China's growing demand for smaller aircraft and rising enthusiasm for budget flights will provide huge growth opportunities for aircraft leasing companies, an industry major said on Thursday.

AerCap Holdings NV, the world's largest independent aircraft leasing company, said aircraft demand in China remains strong, despite the global headwinds.

Aengus Kelly, chief executive of the Netherlands-based company, said growth opportunities exist particularly for smaller aircraft, typically single-aisle jets which can carry about 180 passengers, such as those from the Airbus A320neo family, as a result of the rising demand in China.