Most lenders understand collateral. Very few understand what makes a specific aircraft worth financing — or what turns it into a problem three years into a loan. We've been on the ownership side of aviation finance transactions since 1995. That's where the difference in advice actually comes from.

A business jet is not like other assets a bank finances. Its value depends on maintenance programme status, enrolled engine programmes, upcoming heavy check intervals, and registration jurisdiction — none of which a standard credit committee can evaluate. The aircraft that looks clean in a loan application may be sitting on $2 million in deferred maintenance that surfaces within eighteen months of closing.

The information gap runs both ways. Lenders who don't understand the asset under-lend or over-secure. Borrowers who don't understand what lenders are evaluating show up with the wrong documentation, pick the wrong registration for the aircraft financing structure, and walk away with worse terms than the deal warrants. Business Aviation Group of Partners sits between the two — aircraft owners, airline managers, operators since 1995.

Global Jet Capital United States Business Aviation Specialist
The most prominent dedicated business jet financing company globally. Understands the asset technically — maintenance status, enrolled programmes, depreciation curves feed directly into underwriting. Competitive on rates for clean, well-documented aircraft.

PNC Aviation Finance United States US Bank
One of the most active US banks in private jet finance. Term loans, revolving facilities, ESOP financing. Competitive for US-based buyers. Requires US trust structure for non-US nationals.

TVPX / First Aviation United States Trust & Finance
Standard vehicle for non-US nationals financing on the FAA registry. Trust, title, and aircraft loan coordinated through one provider.

Investec Aviation Finance UK / South Africa International Bank
One of the few international banks with a dedicated business aviation lending desk outside the US. Comfortable with Isle of Man, Cayman, Bermuda. More flexible on ownership structure than most US lenders.

BNP Paribas · Natixis · MUFG · CDB Europe / Asia / Global European & Asian Banks
Active on larger ticket transactions for European and Asia-Pacific clients. BNP Paribas and Natixis for European ownership profiles. MUFG for Japanese and Asian ownership structures. CDB Aviation for Chinese and Asia-Pacific clients seeking offshore financing through a Dublin-based entity.

Secured term loan (60–80% LTV, 5–10 year term) · Financial lease (lower upfront, ownership transfer at term end) · Sale and leaseback (release capital, retain operational use) · Co-ownership finance (shared asset and financing) · Refinancing (better rates, equity release, restructuring) · Cross-collateralised structures (multi-asset facilities).

What LTV can I expect on a business jet?
— Typically 60–80% of appraised value. Well-maintained jets on enrolled engine programmes with clean records at the top. Deferred maintenance or complex ownership structures at the lower end. The appraised value is not the seller's asking price.

Does the lender care which registry the aircraft is on?
— Yes, significantly. Isle of Man, Cayman, Bermuda, Malta, FAA — broadly accepted. The registration and financing structure need to be considered together, not sequentially.

Can pre-owned aircraft be financed?
— Yes — mostaviation financeis for pre-owned aircraft. The lender requires a recent inspection appraisal, maintenance programme status, engine programme enrolment, and full technical records. The records matter as much as the aircraft.

Can a non-US citizen get an FAA-registered aircraft financed in the US?
— Yes, through a US trust. TVPX and similar providers handle the trust setup, registration, and lending in one coordinated process. Standard structure, well-tested in practice.

When does refinancing make sense?
— When the aircraft has been well maintained and market rates have moved. When you want to extend the loan term. When equity has built up and you want to release capital. When the ownership vehicle needs restructuring. We run the analysis against the current loan and market conditions before recommending it.

Aviation finance is not complicated. Badly structured aviation finance is. The difference comes down to preparation — knowing what the lender needs before the application goes in. If you're looking at aircraft for sale and need to understand financing options, or have an existing loan to refinance — tell us the situation. We'll give you a direct view of what's available. Contact Business Aviation Group of Partners to start the conversation.