NOVATO, Calif., Nov. 10, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (Nasdaq:WLFC), a leading lessor of commercial jet engines, today reported record earnings per share in the third quarter of 2008. Willis Lease's net income available to common stockholders increased to $9.9 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2008, compared to $3.0 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the like quarter a year ago. In the first nine months of 2008, net income available to common stockholders almost doubled to $19.9 million, or $2.27 per diluted share, from $10.2 million, or $1.18 per diluted share in the like period of 2007.

Third Quarter 2008 Highlights

 * Lease rent revenue rose 19% to $26.0 million from a year ago.
 * The lease portfolio increased 9% to $766 million from a year ago.
 * Average utilization for the quarter was 91% compared with 92% a
   year ago.
 * Generated an $11.1 million pretax gain from the sale of ten engines
   totaling $63 million
 * Maintenance reserve revenue increased 6% to $8.3 million from a
   year ago.
 * Liquidity available from warehouse and revolving credit facilities
   increased to $278 million at quarter end, up from $49 million a
   year ago.
 * Book value per common share was $18.68 at September 30, 2008, up
   from $17.20 at September 30, 2007.

"The third quarter 2008 results proved to be one of the best in our 30-year history," said Charles F. Willis, President and CEO. "During the quarter, we completed the sale of ten jet engines for $63 million, a transaction which was nine months in the making. Besides contributing a gain of $11.1 million pretax to this quarter's profitability, this transaction allowed us to move some older engines out of the portfolio and free up funds to invest in new engines. We have retained the servicing responsibility for this ten engine portfolio which will generate attractive servicing income going forward and allow us to maintain the valuable relationships we have built up with our customers over the years. We will continue to manage the mix of engines within our portfolio and sell engines when market conditions are advantageous."

"Our profitability is strong, and we continue to grow at a solid pace. Our utilization rate is high and the lease portfolio is healthy," said Don Nunemaker, EVP and GM Leasing. "These are considerable accomplishments in light of the challenges facing companies in our industry today. Given the global downturn in economic activity, the worldwide financial crisis, fluctuations in the price of fuel and the uncertainty associated with each of these going forward, we have been able to successfully navigate our way through these obstacles. Fortunately, we continue to see strong demand for leased engines from our airline customers as the aviation industry looks to conserve capital and reduce expenses."

Results from Operations

Further expansion of the engine portfolio continued to drive top line growth with third quarter lease rent revenues growing 19% to $26.0 million compared to $21.9 million in the third quarter of 2007. Maintenance reserve revenue was up 6% to $8.3 million from $7.8 million in the year ago period due to the growth in the portfolio. Gain on sale of equipment was $11.6 million in the third quarter of 2008 related to the sale of eleven engines. The ten engine portfolio sale occurred at the end of the quarter resulting in a $51.9 million reduction in the NBV of the equipment portfolio. There were no engines sold in the year ago period. Total third quarter revenue grew 54% to $45.9 million from $29.8 million in the third quarter of 2007.

In the first nine months of 2008, lease rent revenue increased 23% to $77.0 million compared to $62.7 million in the first nine months of 2007. Year-to-date, maintenance reserve revenue was up 3% to $24.1 million from $23.4 million. Year-to-date, gain on the sale of equipment was $12.8 million compared to $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2007. Year-to-date, total revenue grew 31% to $115.4 million from $87.9 million in the first nine months of 2007.

With the growth in the engine portfolio, total expenses increased 23% to $29.4 million in the third quarter and 18% to $80.8 million year-to-date. Depreciation in the third quarter of 2008 grew 22% to $10.1 million from $8.3 million a year ago. In the first nine months of 2008, depreciation increased 23% to $27.8 million from $22.7 million in the like period of 2007. Write-down of equipment was $0.9 million in the third quarter of 2008, and $2.7 million year-to-date, compared to no write-down in the third quarter a year ago and $2.1 million in the first nine months of 2007.

"All of our debt carries variable interest rates tied to one-month LIBOR, although approximately half of our debt is currently hedged. Consequently, we paid higher interest costs in October on the un-hedged debt due to the spike in LIBOR," said Brad Forsyth, Chief Financial Officer. "With the actions by the U.S. and other governments to loosen the credit markets resulting in the recent decline in LIBOR interest rates, our finance costs will be favorably impacted going forward. Fortunately, our ability to access the credit markets through our existing WEST warehouse and revolving credit facilities has not been meaningfully impacted by the recent turmoil in the global financial markets." Third quarter net finance costs decreased to $9.2 million from $10.4 million in the year ago period, which includes a $1.5 million loss on extinguishment of debt in the third quarter a year ago.

