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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

Willis Lease Finance Corporation

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

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WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION



NOTICE OF 20102011 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS



To our Stockholders:

        You are cordially invited to attend the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION, which will be held at our executive offices, 773 San Marin Drive, Suite 2215, Novato, California, 94998 at 2:4:00 p.m. local time on ThursdayWednesday, May 20, 2010.18, 2011. Directions to attend the Annual Meeting where you may vote in person can be found on our website:www.willislease.com (see "Investor").

        In addition to any other business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, the following proposals are to be voted on at the Annual Meeting:

        The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 22, 201021, 2011 as the record date for determining those stockholders who will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. The stock transfer books will not be closed between the record date and the date of the meeting. A quorum comprising the holders of the majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock on the record date must be present or represented for the transaction of business at the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Accordingly, it is important that your shares be represented at the meeting.WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE, to ensure that your shares will be voted at the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to the time it is voted.

        The proxy material is being mailed to you on or about April 30, 2010.29, 2011. Please read the proxy material carefully. Your vote is important, and we appreciate your cooperation in considering and acting on the matters presented.

  By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

GRAPHICGRAPHIC



Charles F. Willis, IV
Chairman of the Board

April 30, 201029, 2011


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WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION

PROXY STATEMENT

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 Page 

SOLICITATION AND VOTING OF PROXIES

  1 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

  2 

PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF CLASS IIII DIRECTORS

  7 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION

  8 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

  9 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

  10 

COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS—COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

  1011 

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

  1815 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

  1916 

PROPOSAL 2 APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE COMPANY'S EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLANADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  2522 

PROPOSAL 3 APPROVALADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF THE COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE-BASEDFUTURE ADVISORY VOTING ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION POLICY

  2923 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

  3124 

PROPOSAL 4 RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLCLLP AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

  31

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

3224 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

  3325 

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

  3426 

STOCKHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME LAST NAME AND ADDRESS

  3527 

OTHER MATTERS

  3527 

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You should read the entire proxy
statement carefully prior to returning your proxy



PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
20102011 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OF
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION

To Be Held on May 20, 201018, 2011




SOLICITATION AND VOTING OF PROXIES

General

        This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors (also referred to as the "Board") of WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION ("we," "us," "our," "Willis Lease" or the "Company") of proxies to be voted at the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be held at 2:4:00 p.m. local time on Thursday,Wednesday, May 20, 201018, 2011 at our executive offices, located at 773 San Marin Drive, Suite 2215, Novato, California 94998, or at any adjournments or postponements thereof, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

        This proxy statement is being mailed to stockholders on or about April 30, 2010.29, 2011. Our 20092010 Annual Report is being mailed to stockholders concurrently with this proxy statement. You should not regard the 20092010 Annual Report as proxy soliciting material or as a communication by means of which any solicitation of proxies is to be made.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be held on May 20,18, 2010: The Proxy Statement and the 20092010 Annual Report are available at http:https://materials.proxyvote.com/970646.

Voting

        The close of business on March 22, 201021, 2011 is the record date for determining whether you in your capacity as a stockholder are entitled to notice of and to vote at the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. As of that date, we had 9,196,6738,813,038 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding. All of the shares of our common stock outstanding on the record date are entitled to vote at the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If you are entitled to vote at the meeting, you will have one vote for each share of common stock you hold with regard to each matter to be voted upon.

        The required quorum for the meeting is a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock eligible to be voted on the matters to be considered at the meeting.

        Shares of our common stock represented by proxies which are properly executed and returned to us on the accompanying proxy card will be voted at the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in accordance with the instructions you mark on the proxy card. If you do not mark any instructions on the proxy card, your shares represented by the proxy card will be voted for the election of the Board's nominees as Class IIII Directors, and in favor of Proposals 2 3 and 4.4, and in favor of the Board's recommendation for Proposal 3. In the election for directors (Proposal 1), the nominees for Class IIII Directors receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will


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be elected. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares voted in person or by proxy at the 20102011 Annual Meeting is required for the adoption of Proposals 2 3 and 4. The Company will consider the plurality of votes cast in respect of Proposal 3 as the preference of our stockholders, on an advisory basis, as to the frequency of advisory


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votes to approve our executive compensation. Pursuant to SEC rules, if an alternative with respect to Proposal 3 receives a majority of votes cast and we adopt that frequency, we may exclude from future proxy statements any stockholder proposal asking that a different frequency be used.

        If a properly signed proxy or ballot indicates that you abstain from voting or that your shares are not to be voted on a particular proposal, your shares will not be counted as having been voted on that proposal, although your shares will be counted as being in attendance at the meeting for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. Broker non-votes (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees as to which instructions have not been received from beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote that the broker or nominee does not have discretionary power to vote on a particular matter) are counted towards a quorum, but are not counted for purposes of the proposals in determining whether a matter has been approved by a majority of the shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote.

        Our management does not know of any matters to be presented at the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders other than those set forth in this proxy statement and in the Notice accompanying this proxy statement. If other matters should properly come before the meeting, the proxy holders will vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

Revocability of Proxies

        If you give a proxy in the form accompanying this proxy statement, you have the right to revoke it at any time before it is voted at the meeting. You may revoke your proxy by:

Solicitation

        This solicitation is made by our Board of Directors on our behalf. The entire cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the Notice of 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card, and of soliciting proxies, will be paid by us. Proxies will be solicited principally through the use of the mails, but we may solicit proxies personally or by telephone, electronic mail or special letter by our officers and our regular employees for no additional compensation. We have retained American Stock Transfer & Trust and Broadridge to aid in the solicitation at an estimated cost to us of approximately $11,300$13,525 plus out-of-pocket expenses.


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND THE COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

Board of Directors

        Our Bylaws authorize us to have six Directors. At the present time, the Board consists of six Directors who are divided into three classes of two directors each: Class I, Class II and Class III. One class is elected each year for a three-year term. Gérard Laviec, W. William Coon, Jr., Hans Joerg Hunziker, and Robert T. Morris are independent directors, as defined in the NASDAQ listing standard.

        Our business, property and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board. Directors are kept informed of our business through discussions with our President and Chief Executive Officer and our other officers, by reviewing materials provided to them and by participating in meetings of the Board and its committees. The Board held a total of fivefour meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.2010. Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of: (i) the total number of meetings of the Board; and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all Committees of the Board on which he served.


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Communications with the Board

        You may communicate with the Board of Directors by sending a letter to: Board of Directors, Willis Lease Finance Corporation, c/o Office of the Corporate Secretary, 773 San Marin Drive, Suite 2215, Novato, California 94998. Our Office of the Corporate Secretary will receive your correspondence and forward it to the Board of Directors or to any individual director or directors to whom your communication is directed, unless the communication is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, does not reasonably relate to us or our business, or is similarly inappropriate. The Office of the Corporate Secretary has the authority to discard any inappropriate communications or to take other appropriate actions with respect to any such inappropriate communications.

