Independent Global General
Aviation Asset Manager

Who We Are

ABL Helicopters is an independent asset manager dedicated to general aviation with a clear focus on helicopters and private aircraft. The company was created to meet growing investor demand for independent, high-performance management of non-commercial aviation assets.

Born from the global success and aviation expertise of ABL Aviation, ABL Helicopters applies a proven approach to an underserved segment, combining aviation insight with investment discipline to deliver tailored solutions across the helicopter and general aviation market.

Our Story

What began as a bold vision in 2014 to bring institutional-grade discipline to aircraft asset management, evolved into a global aviation platform with operations across six financial and aviation hubs.

After more than a decade of growth, partnerships, and consistent delivery under ABL Aviation, the launch of ABL Helicopters marked a strategic move: to apply the same trusted model to the general aviation market, with a dedicated team and a standalone mandate.

ABL Helicopters operates independently, guided by the same values of transparency, precision, and client alignment that shaped its origin through a network of offices in: New York, Dublin, Casablanca, Dubai, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

  • 2014

    ABL Aviation founded in New York as an independent aircraft asset manager.

  • 2016–2018

    Global expansion with offices in Dublin, Casablanca, and Hong Kong.

  • 2019

    Strategic partnership secured with a leading Japanese financial institution.

  • 2020–2021

    Completed 25+ transactions with top-tier airlines, building market resilience.

  • 2022

    Opened Tokyo office and strengthened investor base in Asia.

  • 2023

    Surpassed $5B in transactions and delivered 60+ aircraft to key airline partners.

  • 2024

    Opened Dubai office, and achieved $6.5B in total transaction volume.

  • 2025

    ABL Helicopters launched to focus exclusively on helicopters and general aviation assets.

Ali Ben Lmadani

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Ali Ben Lmadani is the Founder and CEO of ABL Helicopters, established to create an independent global platform for general aviation asset management. He has led over $6.6BN in transactions and developed partnerships with major airlines, expanding the company across New York, Dublin, Casablanca, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
Ali began his entrepreneurial career at 22 with ABL Industries and has since launched ventures in real estate, maritime, and agriculture. He holds a degree from Campbell University, was a FINRA-registered investment professional, and holds a Private Pilot’s License.

Finnian O'Neill

Chief Investment Officer

Finnian O’Neill is CIO of ABL Helicopters, responsible for investment strategy, pricing, and execution. Since 2019, he has overseen over $5BN in capital deployment across various aviation finance structures while maintaining a loss-free track record.
He previously held leadership roles at Willis Towers Watson, Stellwagen Finance, and Aerlytix. Finnian is a CFA Charterholder and qualified actuary with a first-class degree in Actuarial and Financial Studies from University College Dublin.

David Taylor

Chief Operating Officer

David Taylor is the COO of ABL Helicopters, overseeing the firm’s operational strategy and technical delivery across global offices. Based in Dubai, he brings over two decades of experience in aircraft technical operations, asset management, and project delivery.
He previously held leadership roles at Santos Dumont and began his aviation career at Ryanair. David holds multiple EASA maintenance licenses, a Diploma in Corporate Finance, and an FAA Private Pilot’s License.

Donal O'Shea

Chief Technical Officer

Donal O’Shea is CTO at ABL Helicopters, managing the technical oversight of the firm’s global fleet. He has held key roles at Ryanair, CityJet, Santos Dumont, and Avolon, where he oversaw assets valued at over $24BN.
He has led aircraft sales, managed major reserve claims, and directed asset strategies during crisis periods. Donal holds a BEng from Kingston University, is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and a licensed pilot.

Eileen O'Donnell

Chief Financial Officer

Eileen O’Donnell is CFO at ABL Helicopters, overseeing global finance, reporting, and treasury functions. She has led audit compliance, budgeting, and lessee coordination to ensure financial integrity across the platform.
She previously held roles at Maples Group and AerSale Aviation, managing SPV accounts, lease compliance, and system implementation. Eileen is a Certified Public Accountant with a Business Studies degree from Cork Institute of Technology.

Umid Sharipov

Head of Japan

Umid Sharipov is Head of Japan at ABL Helicopters, managing relationships with local airlines, lessors, and investors. He brings over a decade of experience in aviation finance, with deep knowledge of Japan’s leasing market.
He previously held senior roles at BNP Paribas in Tokyo and Paris, executing JOLCOs and cross-border aircraft finance deals. Umid holds a Business Administration degree from Yokohama National University.

Stephen Orr

Head of Africa

Stephen Orr is Head of Africa at ABL Helicopters, leading strategy and partner development across the region from Casablanca. He brings over 35 years of experience in aerospace and aircraft manufacturing, including leadership at Bombardier and Spirit AeroSystems.
He helped establish Morocco’s leading aerostructures hub and served as President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Morocco. Stephen holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Management.

Joey Zhao

Head of APAC (ex-Japan)

Joey Zhao leads ABL Helicopters’ strategy across Asia-Pacific (ex-Japan) from Hong Kong, focusing on commercial growth and investor relations. He previously managed a $5BN fleet at Bocomm Aviation Leasing and executed major SLB transactions.
His experience spans Asia, EMEA, and the Americas. Joey holds a Master’s from Columbia University and serves on ISTAT Asia and China Committees.
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Ali Ben Lmadani is the Founder and CEO of ABL Helicopters, with the vision to build an independent global platform for general aviation asset management.