General and administrative expenses increased to $9.2 million in the third quarter compared to $5.3 million in the third quarter a year ago primarily due to increased personnel related costs, technical services expenses and selling expenses as well as increased legal and accounting fees. Year-to-date G&A expenses totaled $22.8 million compared to $17.0 million in the first nine months a year ago, an increase of 34%. In addition, Chief Operating Officer Lee Beaumont has left the company to focus on his consulting endeavors and new opportunities. "We appreciate all of the fine contributions Lee has made to our firm, and we wish him well in the future," said Willis. "We do not anticipate filling the Chief Operating Officer position at this time, but rather will call on our senior management team to fulfill his duties and responsibilities."

In the third quarter of 2008, income from operations increased to $16.5 million from $5.9 million in the year ago period. Year-to-date, income from operations grew to $34.6 million from $19.5 million in the first nine months of 2007. Willis Lease generated net income of $10.7 million in the third quarter and $22.3 million in the first nine months of 2008, up from $3.8 million in the third quarter and $12.6 million in the first nine months of 2007. After payment of preferred dividends, net income available to common stockholders grew to $9.9 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, compared to $3.0 million, or $0.34 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2007. In the first nine months of 2008, net income available to common stockholders grew to $19.9 million, or $2.27 per diluted share, compared to $10.2 million, or $1.18 per diluted share in the year ago period.

Balance Sheet

At September 30, 2008, the company had 152 commercial aircraft engines, 3 aircraft parts packages, and 4 aircraft and other engine-related equipment in its lease portfolio, with a net book value of $766.4 million, compared to 142 commercial aircraft engines, 3 aircraft parts packages, 4 aircraft and other engine-related equipment in its lease portfolio with a net book value of $703.0 million at September 30, 2007. The ten engine sale just prior to quarter end reduced the equipment portfolio net book value by $51.9 million at September 30, 2008.

The restricted cash balance increased in the quarter to $105.8 million compared to $75.7 million a year ago. The increase was due to the ten engine sale, with $41.2 million of the sale proceeds included in the restricted cash balance to be used for future engine purchases. Prior to this transaction, the restricted cash balance was $64.6 million. Equipment held for sale increased to $20.6 million compared to $6.0 million a year ago due to the increase in the number of engines consigned for part-out as well as the inclusion of an engine that was sold by Willis Lease in the fourth quarter.

Total assets increased 15% to $950.3 million at September 30, 2008, compared to $825.4 million a year ago. Total shareholders' equity was $196.6 million compared to $173.0 million a year ago. Book value per common share increased to $18.68 compared to $17.79 at June 30, 2008, and $16.93 at December 31, 2007.

With the establishment of the new WEST $200 million warehouse facility in December 2007 and the placement of $212 million of WEST long term notes in March 2008, the company had $278 million of availability under its revolving credit and warehouse facilities at September 30, 2008, compared to $49 million a year earlier. The company's funded debt-to-equity ratio was 3.11 to 1 at September 30, 2008, compared to 3.10 to 1 at September 30, 2007. Total capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2008 were $137.1 million compared to $129.4 million a year ago.

About Willis Lease Finance

Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases spare commercial aircraft engines, rotable parts and aircraft to commercial airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and overhaul/repair facilities worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with the purchase and resale of used and refurbished commercial aircraft engines.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made; and we undertake no obligation to update them. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as terrorist activity, changes in oil prices and other disruptions to the world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet the changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
                       AND SUBSIDIARIES
               Consolidated Statements of Income
        (In thousands, except per share data, unaudited)


                   Three Months Ended        Nine Months Ended
                      September 30,    %        September 30,    %
                      2008     2007  Change     2008     2007  Change
                    -------  ------- ------   -------  ------- ------
 REVENUE
 Lease rent
  revenue           $26,003  $21,930   18.6%  $77,041  $62,680   22.9%
 Maintenance
  reserve
  revenue             8,281    7,848    5.5%   24,083   23,376    3.0%
 Gain on sale of
  leased equipment   11,557      (37)   n/a    12,818    1,263  914.9%
 Other income            53       73  (27.4)%   1,435      578  148.3%
                    -------  -------          -------  -------
 Total revenue       45,894   29,814   53.9%  115,377   87,897   31.3%
                    -------  -------          -------  -------