Attendance at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders

        Mr. Willis and Mr. Morris attended the 20092010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; our other directors did not attend. We have no policy requiring Board members to attend our annual meeting.

Committees of the Board

        The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee, both currently comprised solely of independent directors, as defined by the NASDAQ listing standard.

        The Board does not have a nominating committee or committee performing the functions of such a committee. The Board has determined that the function of a nominating committee is adequately fulfilled by the independent directors. It has not established such a committee and therefore has no nominating committee charter. The full Board of Directors participates in the consideration of any director nominee.

        Although we have not formally set any specific minimum qualifications that director nominees must possess, we look for candidates with the appropriate experience in aviation and leasing, a strong professional background, and a general understanding of marketing, finance and other disciplines related to the success of a company in our industry. And although not part of any formal policy, our goal is a balanced and diverse Board, with members whose skills, background and experience are complimentary and, together, cover the spectrum of areas that impact our business. Our directors are generally nominated by our management or other directors, and each nominee is evaluated based on the above qualifications and in the context of the Board as a whole. While we do not normally engage professional search firms or other third parties in connection with our Board nomination process, we may do so in the future.

        Since we do not have a history of stockholder nominations of directors, we do not have a formal policy regarding stockholder nominees to the Board. Under our Bylaws, stockholders wishing to nominate a candidate for director must give notice to our Corporate Secretary no later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of our preceding year's annual meeting. If the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or 60 days after such anniversary date, the notice must be delivered no later than the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which we publicly announce the annual meeting date. The notice should set forth: (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of the nominee; (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the nominee; (iii) the class and number of our shares beneficially owned by the nominee; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and the nominee and any other person(s) pursuant to which the nomination is made by the stockholder; and (v) any other information relating to the nominee that is required to be disclosed in proxy statements for the election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Nominees proposed by stockholders will be evaluated in the same manner as those proposed by management or existing directors.


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        The Audit Committee oversees our accounting function, internal controls and financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. The NASDAQ's listing rules require that our Audit Committee be composed of at least three independent directors. The Audit Committee meets with our financial management and our independent auditors to review our financial statements and filings, the audit and matters arising from them, and financial reporting procedures, including any significant judgments made in preparation of the financial statements. The Audit Committee currently consists of Directors Robert T. Morris (Chair), Gérard Laviec and W. William Coon, Jr. All members of the Audit Committee are able to read and understand financial statements. Mr. Morris also qualifies as an audit committee financial expert, as defined by the SEC, and is financially sophisticated as required by the NASDAQ listing standards. The Committee held four meetings during the 20092010 fiscal year. On December 16, 2008 the Board reviewed and approved the Audit Committee Charter meeting the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NASDAQ. The Audit Committee's charter is available on the Company's web site (www.willislease.com).

        The Compensation Committee reviews and approves our compensation arrangements for executive officers and administers the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee currently consists of Directors Hans Joerg Hunziker (Chair as of January 1, 2011), Gérard Laviec (Chair)(who was the Chair prior to January 1, 2011), W. William Coon, Jr., and Robert T. Morris and Hans Joerg Hunziker.Morris. The Compensation Committee held threesix meetings during the 20092010 fiscal year. For additional details, see "Compensation of Executive Officers—Compensation Discussion and Analysis" elsewhere in this proxy statement. The Compensation Committee's charter is available on the Company's web site (www.willislease.com).

Board Leadership Structure

        Our company is led by Charles F. Willis, IV, the founder of the Company who serves as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. This approach is commonly utilized by public companies in the United States and we believe it has been effective for our company as well. As a result, we have a single leader for our company, withServing in both these roles since the Company was founded has allowed Mr. Willis to be seen by participants in the aviation industry and by our customers, business partners, investors and the other stakeholders as providing strong leadership for our company and in our industry. The Board believes that his combined role is the optimal structure for us and our stockholders because it enables decisive leadership, ensures clear accountability and enhances our ability to consistently communicate our message and strategy to all of our stakeholders. Moreover, Mr. Willis possesses detailed and in-depth knowledge of the issues, opportunities and challenges facing us and our business and, therefore, is best positioned to develop agendas that focus the Board's time and attention on the most critical matters, while minimizing the potential for confusion or duplication of efforts. We recognize that different board leadership structures may be appropriate for companies in different situations and believe that no one structure is suitable for all companies. We believe that our current Board leadership structure is optimal for us because it demonstrates to our employees, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders that Willis Lease is under strong leadership, with a single person setting the tone and having primary responsibility for managing our operations. Having a single leader for both the Company and the Board eliminates the potential for confusion or duplication of efforts, and provides for clear leadership for the Company.

        We have not appointed an independent board chairman or lead independent director, as we believe that the members of our Board and the two standing Board Committees consisting of independent directors provide an appropriate level of oversight. In this regard, the Audit Committee oversees the accounting and financial reporting processes, as well as risk, legal and compliance matters. The Compensation Committee oversees the compensation of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and upon the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer, the compensation of the other Named Executive Officers. Each of these Committees is led by a chairperson other than the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and, as discussed in more detail in this proxy, the entire Board of Directors is actively involved in overseeing our risk management. The entire Board, or, as appropriate, the independent directors, monitors matters such as the composition of the Board and its committees, board performance and "best practices" in corporate governance. Our independent directors also conduct meetings in executive session. These meetings are typically held in conjunction with every


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Board meeting and in 20092010 each Board meeting included an independent directors' session. This allows directors to speak candidly on any matters of interest without the Chief Executive Officer or other managers present. We believe this framework strikes a sound balance with appropriate oversight and


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that appointing an independent board chairman would not improve the performance of the Board in a material way.

The Board's Role in Risk Oversight

        It is management's responsibility to manage risk and bring to the Board's attention the most material risks to the Company. Our Board, including through the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee, each of which are comprised solely of independent directors, regularly reviews various areas of significant risk to the Company, and advises and directs management on the scope and implementation of policies, strategic initiatives and other actions designed to mitigate various types of risks. Specific examples of risks primarily overseen by the full board include competition risks, industry risks, economic risks, liquidity risks, business operations risks and risks related to acquisitions and dispositions. Our Audit Committee regularly reviews with management and the independent auditors significant financial risk exposures and the processes management has implemented to monitor, control and report such exposures. Specific examples of risks primarily overseen by the Audit Committee include risks related to the preparation of Willis Lease's financial statements, disclosure controls and procedures, internal controls and procedures required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, accounting, financial and auditing risks, treasury risks (insurance, credit and debt), risks posed by significant litigation matters, risks associated with proposed affiliate transactions, and compliance with the Company's Code of Ethics and other applicable laws and regulations. The Compensation Committee reviews and evaluates risks related to the attraction and retention of talent, risks associated with management succession planning, and risks related to the design of compensation programs established by the Compensation Committee for our executive officers. The Compensation Committee has determined in its reasonable business judgment that it isour compensation policies and practices for all employees, including executive officers, do not create risks that are reasonably likely that compensation and benefit plans wouldto have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Director Compensation

        For details regarding director compensation, see "Compensation of Executive Officers—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Director Compensation" elsewhere in this proxy statement.

