IADA Panel: Financing Has Evolved Beyond a Buying Tool

Aircraft financing has evolved from a simple purchase mechanism into a strategic tool shaping capital allocation, ownership flexibility, risk management, and long-term asset value, according to a panel of four lenders convened by the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA). The panel, summarized in a new white paper, found that buyers today have a wider range of financing options than a decade ago, loan structure can matter as much as interest rate in shaping ownership costs, and buyers should seek guidance in the aircraft purchase process.

“There are 150 different platforms in operation today in business aviation. You cannot paint all of that with a single loan-to-value or valuation lens,” said panelist Ben Hockenberg of JSSI. He added that “focusing solely on rates is probably only half the picture. Structure is the other half.”

Despite geopolitical uncertainty and inflation concerns, panelists said demand has remained strong, particularly among ultra-high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and fleet operators. As aircraft transactions increasingly cross borders, buyers face legal, tax, and regulatory complexities that specialized financing structures are built to address. 

The panel was moderated by Mesinger Jet Sales v-p Josh Mesinger and, in addition to Ben Hockenberg of JSSI, included Patrick Gentile of PNC Financial Services Group, Sarah Yarnes of First American Equipment Finance, and Mike Christie of Global Jet Capital. Each described a different lending approach: PNC offers credit- and asset-based, non-recourse loans; JSSI evaluates transactions primarily through aircraft value, maintenance history, and resale prospects rather than borrower strength; First American centers underwriting on sponsor quality and financial strength; and Global Jet Capital operates as a long-term equity investor through leasing structures.

Gentile said current aircraft financing rates range from the high-4% area for investment-grade transactions to the mid-6% range for more specialized, asset-based structures.

Panelists pointed to persistent inventory constraints and OEM backlogs as reasons buyers should begin financing conversations before identifying a specific aircraft. “When the right airplane becomes available, sometimes you have to move on a moment’s notice,” Mesinger said.