jurisdictions could result in adverse effects and penalties which could materially affect our business.

Pursuant to our existing leases, all of our aircraft are required to be duly registered at all times with the appropriate governmental civil aviation authority. Generally, in jurisdictions outside the United States, failure to maintain the registration of any aircraft that is on lease would be a default under the applicable lease, entitling us to exercise our rights and remedies thereunder if enforceable under applicable law. If an aircraft were to be operated without a valid registration, the lessee operator or, in some cases, the owner or lessor might be subject to penalties, which could constitute or result in an Aircraft Lien being placed on such aircraft. Lack of registration could have other adverse effects, including the inability to operate the aircraft and loss of insurance coverage, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business.

If our lessees fail to comply with government regulations regarding aircraft maintenance, we could be subject to costs that could adversely affect our cash position and our business.

In addition to the general aviation authority regulations and requirements regarding maintenance of aircraft, our aircraft may be subject to further maintenance requirements imposed by airworthiness directives, or ‘‘Airworthiness Directives’’, issued by aviation authorities. Airworthiness Directives typically set forth particular special maintenance actions or modifications to certain aircraft types or models that the owners or operators of aircraft must implement.

Each lessee generally is responsible for complying with all or some of the Airworthiness Directives with respect to the leased aircraft and is required to maintain the aircraft’s airworthiness. However, if a lessee fails to satisfy its obligations, or we have undertaken some obligations as to airworthiness under a lease, we may be required to bear (or, to the extent required under the relevant lease, to share) the cost of any Airworthiness Directives compliance. If any of our aircraft are not subject to a lease, we would be required to bear the entire cost of compliance. Such payments would adversely affect our cash position and our business generally.

Risks associated with the concentration of our lessees in certain geographical regions could harm our business.

Our business is exposed to local economic and political conditions that can influence the performance of lessees located in a particular region. Such adverse economic and political conditions include additional regulation or, in extreme cases, requisition. The effect of these conditions on payments to us will be more or less pronounced, depending on the concentration of lessees in the region with adverse conditions. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, lease rental revenues, as a percentage of total revenues, from lessees in the following regions, were 37.0% in Europe, 24.9% in Asia (including 14.4% in China), 28.1% in North America, and 5.0% in Latin America.

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European Concentration

Lease rental revenues from 16 lessees based in Europe accounted for 37.0% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Commercial airlines in Europe face, and can be expected to continue to face, increased competitive pressures, in part as a result of the deregulation of the airline industry by the European Union and the resultant development of low-cost carriers.

European countries generally have relatively strict environmental regulations and traffic constraints that can restrict operational flexibility and decrease aircraft productivity, which could significantly increase aircraft operating costs of all aircraft, including our aircraft, thereby adversely affecting lessees. The airline industry in European countries, as in the rest of the world generally, is highly sensitive to general economic conditions. A recession or other worsening of economic conditions or a terrorist attack in one or more of these countries, particularly if combined with either or both high fuel prices and a weak euro or other local currency, may have a material adverse effect on the ability of European lessees to meet their financial and other obligations under our leases.

Asian Concentration

Lease rental revenues from five lessees based in Asia accounted for 24.9% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The outbreak of SARS in 2003 had the largest negative impact on Asia, particularly China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. More recently, the Asian airline industry is demonstrating signs of recovery; however, a recurrence of SARS or the outbreaks of another epidemic disease, such as avian influenza, which many experts think would originate in Asia, would likely adversely affect the Asian airline industry.

Lease rental revenues from two lessees based in China accounted for 14.4% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2006, with one lessee, Hainan Airlines, accounting for 11.5% of our total revenues. Major obstacles to the Chinese airline industry’s development exist, including the continuing government control and regulation over the industry. If such control and regulation persists or expands, the Chinese airline industry would likely experience a significant decrease in growth or restrictions on future growth, and it is conceivable that our interests in aircraft on lease to or our ability to lease to Chinese carriers could be adversely affected.

North American Concentration

Lease rental revenues from one lessee based in North America, US Airways, Inc. accounted for 28.1% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2006. During the past 15 years a number of North American passenger airlines, including US Airways, Inc, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and several major U.S. airlines ceased operations altogether. The outbreak of SARS, the war and prolonged conflict in Iraq and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States have imposed additional financial burdens on most U.S. airlines through tightened security measures and reduced demand for air travel.

Risks Related to the Aviation Industry

As high fuel prices continue to impact the profitability of the airline industry, our lessees might not be able to meet their lease payment obligations, which would have an adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects.

Fuel costs represent a major expense to companies operating within the airline industry. Fuel prices fluctuate widely depending primarily on international market conditions, geopolitical and

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environmental events and currency/exchange rates. As a result, fuel costs are not within the control of lessees and significant changes would materially affect their operating results.

Factors such as natural disasters can significantly affect fuel availability and prices. In August and September 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita inflicted widespread damage along the Gulf Coast of the United States, causing significant disruptions to oil production, refinery operations and pipeline capacity in the region and to oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. These disruptions have resulted in decreased fuel availability and higher fuel prices.

