Bit of a tricky one. Suggest the following:
- Commercial banks' ECA departments will develop the contacts with airlines and some lessors, though of course export credits don't apply within the country, so you won't get EU contacts. Problem is that some deal with lessors and others don't.
- GE management training programme in management positions might give you an opportunity to get into GECAS
- Cold call Steve Udvar-Hazy's new business
- Read Airfinance Journal
Not sure directly of anyone who could help, but Cranfield Uni might have some useful links I would imagine.