End of lease transactions can be costly both for the lessor and the lessee. This is why it is imperative to have the right people involved before the transactions begin. You have various aspects of the process;
The technical aspect of the process;
The inspection of the paperwork and the aircraft is the first things to enter the mind and most believe it to be the pacing items of any return. The truth of the matter it can become far more complex with regards to bridging the aircraft back to the MPD, components trace and certification, damage mapping with previous repairs, and building a delivery binders (Bible) that are required.
The financial aspect;
A proactive lessee should be forward thinking to try to minimize cost associated with a lease return. Beginning by ensure the components installed have good trace, certs, and meet return conditions. If any components do not, replacing them at the airlines labor rates / material cost can save significant money. Additionally bridging, damage mapping or repairs can be done ahead of the return minimizing the airline’s financial exposure.
The repeat business aspect;
Although this may be a process at the terminations of a lease there are opportunities for both the lessor and lessee to maintain a constructive relationship to ensure the possibility of additional revenue for future leases and/or the ability to lease equipment with more favorable lease conditions.
An item to note is the process is significantly shortened when records have been digitized and easily reviewed.