Fuel prices currently remain at historically high levels. The continuing high cost of fuel has had, and sustained high costs in the future may continue to have, a material adverse impact on airlines’ profitability (including our lessees). Due to the competitive nature of the airline industry, airlines have been and may continue to be unable to pass on increases in fuel prices to their customers by increasing fares in a manner that fully off-set the costs incurred. In addition, airlines may not be able to manage this risk by appropriately hedging their exposure to fuel price fluctuations. If fuel prices remain at historically high levels or increase further due to future terrorist attacks, acts of war, armed hostilities, natural disasters or for any other reason, they are likely to cause our lessees to incur higher costs and/or generate lower revenues, resulting in an adverse impact on their financial condition and liquidity. Consequently, these conditions may (i) affect our lessees' ability to make rental and other lease payments, (ii) result in lease restructurings and/or aircraft repossessions, (iii) increase our costs of servicing and marketing our aircraft, (iv) impair our ability to re-lease the aircraft or re-lease or otherwise dispose of the aircraft on a timely basis at favorable rates or terms, or at all, and (v) reduce the proceeds received for the aircraft upon any disposition. These results could have an adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects.

If the effects of terrorist attacks and geopolitical conditions continue to adversely impact the financial condition of the airlines, our lessees might not be able to meet their lease payment obligations, which would have an adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects.

As a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States and subsequent terrorist attacks abroad, notably in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe, increased security restrictions were implemented on air travel, airline costs for aircraft insurance and enhanced security measures have increased, passenger demand for air travel has decreased and airlines have faced and continue to face increased difficulties in acquiring war risk and other insurance, at reasonable costs. In addition, war or armed hostilities in the Middle East, North Korea or elsewhere, or the fear of such events, could further exacerbate many of the problems experienced as a result of terrorist attacks. The situation in Iraq continues to be uncertain and tension over Iran's nuclear program continues, and either or both may lead to further instability in the Middle East. Future terrorist attacks, war or armed hostilities, or the fear of such events, could further negatively impact the airline industry and may have an adverse effect on the financial condition and liquidity of our lessees, aircraft values and rental rates and may lead to lease restructurings or aircraft repossessions, all of which could adversely affect our financial results and growth prospects.

Terrorist attacks and geopolitical conditions have negatively affected the airline industry and concerns about geopolitical conditions and further terrorist attacks could continue to negatively affect airlines (including our lessees) for the foreseeable future depending upon various factors, including: (i) higher costs to the airlines due to the increased security measures; (ii) decreased passenger demand and revenue due to the inconvenience of additional security measures; (iii) the price and availability of jet fuel and the cost and practicability of obtaining fuel hedges under current market conditions; (iv) higher financing costs and difficulty in raising the desired amount of proceeds on favorable terms, or at all; (v) the significantly higher costs of aircraft

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insurance coverage for future claims caused by acts of war, terrorism, sabotage, hijacking and other similar perils, and the extent to which such insurance has been or will continue to be available; (vi) the ability of airlines to reduce their operating costs and conserve financial resources, taking into account the increased costs incurred as a consequence of terrorist attacks and geopolitical conditions, including those referred to above; and (vii) special charges recognized by some airlines, such as those related to the impairment of aircraft and other long lived assets stemming from the grounding of aircraft as a result of terrorist attacks, the economic slowdown and airline reorganizations.

Future terrorist attacks, acts of war or armed hostilities may further increase airline costs, depress air travel demand, depress aircraft values and rental rates or cause certain aviation insurance to become available only at significantly increased premiums (which may be for reduced amounts of coverage that are insufficient to comply with the levels of insurance coverage currently required by aircraft lenders and lessors or by applicable government regulations) or not be available at all.

Although the Aircraft Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act adopted in the United States and similar programs instituted by the governments of some other countries provide for limited government coverage for certain aviation insurance, these programs may not continue or that any such government will pay under these programs in a timely fashion.

If the current industry conditions should continue or become exacerbated due to future terrorist attacks, acts of war or armed hostilities, they are likely to cause our lessees to incur higher costs and to generate lower revenues, resulting in an adverse effect on their financial condition and liquidity. Consequently, these conditions may affect their ability to make rental and other lease payments to us or obtain the types and amounts of insurance required by the applicable leases (which may in turn lead to aircraft groundings), may result in additional lease restructurings and aircraft repossessions, may increase our cost of re-leasing or selling the aircraft and may impair our ability to re-lease or otherwise dispose of the aircraft on a timely basis at favorable rates or on favorable terms, or at all, and may reduce the proceeds received for the aircraft upon any disposition. These results could have an adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects.

The effects of SARS or other epidemic diseases may negatively impact the airline industry in the future, which might cause our lessees to not be able to meet their lease payment obligations to us, which would have an adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects.

The 2003 outbreak of SARS was linked to air travel early in its development and negatively impacted passenger demand for air travel at that time. While the World Heath Organization’s travel bans related to SARS have been lifted, SARS had a severe impact on the aviation industry, which was evidenced by a sharp reduction in passenger bookings and cancellation of many flights and employee layoffs. While these effects were felt most acutely in Asia, SARS did spread to other areas, including North America. Since 2003, there have been several outbreaks of avian influenza, beginning in Asia and, most recently, spreading to certain parts of Africa and Europe. Although human cases of avian influenza so far have been limited in number, the World Health Organization has expressed serious concern that a human influenza pandemic could develop from the avian influenza virus. In such an event, numerous responses, including travel restrictions, might be necessary to combat the spread of the disease. Additional outbreaks of SARS or other epidemic diseases such as avian influenza, or the fear of such events, could negatively impact passenger demand for air travel and the aviation industry, which could result in our lessees' inability to satisfy their lease payment obligations to us, which in turn would have an adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects.

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If recent industry economic losses and airline reorganizations continue, our lessees might not be able to meet their lease payment obligations to us, which would have an adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects.

