Umid Sharipov and Lee Naicker Named to Airline Economics 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

We are delighted to announce that Umid Sharipov, Managing Director – Relationship Management, and Lee Naicker, Head of Pricing, have both been named to the Airline Economics 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. This annual list recognizes the aviation industry’s top emerging talent who are shaping the future of aviation finance and leasing.

At ABL Aviation, we take great pride in building a platform where excellence, innovation, and leadership can thrive. This recognition reflects the strength and global calibre of our team and highlights the impact both Umid and Lee have made across their respective markets.

Umid Sharipov: Strengthening ABL Aviation’s Presence in Japan

As Managing Director – Relationship Management, based in Tokyo, Umid Sharipov has become a key figure in expanding ABL Aviation’s presence in one of its most strategically important markets: Japan.

Having started his career in 2011 at BNP Paribas, Umid developed a strong foundation in structured leasing, working on complex JOLCO transactions for aircraft, vessels, and containers. His career spanned both Tokyo and Paris, covering debt and equity financing and developing a deep understanding of global transportation finance.

Since joining ABL Aviation in 2022, Umid has played a central role in deepening strategic partnerships in Japan, where his cultural fluency, technical acumen, and nearly native Japanese proficiency have helped establish ABL as a trusted player.

Umid continues to align ABL Aviation’s global capabilities with local expectations, helping to build a recurring pipeline of opportunities and long-term trust with Japanese investors, lessors, and airline partners. His inclusion in this year’s 40 Under 40 is a testament to both his expertise and the long-term value he brings to ABL Aviation.

Lee Naicker: Reimagining the Role of Pricing in a Complex World

Joining the aviation industry just before COVID, Lee Naicker, Head of Pricing at ABL Aviation, had a baptism by fire, but one that defined his path forward.

During the pandemic, while much of the industry focused on restructurings and survival, Lee was part of a small team focused on scaling ABL Aviation’s capabilities. A defining moment in his career came as he led the rebuilding of ABL’s Fly Forward platform and core data architecture, creating internal systems that now underpin how the firm values assets, assesses risk, and delivers pricing intelligence across its global portfolio.

With an eye on long-term transformation, Lee sees aircraft leasing as a strategic lever for sustainability, digital innovation, and systemic efficiency.

In his own words: “Aircraft leasing isn’t just about credit and metal. It’s about creating the nervous system of a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable global air transport system.”

Lee is a vocal advocate for ESG integration, digitisation, and the adoption of secure, open data standards. His vision is one of a connected industry that leverages technology and transparency to meet the demands of a more complex world, and his work continues to move ABL Aviation in that direction.

Looking Ahead

The Airline Economics 40 Under 40 list continues to grow in stature, and this year’s class—selected from over 100 nominations and 1,800 endorsements—represents the best of what the next generation of aviation leaders has to offer.

At ABL Aviation, we are honoured to see both Umid and Lee recognised for their leadership, integrity, and forward-thinking contributions to the industry. Their achievements reflect not only personal milestones, but also our shared values as a firm committed to redefining the future of aircraft investment.

We extend our warmest congratulations to both of them, and to all the other outstanding individuals selected this year.