The particular startup in the article was developing tech to replace regular aircraft engines with those running on Hydrogen. I don't think any lessor would appreciate those extensive modifications on their aircraft.
That is a good reason to own an airplane (or several) then. I missed that detail.
A curious disclaimer on the listing was that they were selling the physical plane with the Hydrogen engine, but not the intellectual property. I suppose the IP was sold separately, and the buyer might need to obtain a license separately before legally operating the aircraft.