Professional services firm BDO Ireland has launched a dedicated Aviation Advisory practice in Dublin to expand its advisory services across the global aviation finance and aircraft leasing sector.

The new practice is led by Partner and Head of Aviation Advisory Stan Barnes, alongside Donal Boylan, Head of Aviation Technical and Operations, and Senior Aviation Consultant Gerry Power. The practice leadership brings over 100 years of combined senior executive experience spanning aviation finance, aircraft leasing, technical operations, and asset management.

The practice will advise airlines, lessors, institutional investors, and financial institutions on strategic, financial, operational, and regulatory issues. Its services encompass transaction support for aircraft and portfolio deals, asset lifecycle oversight, pricing and financial modeling, risk governance, and regulatory compliance, alongside integrated back-office financial support.

The launch comes as the global aviation sector faces increasing operational and financial complexity driven by capital market volatility, fleet modernization, ESG reporting demands, and regulatory evolution. Ireland serves as the primary international hub for aircraft leasing, housing nine of the world's ten largest aviation lessors, with Irish-based companies managing more than half of the global leased commercial fleet.

Brian McEnery, Managing Partner at BDO Ireland, highlighted that Ireland remains the global center for aviation finance as the industry undergoes rapid development. Head of Aviation Advisory Stan Barnes noted that the unit aims to help aviation businesses manage risk, protect long-term asset values, and adapt to technological and regulatory shifts across the sector.