A new Shannon-based platform bringing vertically integrated aircraft and engine leasing, trading and asset finance capabilities together under a single model is preparing to launch.
A new entrant in global aviation asset management
Merlin Atlantic is preparing to launch its integrated aviation asset platform, which will combine aircraft and engine leasing, trading, maintenance investment and structured asset finance under a single managed model. Headquartered at the Westpark Innovation Campus in Shannon, Ireland, the firm is led by a founding team with deep experience across the world's largest lessors and aviation financiers.
The platform is built around a vertically integrated approach — capturing value at every stage of the aviation asset lifecycle, from mid-life aircraft acquisition and engine leasing through maintenance, technical management, component trading and end-of-life disassembly.
A leadership team with institutional pedigree
Chief Executive Officer Dermot Manifold brings over three decades of aviation finance and commercial leadership, most recently serving as Head of Commercial Operations at AerCap following the GECAS integration. Chief Commercial Officer Padraig Ryan and Chief Technical Officer Neil Mc Sweeney join from senior roles at BOCOM Leasing and Seraph Aviation, while Chief Financial Officer Barry Murphy contributes over two decades of finance leadership across aviation and telecoms.
The team is completed by Eduardo Mora, who leads commercial activities across the Americas, supporting Merlin Atlantic's growth throughout Latin and North American markets.
Data-driven asset intelligence at the core
At the heart of the platform is a data-driven asset intelligence framework that combines technical asset evaluation, market analytics and lifecycle modelling to inform every acquisition, lease and disposal decision. This approach allows Merlin Atlantic to identify mispriced assets, structure flexible leasing solutions and optimise component recovery — delivering risk-adjusted returns for institutional capital partners.
The firm's technical team brings deep expertise across the full aircraft lifecycle, including engine evaluations, repossessions, redelivery programmes and the monetisation of end-of-life assets.
A Shannon foundation with global reach
Merlin Atlantic's registered office is located at Airport House in Shannon, with trading operations based at Building 4200, Atlantic Avenue, Westpark Innovation Campus. The company is registered in Ireland as a Private Company Limited by Shares (CRO 821511).
From this base, the firm is actively building relationships with airlines, investors and aviation suppliers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, with a focus on the most liquid narrow-body and wide-body platforms.
Looking ahead
The upcoming launch marks the beginning of a multi-phase build-out of the platform, with active pipeline development across aircraft acquisitions, engine leasing and USM trading. Further announcements regarding initial transactions and strategic partnerships are expected in the coming months.
For partnership and investment enquiries, contact info@merlinatlantic.com.