ISTAT Online

As the year gets underway, many professionals are looking ahead and refining their annual goals. If these goals include greater involvement in the aviation industry and giving back in meaningful ways, opportunities with the ISTAT Foundation are abundant.

Austin Willis, CEO of Willis Lease Finance Corporation, reflects on his unconventional path into aviation, the lessons learned building JT Power and how those experiences shape his leadership. He also shares his perspective on today’s engine leasing market, from persistent supply constraints to the strategic importance of integration and customer-focused partnerships.

Jetrader spoke with Greta Jankune, senior associate at Stratos and an ISTAT Rising Executive, about what she likes about the industry, the most challenging part of her profession and more. 

ISTAT members gathered in Singapore on 25 February 2026 to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.

Jetrader spoke with Shabneez Seeroo, general counsel and company secretary at Veling Ltd. about the most challenging parts of her profession, who has had the greatest influence on her career and more.

As Dublin Aviation Week brought the global aviation community together in Ireland’s capital, ISTAT created two dedicated touch points for members to connect beyond the meeting rooms: the ISTAT NFL Playoff Party and the ISTAT Dublin Hub.

As the 2026 recipient of the ISTAT Award, John Vitale, senior advisor and member of the board of AVITAS Inc., brings nearly three decades of leadership, valuation expertise and institutional memory to the conversation.

Jetrader spoke with Rachel Mullery, senior transaction counsel at Avolon, about what she likes about the industry, the most challenging part of her profession and more. 

This year’s ISTAT DEI Award recipient, the Advancing Women in Aviation Roundtable (AWAR), celebrates 10 years of inspiring leadership and measurable impact in advancing equity across the aviation industry.