Verona, WI – January 13, 2025 – Contrail Aviation Support, LLC, the world-renowned leader in commercial jet engine trading, leasing and global used serviceable material supply, proudly marks its 25th anniversary.
Originally founded in 2000 by CEO Joe Kuhn and CFO Miriam Cohen-Kuhn as an engine material trading company, Contrail has evolved into a globally-recognized solutions provider with a strong reputation for creativity and customer service. From its early roots trading in used serviceable material (USM) from the JT8D and CFM56-3 engine families, the Company now focuses on the trusted and ubiquitous CFM56-5B, 7B and V2500 power plants, which equip the popular A320 and B737NG family of aircraft. Additionally, Contrail has broadened its service offering to include the purchase and leaseback of not only those target engines, but also their parent aircraft and expects its portfolio of on-lease and available assets to continue growing over the coming years.
“With 25 years behind us, we are thrilled to reflect on how far we’ve come as a company,” said Joe Kuhn, CEO of Contrail Aviation Support. “Over the last few years, in particular, we’ve built out a strong sales and operations team, expanded our transaction partner network, and optimized our global market footprint. These efforts have solidified Contrail as a lean, focused organization with a well-capitalized foundation that rivals anyone in the industry. We’ve earned our reputation by continuously delivering innovative solutions and operational efficiency improvements that meet our customers’ needs.”
Looking ahead, Kuhn emphasized Contrail’s commitment to growth and excellence: “We’re expanding our highly focused team to capitalize on the ever-tightening supply of narrow-body aircraft and engines like the CFM56 and V2500. Our optimized sales processes enable us to maximize the value of our assets while strengthening relationships with key customers. With a dedicated team and a robust capital position, we’re prepared to tackle industry challenges and expand our market presence through increased USM sales, targeted acquisitions, and enhanced customer relationships. I couldn’t be prouder of the steps we’ve taken to make Contrail a more sophisticated and agile operation, positioning us to seize emerging opportunities in the USM market.”
Mark Shaw, Senior Vice President – Airline Marketing, also highlighted Contrail’s forward momentum: “With decades of expertise and by remaining humble and hyper-responsive, Contrail continues to punch substantially above its weight and enjoys deep relationships with all the industry’s major airline, lessor and trading entities. The dedication and industry knowledge of our team members gives us great confidence in executing on our growth strategies and continuing to deliver best-in-class service on the buy and trade side of any given transaction.”
Added Shaw, “Whilst the focus is always on sourcing and delivering high-quality USM tailored to our customers’ specific needs, Contrail is extremely adept at combining its financing, flexibility and customer relationships to craft value-maximizing solutions for all mid- and end-of-life aircraft and engines scenarios. Contrail’s customer-centric approach and global reach ensures that the Company is well-positioned to meet the ever-evolving needs of the commercial aviation industry.”
The Contrail team will be in attendance at the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Dublin 2025, held from January 12–15, 2025 as well as all major forthcoming industry events, including Aero Engines Dallas and ISTAT Phoenix. Conference attendees are encouraged to meet with Contrail executives to explore opportunities and learn more about the Company’s innovative solutions.
For more information, visit www.contrail.com.
About Contrail Aviation Support, LLC
Contrail Aviation Support, LLC is a commercial aircraft and engine trading, leasing, and parts solutions provider, focusing on creative asset management strategies that maximize value. Contrail focuses on the most prevalent current generation engine types powering the 737NG & A320 families of aircraft. The Company’s headquarters are located two hours north of Chicago’s O’Hare airport in a 21,000 sqft. facility. Contrail also has a satellite marketing presence in the United Kingdom,, France, and China. Focusing on the narrowbody 737NG/A320 and CFM56-5B/-7B and V2500-A5 engines, Contrail is an approved vendor to virtually every CFM and V2500 engine shop worldwide and has executed many complex transactions with most of the major lessors and aircraft trading entities within the aviation industry.
Media Contact:
Mark Shaw – Senior Vice President Acquisitions and Trading
Contrail Aviation Support, LLC
mark@contrail.com