Aircastle, an aircraft leasing company, posted a 50 percent jump in quarterly profit, helped in part by growth in its aviation assets.

"We believe global aircraft lease market demand remains healthy and our aircraft portfolio continues to perform extremely well," Chief Executive Ron Wainshal said in a statement.

The company acquires and leases commercial jet aircraft to passenger and cargo airlines.

First-quarter net income was USD$31.6 million, compared with USD$21.5 million a year ago.

Net sales almost doubled to USD$135.0 million.

As of March 31, 2008 Aircastle owned aviation assets of USD$4.2 billion, including 136 aircraft, up from USD$2.1 billion a year ago.