Biographical Information


 Director Since Age*  Director
Since
 Age*

Class I Directors Whose Terms Expire at the 2011 Annual Meeting:

   

Robert T. Morris

 2006 61  2006 62

W. William Coon, Jr.

 2003 70  2003 71

Class II Directors Whose Terms Expire at the 2012 Annual Meeting:

   

Austin C. Willis

 2008 29  2008 30

Gérard Laviec

 2002 70  2002 71

Class III Directors Whose Term Expires at the 2010 Annual Meeting:

 

Class III Directors Whose Term Expires at the 2013 Annual Meeting:

  

Charles F. Willis, IV

 1985 61  1985 62

Hans Joerg Hunziker

 2006 60  2006 61

*
Age as of March 22, 2010.21, 2011.

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Principal Occupations, Background and Qualifications of Director Nominees and Continuing Directors

        Charles F. Willis, IV is the founder of Willis Lease, has served as Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director since our incorporation in 1985, and has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1996. Mr. Willis has over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry. From 1975 to 1985, Mr. Willis served as president of Willis Lease's predecessor, Charles F. Willis Company, which


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purchased, financed and sold a variety of large commercial transport aircraft and provided consulting services to the aviation industry. During 1974, Mr. Willis operated a small business not involved in the aviation industry. From 1972 through 1973, Mr. Willis was Assistant Vice President of Sales at Seaboard World Airlines, a freight carrier. From 1965 through 1972, he held various positions at Alaska Airlines, including positions in the flight operations, sales and marketing departments. As our founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Willis brings to the Board significant senior leadership, sales and marketing, industry, technical and global experience, and a deep institutional knowledge of the Company, its operations and customer relations.

        Hans Joerg Hunziker previously served as one of our Directors from November 2000 until July 1, 2003. He was elected a Class II Director at the 2006 Annual Meeting. Since 2002, Mr. Hunziker currently serves ashas been the owner and CEO of HLF Aviation GmbH (formerly known as Hunziker Lease & Finance,Finance), a company he founded in Zug, Switzerland in 2002 which offers independent business consulting services to the aviation industry. From 1998 to 2002, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Flightlease AG Ltd., a public company involved in aircraft leasing as a subsidiary of SAirGroup whose headquarters are in Zurich, Switzerland. From 1998 to 2001, he was also co-CEO of GATX Flightlease Management GmbH, an asset management and commercial aircraft leasing company. From 1996 to 1998, he was the Chief Financial Officer of SAirServices Ltd., a group of companies including aircraft maintenance and overhaul, ground handling services, information technology and real estate, and Managing Director of SAirServices Invest Ltd. From 1991 to 1996, he was Chief Financial Officer of Swissair Associated Companies Ltd., a group of 150 companies, primarily in the hotel, catering (Gate Gourmet) and trading business. Mr. Hunziker holds a Masters Degree in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Zurich. He also received the equivalent of a doctoral degree from the University of Zurich, after successful completion of his thesis on Strategic Planning in the Airline Industry. In addition to previously serving as a director of Willis Lease, Finance, he was Chairman of the Board of Flightlease Holdings (Guernsey) Limited (and a director of several of its subsidiaries in Guernsey and Bermuda), as well as Chairman of the Board of Flightlease (Netherlands) B.V., SRTechnics Group AG, SRTechnics Switzerland AG, Swisscargo AG and SAirServices Invest AG. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Jetbird AG from 2006-2009, and was also previously a member of the Board of Directors of each of FlightTechnics LLC, Delaware, Swissport Brazil Ltd., Polygon Insurance Company Ltd. and Gotland Shipping AG. Mr. Hunziker brings to the Board a high level of financial sophistication, broad international exposure and significant experience in commercial aviation and the aviation equipment leasing industry.

        Gérard Laviec joined our Board of Directors in February 2002. In 2001, Mr. Laviec retired from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of CFM International, a partnership between General Electric Company and SNECMA and a major supplier of engines for commercial jets. Mr. Laviec joined the CFM-56 Program in 1976 in its incipient phase. From 1983 to 1995, he served as General Manager in product support engineering, business operations, sales and marketing, and was named President and Chief Executive Officer of CFM International in 1995. Mr. Laviec also served as the Chairman of the Board of Shannon Engine Support, a wholly-owned CFM International subsidiary in Ireland, from 1995 until 2001. Mr. Laviec is a graduate of INSA Lyon, France with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served in the French Air Force as a Flight Officer in Search and Rescue teams prior to joining SNECMA. He is a Knight for the French National Order of Merit. Mr. Laviec brings to the Board intimate knowledge about a key aviation industry player and an important supplier of engines to the Company, broad international exposure and insight into challenges associated with


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managing a global organization, expertise in aviation and engineering generally, and expertise in the engine leasing industry in particular.


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        W. William Coon, Jr. spent 34 years at GE Aircraft Engines ("GEAE"), a division of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), where he served in numerous management positions. Prior to retiring from GEAE in 2000, Mr. Coon was General Manager for Small Commercial Aircraft Services. From 1984 to 1998 he served as Director of Product Support, where he was responsible for supplying global services to the company's regional airline customers. In addition to those executive positions, Mr. Coon was a director of each of T Group America and Flight Technics from 2003 through 2007. Mr. Coon holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Business Administration from Xavier University. Mr. Coon brings to the Board a valuable technical literacy, knowledge of an important manufacturer and supplier of engines to the Company, and familiarity with the needs of the Company's commercial airline customer base.

        Robert T. Morris is currently President of Robert Morris & Company, a company he founded in 1992. He joined Union Bank of California Leasing in 2004 to establish an innovative equipment leasing group, and served as its President through March 2007. Prior to joining Union Bank of California Leasing, he was a consultant to more than 25 commercial banks for their equipment leasing operations over a 12 year period. He has also worked for Bank of San Francisco, Bank of Montreal and GATX Leasing Corporation. Mr. Morris holds a Masters Degree from the American Graduate School of International Management and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Denver with majors in Economics, Political Science and History. Mr. Morris brings to the Board considerable expertise in the aviation equipment leasing industry with a focus on finance and risk evaluation.

        Austin C. Willis was elected to the Board in December 2008. Mr. Willis is the founder of and has, since 2004, served as the president of JT Power LLC, a privately held company engaged in the business of selling commercial jet turbine engine parts and leasing commercial aircraft. Mr. Willis has, since 2006, also owned and served as Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Management LLC, an aviation consulting firm. Mr. Willis holds a bachelors degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science where he studied finance and industrial relations. He is the son of Charles F. Willis, IV. Mr. Willis brings to the Board familiarity with the aviation industry generally with a focus on the after-market disposition of the aircraft engines and parts which comprise the Company's engine portfolio.


PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF TWO CLASS IIII DIRECTORS

        Our Board is divided into three classes, each class having a three-year term that expires in successive years. At the 20102011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, two Directors will be elected in Class III,I, to serve a three-year term expiring at the 20132014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until succeeded by another qualified director who has been duly elected.

        The nominees for Director in Class IIII are Charles F. Willis, IVRobert T. Morris and Hans Joerg Hunziker.W. William Coon, Jr.

        The proxy holders intend to vote all proxies received by them for the foregoing nominees, unless instructions to the contrary are marked on the proxy. In the event that any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a Director at the time of the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the proxies will be voted for any nominee who shall be designated by the present Board to fill the vacancy. As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board is not aware of any nominee who is unable or will decline to serve as a director.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR"
THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES AS CLASS IIII DIRECTORS.


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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION

        Our executive officers are as follows:

Name
 Age* Positions and Offices

Charles F. Willis, IV**

  6162 President and Chief Executive Officer

Bradley S. Forsyth

  4445 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Jesse V. Crews

  5758 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Donald A. Nunemaker

  6263 Executive Vice President, General Manager—Leasing

Thomas C. Nord

  6970 Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

*
Age as of March 22, 2010.21, 2011.

**
See business experience background under "Principal OccupationOccupations, Background and Qualifications of Director Nominees and Continuing Directors."

        Bradley S. Forsyth joined us in January 2007, bringing more than 14 years of experience in the finance and aviation industries. Mr. Forsyth is responsible for the capital markets, finance, treasury, accounting, risk management and systems functions of the Company. Prior to joining Willis Lease from 1994 to 2006, he served as Standard Aero's Vice President of Finance for Standard Aero, an international aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul services provider, providing financial management support to nine business units with $800 million in annual sales. FormerlyPrior to that, he was with PriceWaterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) practicing in their audit and tax departments. He is a Chartered Accountant and graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree.

        Jesse V. Crews joined the Company in July 2009, bringing more than 30 years experience in the commercial finance and aircraft leasing markets. Mr. Crews is responsible for the formation and cultivation of joint ventures, business development, and capital markets enhancements. Prior to joining Willis Lease, Mr. Crews spent 26 years with GATX Corporation ("GATX") where, among other positions, he served as President and CEO of GATX Capital Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GATX which operates a diversified equipment leasing company with approximately $3.5 billion in assets and $5 billion in managed third party assets. After leaving GATX, Corporation, he served for five years as a managing director from 2004 to 2009 for Fortress Investment Group, an equity investment firm with approximately $30 billion under management. Mr. Crews has a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Yale University.

        Donald A. Nunemaker has been with us since July 1997 and currently serves as our Executive Vice President and General Manager—Leasing. Prior to his appointment as General Manager—Leasing, he served as Chief Operating Officer until September of 2006, and prior to that as Chief Administrative Officer until March 2001. Mr. Nunemaker also served on our Board of Directors from June to November 2000. Mr. Nunemaker is responsible for managing our day-to-day operation and has been extensively involved in the equipment leasing industry since 1973. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Nunemaker was President and CEO of LeasePartners, Inc., a leasing company based in Burlingame, California, which was acquired in 1996 by Newcourt Credit Group. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Nunemaker was Executive Vice President of Concord Asset Management, Inc., an aircraft and computer leasing subsidiary of Concord Leasing, Inc., which was owned by the HSBC Group. Before joining Concord in 1990, Mr. Nunemaker was President and CEO of Banc One Leasing Corporation of New Jersey. Prior to that he spent thirteen years with Chase Manhattan Leasing Company in a variety of senior line and staff positions. Mr. Nunemaker has a Masters in Business Administration Degree from Indiana University.

        Thomas C. Nord has served as our Senior Vice President and General Counsel since July 2003. Mr. Nord is responsible for managing our legal affairs. From May 1977 to March 2003, he was an attorney with GATX Financial Corporation, a specialized finance and leasing company ("GATX") located in San Francisco, California. During most of his careerGATX. While at GATX, among other positions, he served from January 1981 until March


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2003 he was theiras the Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary.Secretary for various GATX subsidiaries specializing in finance and leasing. From February 1974 until May 1977, Mr. Nord was Counsel to Irving Trust Company in New York, New York. From June 1969 to February 1974 Mr. Nord was associated with the New York City law firm of Seward & Kissel. Mr. Nord holds a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of North Carolina.


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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 22, 201021, 2011 by: (i) each person who is known to us to own beneficially more than five percent of the outstanding shares of our common stock; (ii) each Director; (iii) each officer listed in the Summary Compensation Table; and (iv) all Directors and Executive Officers as a group. Unless specified below, the mailing address for each individual, officer or director is c/o Willis Lease Finance Corporation, 773 San Marin Drive, Suite 2215, Novato, CA 94998. As of March 22, 2010,21, 2011, we had 9,196,6738,813,038 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding.


 Common stock(1)  Common stock(1) 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 Number of
Shares
 Percentage of
Class
  Number of
Shares
 Percentage of
Class
 

Charles F. Willis, IV

 3,336,920(2) 34.13% 3,167,975(2) 34.48%

Donald A. Nunemaker

 300,418(3) 3.19% 231,933(3) 2.59%

Thomas C. Nord

 117,642(4) 1.28% 111,433(4) 1.26%

Austin C. Willis

 93,794(2) 1.06%

Bradley S. Forsyth

 82,573(5) *  85,765(5) * 

Austin C. Willis

 65,574(2) * 

Gérard Laviec

 38,957(6) *  38,284(6) * 

Jesse V. Crews

 26,492 * 

Hans Joerg Hunziker

 12,626(7) *  13,953(7) * 

Jesse V. Crews

 10,500 * 

Robert T. Morris

 6,176 *  5,577 * 

W. William Coon, Jr

 6,144 *  5,577 * 

All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (10 persons)

 3,977,530 41.01% 3,780,783 41.39%

Sy Jacobs

 1,205,695(8) 13.11% 906,737(8) 10.29%

Wells Fargo & Company

 802,070(9) 8.72%

Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.

 779,875(10) 8.48% 747,552(9) 8.48%

Wellington Management Co LLP.

 517,328(10) 5.87%

*
Less than one percent of our outstanding common stock.

(1)
Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, the stockholders named in the table are known to us to have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where applicable. The number of shares beneficially owned includes common stock of which such individual has the right to acquire beneficial ownership either currently or within 60 days after March 22, 2010,21, 2011, including, but not limited to, upon the exercise of an option.

(2)
Includes 2,321,1582,200,665 shares held by CFW Partners, L.P., a California limited partnership, of which Charles F. Willis, IV, holds a one percent (1%) interest as sole general partner and an eighty percent (80%) interest as a limited partner. A trust for the benefit of Austin C. Willis holds the remaining nineteen percent (19%) interest as a limited partner. Also includes (i) 2,3503,350 shares held in a joint tenancy account with a family member of Mr. Willis who does not live in the same household; (ii) 2,3503,350 shares held under an account in the name of Charles F. Willis, V for which Mr. Willis is the custodian; and,

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(3)
Includes 232,586154,650 options to purchase shares at a weighted average exercise price of $6.64$5.61 per share.