As a result of reduced fares, international economic conditions, a significant increase in oil prices, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, the war and prolonged conflict in Iraq and outbreaks of epidemic diseases such as SARS and avian influenza, the aviation industry as a whole suffered significant losses since 2001 and such losses are expected to continue for the foreseeable future for certain parts of the industry. Many airlines, including a significant number of our lessees, have announced or implemented reductions in capacity, service and workforce in response to industry-wide reductions in passenger demands and fares. In addition, since September 11, 2001, several U.S. airlines have sought to reorganize (and, in certain instances, have reorganized) under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, including United Air Lines, Inc., Delta Air Lines Inc., Northwest Airlines Corp., US Airways, Inc. (one of our largest customers), Hawaiian Airlines, ATA Airlines, Inc., Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. and Aloha Airlines, and further U.S. airline reorganizations are possible. Certain European and Latin American airlines, including Sabena Air Lines, Swiss Air Transport Company Limited, Volare Airlines S.p.A., Varig Brazilian Airlines and Avianca, have also filed for protection under applicable bankruptcy laws. In addition, Air Canada (the largest Canadian airline) filed for protection under Canada's Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act. Historically, airlines involved in reorganizations have undertaken substantial fare discounting to maintain cash flows and to encourage continued customer loyalty. Such fare discounting has led to lower profitability for all airlines, including certain of our lessees. The bankruptcies and reduced demand generally have led to the grounding of significant numbers of aircraft and negotiated reductions in aircraft lease rental rates, with the effect of depressing aircraft market values. In addition, requests for additional labor concessions may result in significant labor disputes which could lead to strikes or slowdowns or may otherwise adversely affect labor relations, thereby worsening the financial condition of the airline industry and placing downward pressure on lease rates and aircraft values. Additional reorganizations or liquidations by airlines under Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other bankruptcy or reorganization laws in other countries or further rejection of aircraft leases or abandonment of aircraft by airlines in a Chapter 11 proceeding under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or equivalent laws in other countries may have already exacerbated and would be expected to further exacerbate such depressed aircraft values and lease rates. Additional grounded aircraft and lower market values would adversely affect our ability to sell certain of our aircraft on favorable terms, or at all, or re-lease other aircraft at favorable rates comparable to the then current market conditions, which collectively would have an adverse effect on our financial results and growth prospects.

Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure

If the ownership of our common shares continues to be highly concentrated, it may prevent you and other minority shareholders from influencing significant corporate decisions and may result in conflicts of interest.

Following the completion of this offering, entities affiliated with Fortress will beneficially own shares, or approximately % of our common shares. As a result, Fortress will be able to control fundamental corporate matters and transactions, including: the election of directors; mergers, amalgamations, consolidations or acquisitions; the sale of all or substantially all of our assets; in certain circumstances, the amendment of our bye-laws; and our winding up and dissolution. This concentration of ownership may delay, deter or prevent acts that would be favored by our other shareholders. The interests of Fortress may not always coincide with our interests or the interests of our other shareholders. This concentration of ownership may also

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have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change in control of our company. Also, Fortress may seek to cause us to take courses of action that, in its judgment, could enhance its investment in us, but which might involve risks to our other shareholders or adversely affect us or our other shareholders, including investors in this offering. In addition, under our Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, which we and the Fortress shareholders will execute upon the completion of this offering, an affiliate of Fortress will be entitled to designate up to four directors for election to our board of directors, depending upon the level of ownership of the Fortress shareholders in us. See ‘‘Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Shareholders Agreements.’’ As a result, the market price of our common shares could decline or shareholders might not receive a premium over the then-current market price of our common shares upon a change in control. In addition, this concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the trading price of our common shares because investors may perceive disadvantages in owning shares in a company with a significant shareholder. See ‘‘Description of Share Capital — Anti-Takeover Provisions.’’

We are a holding company with no operations and rely on our operating subsidiaries to provide us with funds necessary to meet our financial obligations.

We are a holding company with no material direct operations. Our principal assets are the equity interests we directly or indirectly hold in our operating subsidiaries. As a result, we are dependent on loans, dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations and to pay dividends on our common shares. Our subsidiaries are legally distinct from us and may be prohibited or restricted from paying dividends or otherwise making funds available to us under certain conditions.

We are a Bermuda company and it may be difficult for you to enforce judgments against us or our directors and executive officers.

We are a Bermuda exempted company and, as such, the rights of holders of our common shares will be governed by Bermuda law and our memorandum of association and bye-laws. The rights of shareholders under Bermuda law may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in other jurisdictions. Some of the named experts referred to in this prospectus are not residents of the United States, and a substantial portion of our assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process on those persons in the United States or to enforce in the United States judgments obtained in U.S. courts against us or those persons based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws. Uncertainty exists as to whether courts in Bermuda will enforce judgments obtained in other jurisdictions, including the United States, against us or our directors or officers under the securities laws of those jurisdictions or entertain actions in Bermuda against us or our directors or officers under the securities laws of other jurisdictions.

Our bye-laws restrict shareholders from bringing legal action against our officers and directors.

Our bye-laws contain a broad waiver by our shareholders of any claim or right of action, both individually and on our behalf, against any of our officers or directors. The waiver applies to any action taken by an officer or director, or the failure of an officer or director to take any action, in the performance of his or her duties, except with respect to any matter involving any fraud or dishonesty on the part of the officer or director. This waiver limits the right of shareholders to assert claims against our officers and directors unless the act or failure to act involves fraud or dishonesty.