 EXPENSES
 Depreciation
  expense            10,082    8,267   22.0%   27,807   22,656   22.7%
 Write-down of
  equipment             862       --    n/a     2,673    2,142   24.8%
 General and
  administrative      9,210    5,278   74.5%   22,763   17,047   33.5%
 Net finance costs:
   Interest expense   9,628    9,929   (3.0)%  28,989   27,928    3.8%
   Interest income    (413)   (1,037) (60.2)%  (1,476)  (2,796) (47.2)%
   Loss upon
    extinguishment
    of debt              --    1,459 (100.0)%      --    1,459 (100.0)%
                    -------  -------          -------  -------
 Total net finance
  costs               9,215   10,351  (11.0)%  27,513   26,591    3.5%
                    -------  -------          -------  -------
 Total expenses      29,369   23,896   22.9%   80,756   68,436   18.0%
                    -------  -------          -------  -------

 Earnings from
  operations         16,525    5,918  179.2%   34,621   19,461   77.9%

 Earnings from
  joint venture         183      163   12.3%      565      455   24.2%

                    -------  -------          -------  -------
 Income before
  income taxes       16,708    6,081  174.8%   35,186   19,916   76.7%
 Income tax
  expense             5,983    2,330  156.8%   12,933    7,366   75.6%
                    -------  -------          -------  -------
 Net income         $10,725  $ 3,751  185.9%  $22,253  $12,550   77.3%

 Preferred stock
  dividends paid and
  declared-Series A     782      782    0.0%    2,346    2,346    0.0%
                    -------  -------          -------  -------
  Net income
   attributable
   to common
   shareholders     $ 9,943  $ 2,969  234.9%  $19,907  $10,204   95.1%
                    =======  =======          =======  =======
  Basic earnings
   per common
   share:           $  1.20  $  0.36          $  2.42  $  1.26
                    =======  =======          =======  =======
  Diluted earnings
   per common
   share:           $  1.13  $  0.34          $  2.27  $  1.18
                    =======  =======          =======  =======

 Average common
  shares
  outstanding         8,253    8,174            8,223    8,106
 Diluted average
  common shares
  outstanding         8,785    8,769            8,764    8,654


                  WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
                          AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     Consolidated Balance Sheets
            (In thousands, except share data, unaudited)


                                    September    December   September
                                     30, 2008    31, 2007    30, 2007
                                     --------    --------    --------
 ASSETS
 Cash and cash equivalents           $  1,508    $  7,234    $   817
 Restricted cash                      105,828      64,960      75,686
 Equipment held for operating lease,
  less accumulated depreciation       766,379     744,827     703,010
 Equipment held for sale               20,561       5,006       6,033
 Operating lease related receivable,
  net of allowances                     8,679       5,550       5,862
 Investments                           10,451      10,327      10,292
 Assets under derivative instruments      377          12         187
 Property, equipment & furnishings,
  less accumulated depreciation         7,895       6,771       6,876
 Equipment purchase deposits           13,211      12,180       6,120
 Other assets                          15,416      11,723      10,473
                                     --------    --------    --------
 Total assets                        $950,305    $868,590    $825,356
                                     ========    ========    ========

 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Liabilities:
 Accounts payable and accrued
  expenses                           $ 14,623    $ 11,825    $ 12,002
 Liabilities under derivative
  instruments                           8,078       7,709       2,783
 Deferred income taxes                 58,696      46,632      46,392
 Notes payable                        612,155     567,108     536,452
 Maintenance reserves                  50,246      49,481      44,390
 Security deposits                      5,332       5,890       5,295
 Unearned lease revenue                 4,575       5,293       5,056
                                     --------    --------    --------
 Total liabilities                    753,705     693,938     652,370
                                     --------    --------    --------

 Shareholders' equity:
 Preferred stock                     $ 31,915    $ 31,915    $ 31,915
 Common stock ($0.01 par value)            88          84          82
 Paid-in capital in excess of par      57,752      55,712      55,139
 Accumulated other comprehensive
  loss, net of tax                     (6,752)     (6,749)     (3,508)
 Retained earnings                    113,597      93,690      89,358
                                     --------    --------    --------
 Total shareholders' equity           196,600     174,652     172,986

                                     --------    --------    --------
 Total liabilities and shareholders'
  equity                             $950,305    $868,590    $825,356
                                     ========    ========    ========

CONTACT:  Willis Lease Finance Corporation
          Brad Forsyth, Chief Financial Officer
          (415) 408-4700