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(4)
Includes 22,000 options to purchase shares at a weighted average exercise price of $9.20 per share. Mr. Nord also owns 2,500 Series A preferred shares which he purchased on February 7, 2006 at $10.00 per share.

(5)
Includes 3,326 shares owned by Ms. Forsyth. Mr. Forsyth also owns 300 Series A preferred shares which he purchased on June 5, 2008 at $10.25 per share and 8,400 Series A preferred shares which he purchased in April 2009 at an average per share price of $7.68$7.68.

(6)
Includes 27,08122,081 options to purchase shares at a weighted average exercise price of $6.42$6.86 per share.

(7)
Includes 3,7505,000 options to purchase shares at a weighted average exercise price of $8.70 per share.

(8)
Based on a(i) Schedule 13G filed by Sy Jacobs with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2011, and (ii) Form 4 filed by Sy Jacobs with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2010.2011. Includes 694,368705,410 shares held by JAM Partners, L.P., 476,227166,227 shares held by JAM Special Opportunities Fund, L.P.Equity Partners, LLC., and 35,100 shares held by Sy Jacobs. The mailing address of all three is One Fifth Avenue,11 East 26 Street, New York, NY 10003.10010.

(9)
Based on Schedule 13G filed by Wells Fargo & Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 25, 2010. Wells Fargo & Company's mailing address is 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104.

(10)
Based on Schedule 13G filed by Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.LP with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2010.11, 2011. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP mailing address is Palisades West, Building One, 6300 Bee Cave Rd., Austin, TX 78746.

(10)
Based on Schedule 13G filed by Wellington Management Company, LLP with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2011. Wellington Management Company, LLP mailing address is 280 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210.


SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

        Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our Directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and our other equity securities. Directors, executive officers and holders of more than ten percent of our common stock are required by Securities and Exchange Commission regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.

        Based solely upon review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations from our officers and Directors, we believe that, except as set forth in the following sentences,sentence, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009,2010, our Directors, executive officers and holders of more than ten percent of our common stock complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements. Austin C. Willis, Director, sold 20,387 shares of the Company's common stock over the period of May 13, 2009 through May 19, 2009, and his Form 4 for these transactions was filed on June 25, 2009. Additionally, Mr. Forsyth's spouse purchased 3,326 shares of the Company's common stock over the period of November 21, 2007 through December 4, 2007, and his Form 4 for these transactions was filed on April 2, 2010.


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COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

        This Compensation discussion and analysis describes the material elements of our compensation program for Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee") oversees the design and administration of our executive compensation programs. The Compensation Committee is comprised of four independent directors: Hans Joerg Hunziker (Chair as of January 1, 2011), Gérard Laviec (Chair)(who was the Chair prior to January 1, 2011), W. William Coon, Jr., Hans Joerg Hunziker and Robert T. Morris. The Compensation


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Committee meets formally twice per year, and more often if needed. Each meeting includes an executive session, with no member of management present. The Compensation Committee's charter is available on the Company's web site(www.willislease.com).

        The Compensation Committee retains compensation consultants from time to time to evaluate executive compensation levels and advise on specific programs; the consultants report directly to the Compensation Committee. For the past threefour years, the Compensation Committee has retained Smith Compensation Consulting to advise on various compensation issues. Smith Compensation Consulting has no other contract or business relationship with Willis Lease.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

        The objectives of our compensation programs are to attract and retain high performing executives, to provide a substantial link between the company's performance and executive pay, and to provide stockholders with a superior rate of return. It is the Compensation Committee's philosophy to link the named executive officers' compensation to corporate performance. The individual elements of compensation are targeted at different areas. Base salaries should be sufficiently competitive to attract and retain highly capable executives; annual incentive bonuses are intended to reward meeting budgeted earnings goals each year; long-term incentives, now primarily in the form of grants of restricted stock, are intended to align executive and stockholder interest, reward long term growth of revenues and earnings, and provide an incentive for key executives to stay with the organization over the long term.

        ItThe base salary, annual incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation of the named executive officers are determined in part by the Compensation Committee reviewing data on prevailing compensation practices of comparable companies with whom we compete for executive talent and evaluating such information in connection with our corporate goals and compensation practices. The Compensation Committee considers various sources of data when determining executive compensation levels, including compensation data from a sampling of public companies and public compensation surveys.

        However, it is difficult to determine a precise peer group because the vast majority of the Company's direct competitors are business units within much larger corporations such as General Electric, United Technologies and Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi such that the heads of the leasing divisions do not appear in proxy statements as Named Executive Officers—therefore, the Compensation Committee makes its decisions based primarily on its understanding of compensation practices in the aviation services and leasing markets, generally, and for companies of comparable size. Accordingly, with the help of Smith Compensation Consulting, the Company has developed information on executive pay practices in (i) public financial services and leasing companies similarand (ii) other public companies headquartered in size toNorthern California which are representative of the market in which the Company primarily using surveys including, "Watson Wyatt Data Services Top Management Compensation Report" published annually by Watson Wyatt Worldwide.

        The 2008 Watson Wyatt survey (last used by our consultant to compare top executive compensation at the Company) included data on 17,900 executives in over 2,500 organizations. The Watson Wyatt survey was used primarily to compare base salaries and annual incentive compensation levels. The comparison groups from which Watson Wyatt survey data was drawn included industrial companies with sales revenues from $50 to $200 million, all industrial companies with sales under $1 billion, and financial institutions with assets under $2 billion. Since the organizations included were most comparable to the business of the Company, the Smith Consulting analysis focused primarily on the third group—financial companies with assets under $2 billion. The companies included in this third grouping were:


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        The individual elementscompetes for talent. For fiscal year 2010, the sample of compensation are targeted at different areas. Base salaries are sufficiently competitive to attract and retain highly capable executives; annual incentive bonuses are intended to reward meeting budgeted earnings goals each year; long-term incentives, now primarily in the form of grants of restricted stock, are intended to align executive and stockholder interest, reward long term growth of revenues and earnings, and provide an incentive for key executives to stay with the organization over the long term.

        Our intention is to provide total compensation opportunity targeted at the 75th percentile of prevailing market compensation, and to pay that level of compensation only when the Company's financial goals are achieved or exceeded. At the timecompanies consisted of the Smith Consulting review, the base salaries of Company executives compared to the 75th percentile of the financial institutions peer group as follows (Mr. Crews, our COO, was hired on July 29, 2009. His base salary is identical to that of his predecessor):following companies:

Executive
Base Salary
as a % of
75th Percentile

Mr. Willis•       Aaron's, Inc.

•       Affymetrix, Inc.

•       Aircastle Limited

•       Blue Coat Systems, Inc.