We have anti-takeover provisions in our bye-laws that may discourage a change of control.

Our bye-laws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors. These provisions provide for:

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•	a classified board of directors with staggered three-year terms;

•

provisions in our bye-laws regarding the election of directors, classes of directors, the term of office of directors and amalgamations to be rescinded, altered or amended only upon approval by a resolution of the directors and by a resolution of our shareholders including the affirmative votes of at least 66% of the votes attaching to all shares in issue entitling the holder to vote on such resolution.


•	provisions in our bye-laws dealing with the removal of directors and corporate opportunity to be rescinded, altered or amended only upon approval by a resolution of the directors and by a resolution of our shareholders including the affirmative votes of at least 80% of the votes attaching to all shares in issue entitling the holder to vote on such resolution.


•	our board of directors to determine the powers, preferences and rights of our preference shares and to issue such preference shares without shareholder approval;


•	advance notice requirements by shareholders for director nominations and actions to be taken at annual meetings; and

•

no provision for cumulative voting in the election of directors; all the directors standing for election may be elected by our shareholders by a plurality of votes cast at a duly convened annual general meeting, the quorum for which is two or more persons present in person or by proxy at the start of the meeting and representing in excess of 50% of all votes attaching to all shares in issue entitling the holder to vote at the meeting.

In addition, these provisions may make it difficult and expensive for a third party to pursue a tender offer, change in control or takeover attempt that is opposed by Fortress, our management and/or our board of directors. Public shareholders who might desire to participate in these types of transactions may not have an opportunity to do so. These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change in control or change our management and board of directors and, as a result, may adversely affect the market price of our common shares and your ability to realize any potential change of control premium. See ‘‘Description of Share Capital — Anti-Takeover Provisions.’’

There are provisions in our bye-laws that may require certain of our non-U.S. shareholders to sell their shares to us or to a third party.

Our bye-laws provide that if our board of directors determines that we or any of our subsidiaries do not meet, or in the absence of repurchases of shares will fail to meet, the ownership requirements of a limitation on benefits article of any bilateral income tax treaty with the U.S. applicable to us, and that such tax treaty would provide material benefits to us or any of our subsidiaries, we generally have the right, but not the obligation, to repurchase, at fair market value (as determined pursuant to the method set forth in our bye-laws), common shares from any shareholder who beneficially owns more than 5% of our issued and outstanding common shares and who fails to demonstrate to our satisfaction that such shareholder is either (i) a U.S. citizen or (ii) a qualified resident of the U.S. or the other contracting state of any applicable tax treaty with the U.S. (as determined for purposes of the relevant provision of the limitation on benefits article of such treaty).

We will have the option, but not the obligation, to purchase all or a part of the shares held by such shareholder (to the extent the board of directors, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, determines it is necessary to avoid or cure such adverse consequences); provided that the board of directors will use its reasonable efforts to exercise this option equitably among similarly situated shareholders (to the extent feasible under the circumstances).

Instead of exercising the repurchase right described above, we will have the right, but not the obligation, to cause the transfer to, and procure the purchase by, any U.S. citizen or a qualified

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resident of the U.S. or the other contracting state of the applicable tax treaty (as determined for purposes of the relevant provision of the limitation on benefits article of such treaty) of the number of issued and outstanding common shares beneficially owned by any shareholder that are otherwise subject to repurchase under our bye-laws as described above, at fair market value (as determined in the good faith discretion of our board of directors). See ‘‘Description of Share Capital — Bye-Laws — Acquisition of Common Shares by Aircastle.’’

Risks Related to This Offering

An active market for our common shares may never develop.

We intend to submit an application to have our common shares listed on the NYSE, under the symbol ‘‘ .’’ However, our common shares may not be approved for listing on the NYSE or, if approved, a regular trading market of our common shares may not develop on that exchange or elsewhere or, if developed, any market may not be sustained. Accordingly, an active trading market for our common shares may not develop or be maintained, any trading market may not be liquid, and you may be unable to sell your common shares when desired, or you may not be able to obtain desirable prices for your common shares.

The market price and trading volume of our common shares may be volatile, which could result in rapid and substantial losses for our shareholders.

Even if an active trading market for our common shares develops, the market price of our common shares may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume in our common shares may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. If the market price of our common shares declines significantly, you may be unable to resell your shares at or above your purchase price, if at all. The market price of our common shares may fluctuate or decline significantly in the future. Some of the factors that could negatively affect our share price or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our common shares include:


•	variations in our quarterly operating results;


•	failure to meet our earnings estimates;


•	publication of research reports about us, other aircraft lessors or the aviation industry or the failure of securities analysts to cover our common shares after this offering;


•	additions or departures of key management personnel;


•	adverse market reaction to any indebtedness we may incur or preference or common shares we may issue in the future;


•	changes in our divided payment policy or failure to execute our existing policy;


•	actions by shareholders;


•	changes in market valuations of similar companies;


•	announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, dispositions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;


•	speculation in the press or investment community;


•	increases in market interest rates that may lead purchasers of our common shares to demand a higher dividend yield;

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•	changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations affecting the aviation industry or enforcement of these laws and regulations, or announcements relating to these matters; and


•	general market, political and economic conditions and local conditions in the markets in which our lessees are located.

Future issuances of debt, which would be senior to our common shares upon liquidation, and future offerings of equity securities, which could dilute the percentage ownership of our then current common shareholders and may be senior to our common shares for the purposes of dividends and liquidation distributions, may adversely affect the market price of our common shares.

