Clair Hayes, Falko SVP Commercial, Recognised in Airline Economics’ 40 Under 40
London, 18 September 2025
Falko is pleased to announce Clair Hayes, SVP Commercial, has been named as one of Airline Economics’ 40 Under 40.
Every year Airline Economics recognises leading talent in the aviation finance and leasing community with its list of the foremost 40 individuals aged under 40 years of age. The full list of names together with their commendations can be read in Airline Economics’ 40 Under 40 edition.
Commenting on the award, Clair stated, “I am delighted to be included in the Airline Economics 40 under 40 Class of 2025 amongst such a prestigious group of fellow nominees. I’ve had the privilege of working on some exciting and challenging projects over the years, including the establishment and growth of an aircraft leasing platform. It is those experiences, together with the extraordinary challenges the aviation industry has faced over the past number of years, which have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth.”
Clair continued, “I’m fortunate to work with some very talented colleagues and I am grateful to all those I’ve worked alongside, especially the mentors who have both challenged and championed me throughout my journey. Looking ahead, I hope to pay those learnings forward by supporting and empowering the next generation of aviation professionals as they navigate and grow within our industry.”
Brian Foley, Falko’s Head of Portfolio Strategy added, “Clair is immensely deserving of this award. She is a dedicated professional who consistently works to the highest standards. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to meet and often exceed the demands of this dynamic industry. I am confident that her professionalism and strong work ethic will continue to serve her well in the years ahead.”
Clair Hayes’ feature from the Airline Economics’ 40 under 40 Class of 2025 publication
Clair Hayes was first drawn to a career in aviation with its fast paced, global, and dynamic characteristics, proving attractive qualities. With Ireland’s prominence in the industry – particularly in aviation finance and leasing sector – along with the opportunities it presents, Clair was driven to pursue a career in the industry. Maintaining that drive and momentum, Clair has been deservedly recognised in Airline Economics’ 40 Under 40 Awards 2025.
Clair’s determination was exemplified when she had the opportunity with Chorus Aviation Capital to help launch an aircraft leasing platform, headquartered in Ireland.
“Being involved in the establishment of an aircraft leasing platform, from the operational set-up through to the commercial execution and growth of the platform, is a career highlight for me,” she says.
Colleagues have described Clair as a “next-generation leader” with exceptional technical ability, commercial skill, and personal warmth, and commend her for having a track record in mentoring and developing a team, and for serving as a role model for women in aviation.
Her peers highlight her versatility as demonstrated by her move from Legal Counsel to SVP Commercial at Falko, as well as her ability to navigate complex transactions, and her calm-under-pressure and solutions-driven approach. Clair is credited with supporting the acquisition of 22 E-Jets from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), as well as numerous lease placements, extensions, and trading transactions with global operators and lessors.
Known for her integrity, adaptability, and tireless work ethic, Clair is equally valued for her approachable, collaborative nature. She is described by clients as “highly commercial but also collaborative and measured” and as “an outstanding professional whose leadership inspires confidence.”
As one industry veteran put it: “Our industry would be much better served with more people like Clair. She is smart, tireless, experienced, loyal – and simply a pleasure to work with.”
Clair speaks of the essential qualities of aviation, being an integral part of global economies and societies. Being a global, complex industry, it faces a new crop of challenges that the industry must address. For Clair, the recent aircraft supply and demand constraints and the longer-term sustainability targets are the standout challenges. She says these challenges will require significant financial investment to absorb the cost of addressing them.
“From a lessor perspective, while the lack of aircraft capacity/supply has had a net benefit effect in terms of increasing asset values and improving lease rates, lessors will need to adapt to maintain strong risk adjusted returns for investors in the face of higher finance and operating costs,” she says.
Clair believes lessors will meet these challenges through two key approaches.
“Firstly, in achieving sufficient economies of scale to enhance trade with OEMs and spread fixed costs and secondly, the use of artificial intelligence to create operational efficiencies,” she says.
For the future, Clair hopes to see the aviation industry continue to demonstrate its resilience and innovation in meeting these challenges. In addition, she hopes to see the industry continuing to evolve to become more accessible and inclusive both in terms of air travel and professional opportunities in key leadership positions.