•       Dionex Corporation

•       Electro Rent Corporation

•       ePlus Inc.

•       Finisar Corporation

 92%

Mr. Crews•       FormFactor, Inc.

•       GATX Corporation

•       Infinera Corporation

•       Informatica Corporation

•       IXYS Corporation

•       Marlin Business Services Corp.

•       McGrath RentCorp

•       Micrel, Incorporated

 71%

Mr. Forsyth•       Mobile Mini, Inc.

69%

Mr. Nord•       Solera Holdings, Inc.

78%

•       Synaptics Incorporated

•       TAL International Group, Inc.

•       TIBCO Software Inc.

•       VeriFone Systems, Inc.

•       Zoran Corporation

        Smith Consulting also comparedIn selecting the public companies for inclusion in the sample, the following factors were considered: industry, geographic location, net revenues, market capitalization, and whether the company may compete against us for executive talent. These companies ranged in annual incentive bonus opportunityrevenue from approximately $33 million to $1.75 billion (median of $388 million) and market capitalization from approximately $112 million to $2.5 billion (median of $787 million).

        In addition to gathering data specific to the survey groupings,above listed companies, the Compensation Committee also reviewed public surveys of compensation practices, including surveys conducted by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Towers Perrin, and Mercer.

        Our general guideline is to determine whetherprovide a total compensation opportunity which is reasonable in the Company's target bonuses (the amount intended to be paid when budget and other organizational goals are met) were reasonable and competitive. The following table shows targeted bonus percentage for top Company positions and two industry groupings, expressed as a percentage of base salary:

Executive
 Company General
Industry
 Financial
Institutions
 

Chief Executive Officer

  100% 90% 98%

Chief Operating Officer

  100% 85% 64%

Chief Financial Officer

  60% 62% 59%

Chief Legal Officer

  50% 44% 49%

        In order to account for the differences in bonuses actually paid among companies and as an additional data point, a comparison of the total annual cash compensation (assuming target bonuses) for the Named Executive Officers to the total annual cash compensation actually paid for the survey group was made as follows:

Executive
Annual Cash
Compensation
as a % of
75th Percentile

Mr. Willis

93%

Mr. Crews

86%

Mr. Forsyth

69%

Mr. Nord

78%

        At the time of the Smith Consulting study, the comparative annual cash compensation (salary and bonus) levels for the four executives above compared as follows to the survey data:


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        Because of the transition in Mr. Nunemaker's duties from COO to General Manager—Leasing, the Compensation Committee determined not to adjust his base salary.

        The total annual cash compensation (based on the actual bonuses paid) for the listed Named Executive Officers to (i) the total annual cash compensation actually paid for the survey group as well as to (ii) the Named Executive Officer's target total annual cash compensation (assuming target bonus) is set forth in the columns of the chart below.

Executive
 Annual Cash
Compensation
as a % of
75th Percentile
 Annual Cash
Compensation
as a % of
Target
Annual Cash
Compensation
 

Mr. Willis

  96% 107%

Mr. Crews

  68% 79%

Mr. Forsyth

  107% 112%

Mr. Nord

  95% 112%

        To compare long term incentives in the marketplace, Smith Consulting used data from a composite survey obtained through Watson Wyatt that blended long term incentive market data as reported by Towers Perrin, Mercer, and Watson Wyatt surveys. These surveys represent data collected from hundreds of companies in various industries, and thus provide a broad sample from which to determine competitive long-term incentive grants for executives. The composite data base shows the dollar value of typical long-term incentive grants as a percentage of base pay at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles at various salary levels. In its assessment, the Compensation Committee decided to focus on the 50th percentile level in determining long-term incentive grants for Company executives. Since base salary levels were already targeted at the 75th percentile, the result would produce total compensation targeted at approximately the 75th percentile, on a blended basis.


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        The following table shows the survey data points used by the Compensation Committee in determining restricted stock grants for top Willis Lease executives:

Salary Level
 LTI Grant as
Multiple of
Base Pay
 Target
$ Value of
Grant
 

$600,000

  1.68x $1,008,000 

$300,000

  .81x $243,000 

$200,000

  .42x $134,000 

These target values are general guidelines used by the Compensation Committee. Although the Compensation Committee models its grants on these guidelines, the actual grantspackages may vary based on the Compensation Committee's and Mr. Willis' subjective evaluation of each executive's performance and potential and the Company's overall financial position and performance.

Governance of Compensation Programs

        Our CEO, in conjunction with human resources, develops recommended annual salaries, incentive targets and long-term incentive compensation for the Named Executive Officers. UsingAfter reviewing the published survey and comparatorpeer group information described above under "Compensation Philosophy and Objectives,"Objectives" and based on competitivethe market information provided by the Compensation Committee's outside consultant, the Compensation Committee approvesdetermines in its subjective judgment the annual salaries, incentive targets and long-term incentive compensation for the Named Executive Officers.

        In 2006 and early 2007, with the advice of Smith Consulting, the Compensation Committee approved the terms of employment contracts negotiated with Mr. Forsyth as being consistent with current market for his position. The Compensation Committee also approved increases in Messrs. Willis' and Nord's base salaries. In Mr. Willis' case the increase represents the Compensation Committee's assessment of his performance and input from its consultant. In Mr. Nord's case the Compensation Committee considered Mr. Willis' recommendation and input from its consultant and increased his compensation over a two-year period because it believed that it was out of step with the market. Effective January 1, 2008 the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Willis' and Mr. Forsyth's base salary. The Compensation Committee decided to increase Mr. Willis' base salary in recognition of his continued outstanding performance in leading the organization and to bring it in line with the desired position (75th percentile of market), taking into account the fact that in 2007 under Mr. Willis's leadership the Company's total revenue increased $16 million or 15%, lease portfolio assets increased $142 million or 23%, and earnings per diluted share increased $0.10 to $1.66. Mr. Forsyth's base salary was increased in recognition of his excellent performance, his growth in the CFO position, his increasing role as a part of the senior management team, and the relatively low position of his salary in the marketplace. Mr. Forsyth's base salary at his hire date of January 2007 was lower than market reflecting the fact that this was his first CFO position. In addition to increasing his salary to reflect his experience and growth in the role, the Compensation Committee took note that in addition to effectively managing the company's regular auditing and public reporting activities, he upgraded the staff of the accounting group in a majority of positions, successfully negotiated a new "warehouse" financing facility in conjunction with our WEST securitization and oversaw the implementation of a significant change in Company's accounting for maintenance reserves paid under its leases.


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        On December 16, 2008 the Compensation Committee approved a revised Employment Agreement for Mr. Willis which superseded his previous agreement entered into in 2000. Mr. Willis' employment agreement was amended and restated to update its terms since the prior employment agreement was entered into in 2000. In addition, in connection with such amendment and restatement, the bonus provisions were clarified such that it was made clear that there was no guaranteed minimum bonus.

