Avia Solutions Group has appointed AJ Abedin to its board of directors and named him senior strategic advisor, effective July 20. Abedin will be based in the United States and will help deepen the aviation services group’s relationships with U.S. capital markets.
In his new roles, Abedin will advise the leadership of Waypoint Operating Lease and Finance Holding, also known as WOLF Holding, Avia Solutions Group’s asset management affiliate. He will also work with the group’s chairman, executive team and subsidiaries on commercial growth and broader strategic value creation.
His responsibilities will support the continued expansion of Avia Solutions Group’s global ACMI platform and aviation services ecosystem. ACMI arrangements provide airlines with aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, allowing carriers to add capacity without purchasing or directly operating additional aircraft.
Abedin brings more than 20 years of experience across aerospace, aviation finance, aircraft leasing and capital markets. He joins Avia Solutions Group from Air Lease Corporation, now known as Sumisho Air Lease following its acquisition by SMBC, where he held senior commercial and finance leadership roles.
Earlier in his career, Abedin worked in J.P. Morgan’s investment banking division, advising clients on financing and mergers and acquisitions. He holds an MBA from Cornell University and an undergraduate degree in engineering.
Avia Solutions Group expects Abedin’s capital markets experience to help strengthen the financial framework supporting its global growth. His work with WOLF Holding will also connect the group’s operating strategy more closely with aircraft leasing, asset management and financing capabilities.
The group said ACMI services are becoming a more important part of airline fleet planning. Airlines can use these arrangements to bridge aircraft delivery delays, provide replacement capacity during maintenance cycles, test new routes and support the launch of new carriers.
This model can help airlines convert capital-intensive fleet commitments into more flexible operating capacity. It also allows operators to respond more quickly to changes in passenger demand, aircraft availability and seasonal travel patterns.
Avia Solutions Group operates a fleet of 136 aircraft and is the parent company of more than 250 subsidiaries. Its wider aviation services portfolio includes maintenance, repair and overhaul, pilot and crew training, ground handling and related services.
The group employs approximately 11,000 aviation professionals and operates across six continents. Abedin’s appointment is intended to support continued coordination across this international platform and expand the company’s engagement with investors and industry partners.
KEY QUOTES:
“I am delighted to welcome AJ to our Board and leadership team. His deep expertise in U.S. capital markets, aviation, and aircraft leasing aligns with our strategic trajectory. As we cement ACMI’s position as a cornerstone of modern airlines’ fleet strategy, AJ’s commercial acumen and track record in unlocking value will be instrumental in bolstering our global ambitions.”
Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman and Founder of Avia Solutions Group
“The strength of Avia Solutions Group lies in its unique ecosystem, which supports airlines and aviation businesses as a dedicated partner across the entire industry. At the heart of this ecosystem is our global ACMI model, which allows operators to swap capital-intensive expenditure for operational agility, adding capacity precisely when market demand dictates.”
“This model of capacity management is an increasingly vital component of the commercial aircraft value chain, offering a flexible, asset-light solution that bridges orderbook delivery gaps, supports maintenance cycles, and facilitates everything from route testing to new airline incubation.”
“To capitalise on these opportunities, I intend to draw on my experience to deepen our integration with global capital markets, building a robust financial framework that supports our growth ambitions. I am honoured to help guide this next phase of the Group’s evolution as we build a future defined by collaboration with our industry partners and sustained, collective success.”
AJ Abedin, Board Director and Senior Strategic Advisor at Avia Solutions Group
