This $30 Billion Deal Could Reshape the Aviation Industry Lou Whiteman The usually under-the-radar world of aircraft finance was thrust into the spotlight last week as AerCap Holdings (NYSE: AER) announced a $30 billion deal to acquire the GECAS unit of General Electric (NYSE: GE). The deal would create a powerhouse financier, but it also adds billions in new debt to AerCap's balance sheet and dilutes shareholders by giving General Electric a 46% stake. Investors initially weren't sure what to make of the transaction, sending AerCap shares up more than 10% on the rumor but down more than 5% on the news. Buying the GE Capital Aviation Services business certainly adds new risks for AerCap, but it is also a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will probably ripple through the industries including plane manufacturers and airlines. Here's a close look at the deal, and thoughts on how investors should view AerCap from here.