        For the reasons discussed above, in 2009 the Compensation Committee approved the terms of employment negotiated with Mr. Crews as being consistent with current market for his position.

Elements of Compensation

        Each element of compensation has a different purpose, although in combination they are intended to make sure that Willis Lease has a competitive compensation package that attracts top talent and provides incentives that encourage a high level of short- and long-term performance for the benefit of stockholders.

The Compensation Committee looks at these elements both individually (to ensure that each element is achieving its objective) and collectively (to ensure that the total compensation package is competitive). In the Compensation Committee's view, all three of the primary compensation elements—salary, annual incentive bonus, and long term incentives through restricted stock grants—are balanced. In other words, the intention is to have each element paid at the 75th percentile for high performers, not favoring any one element over the other. Thus, failure to achieve annual incentive goals in one year (or surpassing these goals) would not result in a Compensation Committee decision to increase (or reduce) other aspects of compensation.

Components of the total executive compensation package include:

        Base Salary:    Each officer's base salary is set on the basis of the Compensation Committee's assessment of salary levels in effect for comparable positions in the labor market, the officer's personal performance, and internal comparability considerations. The weight given these factors may vary from


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individual to individual. Base salaries are reviewed annually, and adjustments are made in accordance with the factors described above. Base salary increases depend in part on market competitiveness, time in position, individual performance and growth during the year, and expected future performance. (See "Compensation Philosophy and Objectives" for a discussion of the Compensation Committee's rationale for salary increases for individual Named Executive Officers).

        Internal equity is also an important consideration in setting compensation levels for Company executives. Since the Company is different in some respects from the other industrial and financial companies in the survey samples, and since to some degree responsibilities of the Company's executive officers differ from those in typical companies (for example our Chief Legal Counsel is also responsible for Human Resources), the Compensation Committee gives some consideration to relative internal responsibilities when determining salaries, annual incentive bonus targets, and long term incentive grants. For example, since Mr. Forsyth and Mr. Nord both manage key staff functions for the Company, the Compensation Committee believes it is important that their compensation be generally in the same range.

        Annual Incentive Compensation:    The Compensation Committee has established an annual incentive program designed to reward both the achievement of specific financial goals set by the Board on an annual basis and individual performance. Executives participate in a company-wide bonus plan with each employee participant having an individual target bonus based on a percentage of base salary.

        The determination of the target bonus plan rewardspercentages for each of the achievementNamed Executive Officers started with the target bonus percentage set forth in their respective employment agreements or offer letters, which percentages were determined in part by compensation negotiations at hire and in part by evaluating target incentive levels in the prevailing market. (See "Compensation Philosophy and Objectives".) The employment agreement for Messrs. Willis, Forsyth, and Nord provided for target bonus percentages of 100%, 60%, and 50%, respectively. The employment agreement for Mr. Nunemaker provided for a target bonus percentage of up to 85% of base salary for the 2000 bonus program. Because of the subsequent transfer of certain chief operating officer duties, Mr. Nunemaker's target bonus percentage has since been adjusted to 50% of base salary. The employment offer letter for Mr. Crews provides for a target bonus percentage of 50% for a bonus to be paid out of the bonus pool discussed below, with an additional 50% bonus payable based on the subjective evaluation of his individual performance by the Chief Executive Officer (no discretionary bonus was paid to Mr. Crews for 2010).

        The amount that an employee may be paid as an annual incentive for any year also depends on the amount of the potential "bonus pool" established at the beginning of each year by the Board which will be funded if the Company achieves the budgeted financial goal. The amount of the potential bonus pool is established based on the Company's budgeted earnings for the year, the number of employees at the beginning of the year and those employees' salaries and respective target bonus percentages. If the Company achieves the financial goal set by the Board, on an annual basis. A "bonus pool" is determined in the annual budgeting process which will be funded if we achieve the financial goal.

        In 2009 the bonus plan provided for a bonus pool based on the achievement of a 10.5% return on equity goal, which was the goal established by the Board. Return on equity is calculated as net income


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attributable to common stockholders divided by common equity, calculated as total stockholders' equity less preferred stock. If the Company achieved 10.5% return on equity, the bonus pool would be fully funded and all employees, including the executives, would receive essentially 100% of their target bonuses which range from 100% (in the case of the CEO) to 15% of base salary. If return on equity was less than 10.5%, the bonus pool would be correspondingly reduced. If return on equity was less than 80% of this goal, the bonus pool would be eliminated and no bonuses would be paid. Under the 2009 Bonus Plan, increases in Company return on equity in excess of 10.5% resulted in an additional 14% of such increase for the 2009 bonus pool to be distributed to all employees participating in the Company-wide plan. The Compensation Committee also approved up to $100,000 in discretionary awards for the 2009 year which could be awarded by the Compensation Committee to senior management based on the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer for his reports and based on the determination of the Compensation Committee for the Chief Executive Officer and up to an additional $100,000 for discretionary bonus grants to others.

        The Company achieved a return on equity for 2009 of 12.0%. In addition to bonuses paid through the bonus pool, the Compensation Committee approved of discretionary awards to Messrs. Forsyth and Nord based on the Compensation Committee's subjective determination of the importance of Messrs. Forsyth's and Nord's contribution to the Company's successful refinancing of its revolving credit facility in November 2009. Each participant's target bonus percentage multiplied by the participant's base salary paid while a participant during 2009 was calculated to be the participant's target bonus amount. Eachthen each participant's share of the bonus pool waswill be equal to a fraction (expressed as a percentage) of the bonus pool, the numerator of which is the participant's target bonus amount and the denominator of which is the target bonus amount of all participants. This percentage is multiplied by the total bonus pool to determine each participant's share of the bonus pool. The percentages of actual bonus payouts paid to individual employees compared to their respective salaries may vary from their respective target percentage as a result of the addition or subtraction of employees from the group of eligible pool participants over the year.

        In 2010 the bonus plan approved by the Compensation Committee provided for a bonus pool based on the achievement of a 9.2% return on equity goal. Return on equity is calculated as net effectincome attributable to common stockholders divided by common equity, calculated as total stockholders' equity less preferred stock. If the Company achieved a 9.2% return on equity, the bonus pool would be fully funded and all employees, including the executives, would receive essentially the maximum potential amount of these calculations resulted in alltheir target bonuses which range from 100% (in the case of the CEO) to 15% of an employee's base salary. If return on equity was less than 9.2%, the bonus pool would be correspondingly reduced. If return on equity was less than 50% of this goal (i.e., 4.6%), the bonus pool would be eliminated and no bonuses would be paid.


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        The Company achieved a return on equity for 2010 of 4.7%, and based on the total number of bonus pool participants at the end of 2010 and their respective target bonus percentages, the eligible participants, including the Named Executive Officers, receivingreceived a bonus out of the bonus pool of approximately 114.2%61% of their target bonus amount.

