TOKYO -- Japan's major banking groups, or megabanks, are increasing their loans to leasing and airline companies as the country's lending rates remain extremely low due to the central bank's negative interest-rate policy, as well as other factors. The airline industry, meanwhile, shows much promise as a borrower with robust growth potential, given that a single plane costs hundreds of millions of dollars.
Over a 20-year period through 2036, the number of private jetliners around the world is expected to rise by 80% to about 38,000. More than 80% of this is expected to be demand for new jetliners and replacement aircraft. In Asia and other emerging markets with a growing middle class, smaller, narrow-body jets with capacity of about 200 passengers lead the market.
