About us

As a strong and reliable member of the global aviation industry, AFG offers tailor-made commercial aircraft solutions to its investor base and aircraft operators alike.

About us

As a strong and reliable member of the global aviation industry, AFG offers tailor-made commercial aircraft solutions to its investor base and aircraft operators alike.

THE CONTEXT

Consensus exists within the commercial aviation industry today that Aircraft Leasing is a proven business model yielding healthy returns to investors while simultaneously providing aircraft operators with an attractive alternative to aircraft ownership.

Existing airlines and new entrants alike will continue to show strong demand for new and used aircraft to meet their fleet requirements. Especially for first- and second-tier airlines, leasing an aircraft becomes the preferred option in many instances. This holds true for larger, established airlines with a diversified portfolio of aircraft in their respective fleets as well as for smaller operators trying to take advantage of niche markets and potential growth opportunities.

It typically takes a well-positioned market player with an established network of airline customers and investors, the technical and commercial expertise, and a team of industry experts to become a successful participant in the aircraft leasing and financing industry.

WHAT WE DO

We provide turn-key solutions for investors wanting to participate in the aircraft leasing and financing industry. We have developed strategic partnerships with manufacturers, operators and financial institutions world-wide that allow us to complete the most complex transactions. And we do so with a team of aircraft professionals willing to go the extra mile for our partners without being bogged down by lengthy decision-making processes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT WE DO

WE WORK With

  • Public and private investors
  • Financial Institutions
  • Aircraft Leasing Companies
  • Aircraft Operators
  • Aircraft and Engine Manufacturers
  • Governments
  • Banks

Partial portfolio of past and current commercial aircraft

  • Boeing 737-800
  • Boeing 737 Max8
  • Airbus A320 and Airbus A321
  • Airbus A320Neo
  • Airbus A330-200
  • Airbus A300-600 Freighter

AFG Management

Christian Nuehlen is the founder and managing director of Aircraft Finance Germany GmbH (AFG), a specialized boutique aircraft trading firm in Frankfurt, Germany. AFG was established to serve the needs of airlines, financial institutions, aircraft manufacturers and international leasing companies

Mr. Nuehlen can draw on his experience in the commercial aviation industry spanning close to two decades in various roles.

Since 2007, Mr. Nuehlen has been assisting leading aircraft lessors, airlines, banks and consulting firms with matters related to aircraft leasing, financing and transactions through his consulting firm Blueberry Xpress Deutschland. In 2011, Blueberry opened a second office in Singapore.

Before founding Blueberry Xpress, Mr. Nuehlen was a member of the management board and general counsel of XL Airways Germany, part of the XL Airways Group headquartered in London. He began his career in the aviation industry in the legal department of Aero Lloyd German Airlines.

Mr. Nuehlen received a law degree from the University of Münster, Germany and a Master of Business Administration from the Graduate School of Business at Providence College, USA. Mr. Nuehlen is a member of the German-American Lawyers Association and the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT), has published numerous works in industry publications, and frequently speaks at international aviation conferences. He is a guest lecturer with the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences where he teaches courses in aviation law.

Mr. Nuehlen is married with two daughters and lives near Frankfurt.

Christian Nuehlen
Managing Director

Declan Meagher
Managing Director of AFG Aviation Ireland

Declan Meagher is the Managing Director of AFG Aviation Ireland, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aircraft Finance Germany. Mr. Meagher has over 35 years of experience in the aviation Industry and has held key senior managerial positions worldwide with Air France, The Memphis Group (GECAS), AJW Walter Aviation and HAITEC. Throughout his career he has been actively involved in developing global markets by employing innovative strategies, driving business development and winning new business. He has always played a pivotal role in creating brand awareness and corporate identity for the companies he has represented.

In September 2017, Mr. Meagher was appointed Managing Director, AFG Ireland. His role is to strengthen AFG’s corporate presence in Ireland, by transacting business with aircraft leasing companies, OEMS, banking institutions and all other Irish based aviation entities.

Declan Meagher lives in Dublin. He is a business graduate of Trinity College Dublin and a fluent French speaker.