Deepak Sharma On Leading AFL And Innovating Aviation Finance With Vision And Precision

by Finance 12 June 2025

Deepak Sharma Of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd

Deepak Sharma is a renowned leader and the Chief Executive Officer of AFL Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd, an organization based in London and engaged in the activity of advanced financing solutions for the global aviation and aerospace industries.  

Having more than two decades of experience in the sector, Sharma has been driving the top-line growth relentlessly and formulating successful strategies to manage the tough aviation industry.  

Prior to establishing AFL Deepak Sharma of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd in 2019, he served in key roles for many high-profile entities and was known for his operational acumen and strategic vision.  

What follows is Sharma’s experiences in career, leadership style, and aviation finance future vision in the subsequent interview. 

Background And Career Path 

Here are some of the things you need to know about his background:

Would You Speak With Us About Your Early Career And How You Entered The Business Of Aviation Finance?

I started my career with a strong focus on operations and technical functions, with British Aerospace and Brymon Airways Engineering. 

These roles taught me the reality of aviation engineering and operations, logically followed by management and strategic roles.  

Upon transitioning into leadership roles with various organizations, including UK International Airlines and AJW Group, the dynamics of aviation finance became a matter of interest.  

Pioneering AFL the Deepak Sharma of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd was a consequence of the ability to innovate within the aviation finance business, a sector poised for transformative solutions.  

What have been the most significant career turning points in your life that have equipped you to become a leader in aviation finance? One of the most significant career turning points in my life was working at AJW Group as Chief Technical Officer. 

Leading Change Initiatives And Innovative Programs There Gave Me The Eyes To See Where Finance And Operations Collided In The Airline Industry. 

Another point of inflection was the creation of AFL in 2019. It was the doorway that enabled me to leverage my deep knowledge of the industry towards creating customized funding solutions that saw AFL stand as a trusted ally in the international aviation market. 

Leadership And Innovation Insights 

Chosen candidate standing under light of flashlight

Here are some of the questions that are related to his idea for leadership:

How Does Innovation Affect Your Business And Career Strategy At Afl?  

Innovation, when done right, is not new; it’s about creating real value. In aircraft finance, that’s about using the latest tools and technology to manage complexity.  

From digital platform contracts to data-driven asset diagnosis, innovation plays a key role in powering operational efficiency and high-quality service, and trust. 

What Are Some Strategies You Have Found Most Effective To Maintain Trust With Clients And Partners In Aviation Finance? 

Trust must be established to create it, and I have tremendous respect for open communication and transparency up front.  

Having the right expectations and keeping promises facilitates establishing firm relationships. In the aviation finance business, where risk and complexity are a part of the business, trust is the foundation on which all long-term relationships are based. 

How Do You Plan And Set Goals To Facilitate Ongoing Growth And Success? 

My strategic planning style is reflective and systematic. I formulate long-term goals based on industry imperatives and worldwide marketplace trends and prescribe quarterly goals to stay reactive.  

At AFL, our growth strategy relies on stringent analysis and sharp focus on value generation. Learning continuously is also essential so that we stay in line with regulatory evolution and financial innovation. 

Professional Growth And Challenges Overcoming 

Here are some of the questions that are related to how he overcame his challenges:

How Can You Embrace Criticism And Leverage It To Enhance Professional Development? 

I embrace positive criticism as a time to reboot and get better. Listening intently and evaluating feedback with humility and acumen is key.  

When justified, I make sure that I respond promptly and wisely. Humility is part of leadership since acknowledging that we are all in progress is at the heart of growth.  

What Are You Doing To Defend Your Professional Reputation Against Likely Risks? 

Maintenance of one’s professional reputation involves foresight and caution. Compliance with strict internal regulations, ethical consistency, and legal clarity ensures preservation of my professional reputation.  

Proactive consideration of reputational threats and addressing imminent issues promptly enables navigation of obstacles without compromising integrity. 

This perceptive interview gives a glimpse into the strategic vision and leadership skills that have characterized his professional journey. 

Deepak Sharma’s passion for innovation and building trust-based relationships continues to define the constantly changing world of aviation finance.  

Expertise And Achievements 

Here are some of the questions that are related to his achievement and expertise:

How Do You Apply Your Experience In The Aviation Industry To Striving For Success At Afl? 

With two decades of experience in the understanding of the aviation universe, technical, commercial and operating insights, I can lead AFL to triumph.  

My experience enables me to foresee industry trends and make the necessary adjustments in our strategies to suit the changing needs of our customers.  

Whether through new product development or optimization of operational efficiencies, my multifaceted background ensures AFL’s position as the leader in the field of aviation finance.  

What Are A Few Of The Most Notable Accomplishments In Your Career That You Are Most Proud Of? 

A few of the most notable accomplishments I’ve made in my career that I am most proud of are being Chief Technical Officer at AJW Group, in which I led revolutionary projects that made a substantial impact on the company’s growth path, and establishing AFL Deepak Sharma of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd.  

In spite of the problems in establishing a new company, we managed to position AFL as a robust business partner within the international aviation industry. All these successes attest to the fact that I was dedicated to innovation and strategic leadership. 

Vision For The Future 

Here are some of the questions that are related to his vision for the future:

What Do You Envision The Future Of Afl And The Aviation Finance Business To Be? 

My ambition for AFL is to stay on our path as the industry leader in offering creative and green financing solutions for the aviation sector. We need to increase our footprint globally and develop our servicing abilities through technology incorporation.  

For the industry as a whole, I see movement toward greener and cleaner aviation operations, and AFL aims to help our customers get there by means of creative financing arrangements. 

How Do You Expect Technological Advancements To Impact The Aviation Finance Sector? 

Technological advancement will be at the forefront of defining the aviation finance of the future.  

From the creation of data analytics to the usage of blockchain for securing transactions, these technologies will enhance operations with respect to efficiency and ease of execution.  

At AFL, we are working tirelessly hard to harness these innovations to provide more transparent and stable financial services and ultimately allow our clients to make smart and informed decisions.  

How Do You Prioritize Innovation And Risk Management In Your Strategic Planning? 

It is necessary that innovation is balanced with risk management in order to provide sustainable growth.  

In AFL, we take a conservative approach via thorough analysis of likely risks involved with new approaches and technology prior to implementation.  

This involves synchronized scrutiny and consultancy with stakeholders to guarantee our innovations are appropriate to our customers’ requirements and market standards. We aim to establish an environment of innovation with a good risk management system. 

Finally, Deepak Sharma of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd continues to pave the way ahead in aviation finance with his superior leadership and vision-based thinking. His innovative spirit, customer confidence, and strategic mindset place AFL and the industry as a whole in an excellent position to weather future challenges.

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