        The determination of the target bonus percentages for the Named Executive Officers started with the target bonus percentage set forth in their respective employment agreements or offer letters, which percentages were determined in part by compensation negotiations at hire and in part by evaluating competitive target incentive levels as reported by the Watson Wyatt survey data. (See "Compensation Philosophy and Objectives"). The employment agreement for Messrs. Willis, Forsyth, and Nord provided for target bonus percentages of 100%, 60%, and 50%, respectively, and are supported by the survey comparisons discussed above. The employment agreement for Mr. Nunemaker provided for a target bonus percentage of up to 85% of base salary for the 2000 bonus program. Because of the transfer of certain chief operating officer duties, Mr. Nunemaker's target bonus percentage has since been set at 50% of base salary. The employment offer letter for Mr. Crews provides for a target bonus percentage of 50% for a bonus to be paid out of the bonus pool, with an additional 50% bonus payable based on the subjective evaluation of his individual performance by the Chief Executive Officer.

        Long-term Incentive Compensation:    To reward executives for the long term growth in the value of the Company's shares, the Compensation Committee also makes annual long-term incentive grants. Grants of restricted stock awarded to officers, including all Named Executive Officers, are based primarily on competitive grant practices in industry as determined in the blended long term incentive survey (using Mercer, Towers Perrin, and Watson Wyatt data) as described above. Also, as explained above, each element of compensation is determined separately and therefore other forms of compensation paid to Named Executive Officers do not directly influence the amount of long-term incentive compensation that the Company awards.

        Prior to June 2006, stock options (non-qualified and incentive stock options) were the primary form of long-term incentives for our executives. Because the 1996 Stock Option Plan expired in June 2006, no option grants were made after that date. The Incentive Plan approved by the stockholders in 2007 providedprovides the flexibility to grant a variety of types of equity awards to provide long-term incentives


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to employees rather than being limited to options as the prior plan required. In conjunction with the approval of the new incentive plan, the Compensation Committee shifted its primary type of long-term incentive grants from options to restricted stock. The Compensation Committee, after consulting with its compensation consultant, has used as a general guide a 1-to-3 ratio for restricted stock in comparison to options—a guideline of one share ofdetermined that the restricted stock is roughly equivalent to 3 options.the best vehicle for long-term executive incentives, instead of the stock options previously granted. In the Compensation Committee's judgment, restricted stock reduces the dilution of stockholders' interest by giving approximately the sameproviding similar value with only1/3 of the number of shares as would be involved in an option grant. The introduction of the requirement to expense option awards for financial statement reporting purposes also makes restricted stock more attractive in both an absolute dollar sense and simplicity in calculating the accounting expense of the grants. The Compensation Committee also believes that restricted stock has a stronger retention value than do options which can expire without providing any incentive benefit. The current expectation is that restricted stock awards will be the primary form of long term incentives for our executives.

        Mr. Crews was awarded 10,000 sharesIn 2010, the Compensation Committee began its analysis of the value of long-term incentive grants of restricted stock in accordance with the termsto an executive by applying a multiplier of his employment offer letter. No other shares of restricted stock were grantedone to Named Executive Officers in 2009 because the December 2008 restricted stock grants were made as the long-term incentive for 2009 in accordance with the Compensation Committee's review of competitive grant practices in industry as described above.that executive's base salary. The Compensation Committee and Mr. Willis reviewed the long-term incentive guidelines discussed above andthen made a subjective overall assessment with respect to the executives (other than Mr. Willis) to determine the appropriate size of those restricted stock grants to such executives. The Compensation Committee made a similar subjective assessment with respect to Mr. Willis to determine the appropriate size of his restricted stock grants.

        Employee Stock Purchase Plan:    With the exception of the CEO, whose ownership level precludes his participation under IRS regulations, our Named Executive Officers, as well as all other eligible employees, may purchase Company shares at a discount under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

        Under the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"(as amended, the "ESPP") 175,000250,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance. Participants may purchase not more than 1,000 shares or $25,000 of common stock in any one calendar year. Each January 31 and July 31, shares of common stock are purchased with the employees' payroll deductions from the immediately preceding six months at a price per share of 85% of the lesser of the market price of the common stock on the purchase date or the market price of the common stock on the date of entry into an offering period. See Proposal 2 in this Proxy Statement for a detailed description of the ESPP and the proposed amendment thereto.

Executive Stock Ownership

        While the Company promotes share ownership by its executives, and encourages them to acquire shares through the ESPP (in which all eligible executives participate) and long-term stock incentives in


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the form of restricted stock and stock options, there are currently no specific guidelines for executive stock ownership or requirement for them to hold shares.

Deferred Compensation

        We maintained a Deferred Compensation Plan through September 19, 2007. That Plan permitted participating executives to defer payment of up to 80% of their base salaries and/or part or all of their bonuses. Mr. Willis was the only executive who elected to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan. In 2006 he terminated his participation and in early 2007 withdrew the balance of his previous deferred compensation. As a result he has no accumulated deferrals. Because of the lack of utilization of the plan, it was terminated by the Board on September 19, 2007.


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Employment Agreements and Severance Payments

        Employment agreements have been entered into with Messrs. Willis, Forsyth, Nunemaker and Nord. In addition to providing for severance as described below, such agreements provide for base salary (subject to increase but not decrease unless part of a salary reduction program affecting all senior executive officers), bonus compensation (as described in the "Annual Incentive Compensation" section of the "Elements of Compensation" portion of the Compensation and Discussion Analysis) and certain benefits. As described in detail below, the employment contracts specify certain severance benefits to be paid in the event of an involuntary termination or termination after a change of control.termination. Consistent with our compensation philosophy, the Compensation Committee believes that the interests of stockholders are best served if the interests of senior management are aligned with those of the stockholders. To this end, we provide enhanced change of control severance benefits to certain of our executive officers to reduce any reluctance of the executive officers to pursue or support potential change in control transactions that would be beneficial to our stockholders. The agreement to pay such severance resulted from negotiations of employment terms with our Named Executive Officers. For further details, please refer to the section "Termination and Change in Control Payments" elsewhere in this proxy statement. The employment agreements also provide a nondisclosure and nonsolicitation of employees covenant for three years after termination of employment (except for Mr. Forsyth whose nonsolicitation covenant period is 2 years after termination of employment).

        Mr. Crews is employed pursuant to an offer letter which provides for aan initial annual base salary of $350,000 per year.year, subject to annual review. He participates in our annual incentive program with a target bonus opportunity of 50% of his base salary. In addition, he is eligible for a separate bonus of up to 50% of his base salary based on Mr. Willis' evaluation of his individual performance as recommended to the Compensation Committee. Mr. Crews also received an award of 10,000 restricted shares of company stock which vests in four equal annual installments, assuming continued employment. Mr. Crews' offer letter does not provide for severance benefits or other payments to be made to him upon a termination or change of control.


REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

        The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has submitted the following report for inclusion in this Proxy Statement:

        The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement with management. Based on our review of and the discussions with management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20092010 for filing with the SEC.

        The foregoing report is provided by the following directors, who constitute the Compensation Committee: