Willis Lease Finance Ranked 19th On List of Fastest Growing Small Public Companies...

Willis Lease Finance Ranked 19th On List of Fastest Growing Small Public
Companies by Fortune Small Business Magazine

NOVATO, Calif., July 10, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance
Corporation (Nasdaq:WLFC), a leading lessor of commercial jet engines, today
announced Fortune Small Business Magazine (FSB) has named it one of America's
fastest-growing small public companies. Willis Lease was ranked 19th in 2009, up
from 73rd in 2008.

"We are delighted to be recognized by one of the nation's premier business
publications as one of the companies that continue to perform well in a
difficult economic environment," said Charles F. Willis, President and CEO.
"This prestigious honor is a testament to our aircraft engine leasing business
model and the hard work and dedication of our entire team."

On May 11, 2009, the company reported its first quarter financial results with
total assets surpassing $1 billion as continued growth in the lease portfolio
and high utilization of lease assets contributed to a 7% increase in total
revenue. Net income increased 38% to $7.0 million for the quarter ended March
31, 2009, compared to $5.1 million in the first quarter a year ago. Net income
available to common shareholders increased 44% to $6.2 million, or $0.72 per
diluted share, in the first quarter of 2009, compared to $4.3 million, or $0.49
per diluted share, in the same quarter a year ago.

The FSB 100 ranking of the 100 fastest-growing small companies in America is
compiled by the financial research firm Zacks. Zacks looks at public companies
with annual revenue of less than $200 million and a stock price of more than $1.
Companies were ranked based on earnings growth, revenue growth and stock
performance over the past three years.

About Willis Lease Finance

Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases spare commercial aircraft engines,
rotable parts and aircraft to commercial airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers
and overhaul/repair facilities worldwide. These leasing activities are
integrated with the purchase and resale of used and refurbished commercial
aircraft engines.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release
contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not
unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about
the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of
the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. Our
actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in
forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include,
but are not limited to, the effects on the airline industry and the global
economy of events such as terrorist activity, changes in oil prices and other
disruptions to the world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability
to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other
economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and
aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and
leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses;
changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our
customers; our ability to continue to meet the changing customer demands;
regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance,
accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in
our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
and other continuing reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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CONTACT: Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Brad Forsyth, Chief Financial Officer
(415) 408-4700