In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by issuing debt or additional equity securities, including commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes and series of preference shares or common shares. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and preference shares and lenders with respect to other borrowings would receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our common shares. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our then current common shareholders or reduce the market price of our common shares, or both. Preference shares, if issued, could have a preference on liquidating distributions or a preference on dividend payments that could limit our ability to make a distribution to the holders of our common shares. Because our decision to issue debt or additional equity securities in the future will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future capital raising activities. Thus, holders of our common shares bear the risk of our future debt and equity issuances reducing the market price of our common shares and diluting their percentage ownership in us. See ‘‘Description of Share Capital.’’

The market price of our common shares could be negatively affected by sales of substantial amounts of our common shares in the public markets.

After this offering, there will be common shares outstanding. There will be shares issued and outstanding if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. Of our issued and outstanding shares, all the common shares sold in this offering will be freely transferable, except for any shares held by our ‘‘affiliates,’’ as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. See ‘‘Shares Eligible For Future Sale.’’

Pursuant to our Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, which we and the Fortress shareholders will execute upon the completion of this offering, the Fortress shareholders and certain of their affiliates and permitted third-party transferees will have the right, in certain circumstances, to require us to register their 40 million common shares under the Securities Act for sale into the public markets. Upon the effectiveness of such a registration statement, all shares covered by the registration statement will be freely transferable. See ‘‘Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Shareholders Agreement.’’

We and our executive officers, directors, shareholders and participants in our directed share program have agreed with the underwriters that, subject to certain exceptions, for a period of 120 days after the date of this prospectus, we and they will not directly or indirectly offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer, dispose of or hedge, directly or indirectly, our common shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common shares, or enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences associated with the ownership of common shares, or cause a registration statement

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covering our common shares to be filed, without the prior written consent of the representatives. The 120-day restricted period described above is subject to an automatic extension under certain circumstances. See ‘‘Underwriting.’’ The representatives may waive these restrictions at their discretion.

In addition, following the completion of this offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register an aggregate of common shares reserved for issuance under our incentive plans. Subject to any restrictions imposed on the shares and options granted under our incentive plans, shares registered under the registration statement on Form S-8 will be available for sale into the public markets subject to the 120-day lock-up agreements referred to above.

The issuance of additional common shares in connection with acquisitions or otherwise will dilute all other shareholdings.

After this offering, assuming the exercise in full by the underwriters of their over-allotment option, we will have an aggregate of common shares authorized but unissued and not reserved for issuance under our incentive plans. We may issue all of these common shares without any action or approval by our shareholders. We intend to continue to actively pursue acquisitions of aviation assets and may issue common shares in connection with these acquisitions. Any common shares issued in connection with our acquisitions, our incentive plans, the exercise of outstanding share options or otherwise would dilute the percentage ownership held by the investors who purchase common shares in this offering.

Investors in this offering will suffer immediate and substantial dilution.

The initial public offering price of our common shares will be substantially higher than the as adjusted net tangible book value per common share issued and outstanding immediately after this offering. Our net tangible book value per share as of , 2006 was approximately $ . Our net tangible book value per share as of , 2006 represents the book value of our total tangible assets minus the book value of our total liabilities, divided by the number of our common shares then issued and outstanding. Investors who purchase common shares in this offering will pay a price per share that substantially exceeds the net tangible book value per common share. If you purchase our common shares in this offering, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $ in the net tangible book value per common share, based upon the initial public offering price of $ per share. Investors who purchase common shares in this offering will have purchased % of the shares issued and outstanding immediately after the offering, but will have paid % of the total consideration for all shares then issued and outstanding.

Market interest rates may have an effect on the value of our common shares.

One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our common shares is our dividend rate as a percentage of our share price relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates increase, prospective investors may desire a higher dividend yield on our common shares or seek securities paying higher dividends or interest. As a result, interest rate fluctuations and capital market conditions can affect the market value of our common shares. For instance, if interest rates rise, it is likely that the market price of our common shares will decrease, because potential investors may demand a higher dividend yield on our common shares as market rates on interest-bearing securities, such as bonds, rise.

Risks Related to Taxation

If AL, were treated as engaged in a trade or business in the United States, it would be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net income basis, which would adversely affect our business and result in decreased cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

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If, contrary to expectations, AL were treated as engaged in a trade or business in the United States, the portion of AL’s net income, if any, that was ‘‘effectively connected’’ with such trade or business would be subject to U.S. federal income taxation at a maximum rate of 35%. In addition, AL would be subject to the U.S. federal branch profits tax on its effectively connected earnings and profits at a rate of 30%. The imposition of such taxes would adversely affect our business and would result in decreased cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

If substantially all of the U.S. source rental income of Aircastle Bermuda is attributable to activities of Aircastle personnel based in the United States, Aircastle Bermuda could be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net income basis rather than at a rate of 4% of its U.S. source gross rental income, which would adversely affect our business and result in decreased cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

We have adopted certain operating procedures designed to limit the amount of income generated by Aircastle Bermuda that is treated as effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. Accordingly, it is generally expected that Aircastle Bermuda’s U.S. source rental income will be subject to U.S. federal taxation, on a gross income basis, at a rate not in excess of 4%. If, contrary to expectations, we do not comply with certain administrative guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, such that 90% or more of Aircastle Bermuda’s U.S. source rental income were attributable to the activities of personnel based in the United States, Aircastle Bermuda’s U.S. source rental income could be treated as income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States. In such case, Aircastle Bermuda’s U.S. source rental income would be subject to U.S. federal income taxation at a maximum rate of 35%. In addition, Aircastle Bermuda would be subject to the U.S. federal branch profits tax on its effectively connected earnings and profits at a rate of 30%. The imposition of such taxes would adversely affect our business and would result in decreased cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

One or more of our Irish subsidiaries could fail to qualify for treaty benefits, which would subject certain of their income to U.S. federal income taxation, which would adversely affect our business and result in decreased cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

Our Irish subsidiaries do not expect to have any U.S. federal income tax liability with respect to (i) rental income attributable to aircraft used in international traffic or (ii) gain from the sale of aircraft used in international traffic. For this purpose, ‘‘international traffic’’ includes all flights other than those that are conducted from one point in the United States to another point in the United States. In order for each of our Irish subsidiaries to avoid U.S. federal income taxation of such income, it may be necessary for such subsidiary to qualify for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States and Ireland, or the Irish Treaty. Qualification for the benefits of the Irish Treaty depends on many factors, including being able to establish the identity of the ultimate beneficial owners of our common shares. Each of the Irish subsidiaries may not satisfy all the requirements of the Irish Treaty and thereby may not qualify each year for the benefits of the Irish Treaty. Moreover, the provisions of the Irish Treaty may change. Failure to so qualify could result in the rental income from aircraft used for flights to, from or within the United States being subject to U.S. federal income taxation at a maximum rate of 35% (plus the 30% U.S. federal branch profits tax on effectively connected earnings and profits). The imposition of such taxes would adversely affect our business and would result in decreased cash available for distribution to our shareholders.

We may become subject to an increased rate of Irish taxation which would adversely affect our business and would result in decreased earning available for distribution to our shareholders.

Our Irish subsidiaries and affiliates are expected to be subject to corporation tax on their income from leasing, managing and servicing aircraft at the 12.5% tax rate applicable to trading income. This expectation is based on certain assumptions including that we will maintain at least the

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current level of our business operations in Ireland. If we are not successful in achieving trading status in Ireland the income of our Irish subsidiaries and affiliates will be subject to corporation tax at the 25% rate applicable to non-trading activities which would adversely affect our business and would result in decreased earning available for distribution to our shareholders which would adversely affect our business and would result in decreased earning available for distribution to our shareholders.

We may become subject to income or other taxes in the non-U.S. jurisdictions in which our aircraft operate, where our lessees are located or where we perform certain services which would adversely affect our business and result in decreased cash available for distributions to shareholders.

Certain Aircastle entities are expected to be subject to the income tax laws of Ireland and/or the United States. In addition, we may be subject to income or other taxes in other jurisdictions by reason of our activities and operations, where our aircraft operate or where the lessees of our aircraft (or others in possession of our aircraft) are located. Although we have adopted operating procedures to reduce the exposure to such taxation, we may be subject to such taxes in the future and such taxes may be substantial. In addition, if AL does not follow separate operating guidelines relating to managing a portion of its aircraft portfolio through offices in Ireland and Singapore, income from aircraft not owned in such jurisdictions would be subject to local tax. The imposition of such taxes would adversely affect our business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to our shareholders.

AL expects to be a PFIC and a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

We expect to be treated as a PFIC and a CFC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If you are a U.S. person and own less than 10% of our voting shares and do not make a qualified electing fund, or QEF, election with respect to us and each of our PFIC subsidiaries, you would be subject to special deferred tax and interest charges with respect to certain distributions on our common shares, any gain realized on a disposition of our common shares and certain other events. The effect of these deferred tax and interest charges could be materially adverse to you. Alternatively, if you are such a shareholder and make a QEF election for us and our subsidiaries, or you own 10% or more of our voting shares, you will not be subject to those charges, but could recognize taxable income in a taxable year with respect to our common shares in excess of any distributions that we make to you in that year, thus giving rise to so-called ‘‘phantom income’’ and to a potential out-of-pocket tax liability. See ‘‘Material Tax Considerations—Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.’’

Distributions made to you if you are a U.S. person that is an individual will not be eligible for taxation at reduced tax rates generally applicable to dividends paid by certain United States corporations and ‘‘qualified foreign corporations’’ on or after January 1, 2003. The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate dividends could cause individuals to perceive investment in our shares to be relatively less attractive than investment in the shares of other corporations, which could adversely affect the value of our shares.

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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements under ‘‘Prospectus Summary,’’ ‘‘Risk Factors,’’ ‘‘Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,’’ ‘‘Business’’ and elsewhere in this prospectus may contain forward-looking statements which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as ‘‘outlook,’’ ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘potential,’’ ‘‘continues,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘seeks,’’ ‘‘approximately,’’ ‘‘predicts,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ ‘‘plans,’’ ‘‘estimates,’’ ‘‘anticipates’’ or the negative version of those words or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are based upon the historical performance of us and our subsidiaries and on our current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us, the underwriters or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, a decrease in the overall demand for commercial aircraft and aircraft leasing, the economic condition of the global airline industry and the ability of our lessees and potential lessees to make operating lease payments to us, acquisition risks, competitive pressures within the industry, risks related to the geographic markets in which we and our lessees operate and other factors described in the section entitled ‘‘Risk Factors’’ beginning on page 11 of this prospectus. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this prospectus. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from what we may have projected. Any forward-looking statements you read in this prospectus reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, financial results, financial condition, business prospects, growth strategy and liquidity. You should specifically consider the factors identified in this prospectus that could cause actual results to differ before making an investment decision to purchase our common shares.

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Market and Industry Data and Forecasts

This prospectus includes market share and industry data and forecasts that we have developed from independent consultant reports, publicly available information, various industry publications, other published industry sources and our internal data and estimates. This includes information relating to the aviation industry and operating leasing industry from several independent outside sources including BACK Aviation Solutions or BACK, an aviation consulting firm and aviation market analysis firm; Simat Helliesen & Eichner, Inc, or SH&E, an aviation consulting firm and aviation market analysis firm; International Bureau of Aviation or IBA, an aviation consulting firm; Aviation Specialists Group or ASG, provider of aircraft appraisals, market analysis and aviation industry insight; ESG Aviation Services and The Airline Monitor, an aviation market analysis firm and Economist Intelligence Unit or EIU, provider of country and global data.

Independent consultant reports, industry publications and other published industry sources generally indicate that the information contained therein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such information.

Our internal data, estimates and forecasts are based upon information obtained from our customers, partners, trade and business organizations and other contacts in the markets in which we operate and our management's understanding of industry conditions.

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Use of Proceeds

The net proceeds to us from the sale of the common shares offered hereby are estimated to be approximately $ , assuming an initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us. Our net proceeds will increase by approximately $ if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full. We expect to use the net proceeds to repay approximately $ million of the amount outstanding under our $500.0 million senior secured credit facility, which we refer to as Credit Facility No. 2, and for general corporate purposes. Pending these uses, we intend to invest the net proceeds in short-term interest-bearing instruments or money market accounts.

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by $ million, assuming the number of common shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

As of May 22, 2006, we had $100.2 million outstanding under Credit Facility No. 2, which is scheduled to mature on August 28, 2007. Borrowings under Credit Facility No. 2 bear interest at the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.25% which at May 22, 2006 was 6.33% per annum. Borrowings under Credit Facility No. 2 were used to finance a portion of the net book value of certain of our aircraft. Amounts repaid under Credit Facility No. 2 may be reborrowed from time to time, subject to compliance with borrowing conditions. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates are lenders under Credit Facility No. 2 and will receive their pro rata share of amounts repaid thereunder with the net proceeds of this offering. See ‘‘Underwriting.’’

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Dividend Policy

On , 2006, our board of directors declared an ordinary dividend of $ per common share, or an aggregate of $ , for the three months ended , 2006, which is payable on , 2006. This dividend will be paid using cash on hand and may not be indicative of the amount of any future dividends. Purchasers in this offering will not be entitled to receive that dividend.

We intend to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends to our shareholders. We plan to grow our dividends through the acquisition of additional aviation assets. Through our strategy of reinvesting amounts approximately equal to non-cash depreciation expense, we will seek to maintain our asset base and grow our revenues, earnings and dividends.

The payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on many factors, including our ability to make and finance acquisitions, our ability to negotiate favorable lease and other contractual terms, the level of demand for our aircraft, the economic condition of the commercial aviation industry generally, the financial condition and liquidity of our lessees, the lease rates we charge and realize, our leasing costs, unexpected or increased expenses, the level and timing of capital expenditures, principal repayments and other capital needs, the value of our aircraft portfolio, our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, general business conditions, restrictions imposed by financing arrangements (including our credit facilities), legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. We are not permitted to pay dividends on our common shares to the extent a default or an event of default exists under Credit Facility No. 2. Based upon our forward-looking results of operations and expected cash flows, we currently expect to be in compliance with all of the debt covenants, a default under which would prevent us from paying dividends. Please see ‘‘Risk Factors—We may not be able to pay or maintain dividends and the failure to do so would adversely affect our share price.’’ In addition, we are a holding company with no direct operations and depend on loans, dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to pay dividends, and our subsidiaries may be prohibited or restricted from paying dividends to us or otherwise making funds available to us under certain conditions. See ‘‘Description of Indebtedness.’’ We expect that in certain quarters we may pay dividends in excess of our net income for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP.

Our dividend policy has certain risks and limitations. While we expect to pay dividends according to our dividend policy, we may not pay dividends according to our policy, or at all, if, among other things, we do not have the cash necessary to pay the intended dividends, or if our financial performance does not achieve expected results. By paying dividends rather than investing our earnings in future growth, we risk slowing the pace of our growth, or not having a sufficient amount of cash to fund our operations or unanticipated capital expenditures, should the need arise.

We expect that our dividends will not be eligible for either the dividends-received deduction for corporate U.S. Holders or treatment as ‘‘qualified dividend income’’ (which is taxable at the rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains) for U.S. Holders taxed as individuals.

Pursuant to Bermuda law, we are restricted from declaring or paying a dividend, or making a distribution out of contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that (i) we are, or would after the payment be, unable to pay our liabilities as they become due, or (ii) the realizable value of our assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of our liabilities, our issued share capital (par value) and our share premium account (share premium being the amount of consideration paid for the subscription of shares in excess of the par value of those shares). As a result, in future years, if the realizable value of our assets decreases, our ability to maintain dividend payments may depend on our shareholders' approval of resolutions reducing our share premium account by transferring funds to our contributed surplus account.

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Capitalization

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of March 31, 2006:


•	on an actual basis;

•

as adjusted to give effect to (i) Securitization No. 1, which closed on June 15, 2006, and the use of proceeds therefrom, (ii) the payment of an ordinary dividend from cash on hand in the amount of $ per common share or an aggregate of $ million, declared by our board of directors on , 2006 and paid on , 2006, and (iii) the purchase of 277,000 common shares by employees and a director nominee in May 2006; and


•	as further adjusted to give further effect to the sale of common shares in this offering at an assumed offering price of $ , after deducting the underwriters' discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and application of a portion of the proceeds from this offering towards repayment of amounts outstanding under Credit Facility No. 2.

This table contains unaudited information and should be read in conjunction with ‘‘Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations’’ and our historical consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes that appear elsewhere in this prospectus.


	As of March 31, 2006
	Actual			Adjusted(1)		As Further Adjusted(1)(2)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Borrowings under credit facilities:
Credit Facility No. 1		$	486,973		$		$
Credit Facility No. 2 (3)			8,554
Credit Facility No. 3			73,332
Securitization No. 1 (1)			—
Repurchase agreements			84,434
Shareholders' equity (4):
Common shares, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized, actual and as adjusted, 250,000,000 shares authorized, as further adjusted; 44,408,200 shares issued and outstanding, actual, shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted, shares issued and outstanding, as further adjusted			444
Additional paid-in capital			438,189
Retained earnings			9,943
Accumulated other comprehensive income			27,224
Total shareholders' equity			475,800
Total capitalization		$	1,129,093		$		$

(1)

Pursuant to Securitization No. 1, ACS, a newly formed trust, issued $560 million of floating rate aircraft lease-backed securities secured by ownership interests in certain of our subsidiaries that own 40 of our aircraft and the related aircraft leases. Proceeds from Securitization No. 1, after deducting approximately $13 million in expenses, were used to repay $487.0 million of indebtedness under, and to terminate, Credit Facility No. 1, to return $36.9 million to the Fortress shareholders in exchange for the cancellation of 3,693,200 of our common shares and the purchase of 277,000 common shares by employees and a director nominee in May 2006.

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(2)

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) each of additional paid-in capital, total shareholders' equity and total capitalization by $ million, assuming the number of common shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.


(3)	As of May 22, 2006, we had $100.2 million outstanding under Credit Facility No. 2, which amounts we expect to repay in full with proceeds from this offering.

(4)

On January 31, 2006, the Fortress shareholders committed to contribute up to an additional $100 million of equity to AL. On February 8, 2006 the Fortress shareholders contributed $36.9 million pursuant to the aforementioned commitment in exchange for 3,693,200 of our common shares. On July , 2006, we returned $36.9 million to the Fortress shareholders in exchange for the cancellation of 3,693,200 of our common shares. After the return of the cash, the $100 million commitment was reinstated in full. This commitment will terminate upon completion of this offering.

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Dilution

If you invest in our common shares, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering. Adjusted net tangible book value per share represents the book value of our total tangible assets less the book value of our total liabilities divided by the number of our common shares then issued and outstanding after giving effect to (i) Securitization No. 1 and the use of proceeds therefrom, (ii) the payment of an ordinary dividend from cash on hand in the amount of $ per common share, or an aggregate of $ million, declared by our board of directors and paid on , 2006 and (iii) the purchase of 277,000 common shares by employees and a director nominee in May 2006.

Our adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2006, was approximately $ , or approximately $ per share based on the common shares, including restricted shares, issued and outstanding as of such date. After giving further effect to our sale of common shares in this offering at the initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and estimated expenses related to this offering, our as further adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2006 would have been $ , or $ per share (assuming no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option). This represents an immediate and substantial dilution of $ per share to new investors purchasing common shares in this offering. The following table illustrates this dilution per share:


Assumed initial public offering price per share				$

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would (decrease) increase our as further adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) by $ million, the as further adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) per share after this offering by $ per share and the decrease in as further adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) to new investors in this offering by $ per share, assuming the number of common shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of March 31, 2006, the differences between the number of common shares purchased from us, the total price and the average price per share paid by existing shareholders and by the new investors in this offering, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus).

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Common Shares Purchased

Total

Average
Price Per
Share

Number

Percent

Amount

Percent

(in Thousands)

Existing shareholders

New investors

Total

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) total consideration paid by new investors in this offering, total consideration paid by all shareholders and the average price per share paid by all shareholders by $ million, $ million and $ , respectively, assuming the number of common shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other expenses of the offering.

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Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data

The following tables set forth our selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2004 and 2005 and for the period from our inception to December 31, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2005 and selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2006. We commenced operations in October 2004 and therefore the information presented for the year ended December 31, 2004 reflects our results of operations for the period from October 29, 2004 through December 31, 2004 only. You should read this information in conjunction with the information under ‘‘Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,’’ ‘‘Business’’ and our historical consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our historical consolidated statements of operations data and consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2004 and 2005 and for the period from our inception through December 31, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2005 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The statement of operations data and consolidated balance sheets data as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2006 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated interim financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year.


	Period From October 29, 2004 (Commencement of Operations) Through December 31,				Year Ended December 31,			Three Months Ended March 31,
	2004				2005			2005				2006
Statements of Operations Data (Dollars in thousands, except per share data):
Lease rentals		$	78			$	32,978		$	1,862			$	31,371
Interest income			—				2,942			325				1,641
Other revenue			—				106			—				—
Total Revenues			78				36,026			2,187				33,012
Depreciation			390				14,460			1,462				9,915
Interest, net of interest income			(9	)			7,739			313				7,717
Selling, general and administrative expenses			1,117				12,595			1,548				5,954
Other expenses			45				1,171			69				641
Total expenses			1,543				35,965			3,392				24,227
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes			(1,465	)			61			(1,205	)			8,785
Income tax provision			—