AVIATION FINANCE FOR A SPECIALISED ASSET
Aviation finance involves both the aircraft and the financial position of its buyer. Aircraft type, age, maintenance records and intended use can affect lender eligibility and the structure available. Private flying, business operations and flight training can involve different requirements.
We review the proposed purchase and your circumstances, then check which lenders available through AGFB may consider it. Where suitable options are available, we explain the structure and requirements before you decide whether to apply.
AIRCRAFT PURCHASES WE CAN HELP YOU EXPLORE
Private Aircraft
Single and twin-engine piston aircraft for private flying, new or used, bought from a dealer or privately. We consider the lenders whose policy covers the type and age.
Business-Use Aircraft
Where an aircraft is used substantially for business, different loan structures may be available. We consider the options alongside your accountant where relevant.
Flying-School and Charter Fleets
For training or charter purchases, we first check whether a lender will consider the aircraft and intended operation. Business financials, proposed use and supporting operational documents may form part of the assessment.
Helicopters and Rotary Aircraft
Helicopter finance requires consideration of the aircraft type, intended use and maintenance information. We check lender eligibility before preparing an application.
Private and Brokered Purchases
Buying from another owner or through an aircraft broker is common. The lender will want the aircraft, seller and any existing security interest verified, and we manage that process.
Refinancing Aircraft Lending
An existing aircraft loan can be reviewed for rate, term and structure, subject to the aircraft’s age, records and any exit conditions on the current facility.
WHAT SHAPES AN AVIATION FINANCE ASSESSMENT
Aviation finance requirements vary between lenders and transactions. These are the details we review when checking potential options.
Aircraft Type and Age
Aircraft make, model, age and intended use can affect eligibility. We assess these alongside the borrower’s circumstances rather than treating the aircraft alone as the deciding factor.
Maintenance Records and Hours
A lender or appointed specialist may request logbooks, maintenance history, airframe and engine hours, and details of upcoming major maintenance. We clarify the records required for the proposed transaction.
Valuation
A lender may require an independent aviation valuation from an acceptable provider. Its assessment of value is one factor in the amount it may lend, alongside your financial position and other lending criteria.
Intended Use
Private, business or commercial use changes the lender panel, the structure and the documents required. Be clear about the use from the outset.
Registration and Insurance
We confirm the lender’s requirements for aircraft registration, insurance and security documentation, including when each must be satisfied. Imported or overseas-registered aircraft require transaction-specific consideration.
Income and Commitments
Your income, existing loans and, for business use, the operation’s financials are assessed against the proposed repayments and the aircraft’s ongoing costs.
HOW WE APPROACH AVIATION FINANCE
01
Understand the Aircraft and the Use
We establish the aircraft, its records, how it will be operated and your financial position, so the lenders we approach are the right ones.
02
Confirm Appetite and Compare Structures
We confirm which lenders will consider the aircraft before comparing term, structure and conditions rather than the headline rate alone.
03
Lodge, Verify and Settle
We prepare the finance application and coordinate the lender’s documentation and settlement requirements. Any technical inspection, registration work or legal advice is handled by the appropriate specialist. Approval remains subject to lender assessment.
WE ARRANGE THE LENDING, NOT THE AIRCRAFT
Direct Broker Access
Christian leads your finance review, supported by the AGFB team throughout the application process.
The Lending Side Only
You can speak with us before or after choosing an aircraft. We explain finance options; independent aviation specialists should advise on condition, airworthiness, suitability and operating economics.
Structure Explained First
We explain the available term, repayments, total cost, security and any final balloon payment. Where business or tax considerations arise, we work alongside your accountant or other adviser.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT AVIATION FINANCE
Which lenders finance aircraft in Australia?
Aircraft eligibility varies between lenders and specialist financiers. We check options available through AGFB against the proposed aircraft, intended use and your financial position. We explain any suitable options and their requirements before you decide whether to apply. Not every aircraft or transaction will qualify.
Will the lender require a valuation?
A lender may require an independent aviation valuation from a provider it accepts. A valuation and a pre-purchase technical inspection serve different purposes; one should not be assumed to replace the other. Before commissioning reports, confirm the required scope, acceptable provider, costs and who is responsible for payment. The amount available also depends on your financial position and lender criteria.
Does the aircraft need to be registered in Australia?
Registration requirements depend on the lender and transaction, particularly where an aircraft is being imported or is currently registered overseas. We confirm the finance-related requirements and their timing at the outset. Aircraft registration, evidence of ownership and lender security arrangements are separate matters; specialist assistance may be needed.
Can I finance an aircraft for business or flying-school use?
We can review the proposed purchase and check whether suitable lenders will consider its intended business, charter or training use. Assessment may include the operation’s financial position, supporting documents and the aircraft itself. Discuss tax treatment with your accountant. Finance approval does not establish permission to operate the aircraft.
Are maintenance records important to the application?
Maintenance information can be important to both lender assessment and an independent review of the aircraft. Requested records may include logbooks, maintenance history, operating hours and upcoming major maintenance. Missing information can require further investigation. Complete records do not guarantee finance approval or establish airworthiness.
What documents will I need?
Requirements may include identification, income evidence or business financials, bank statements and details of existing debts. Aircraft documents can include purchase and ownership information, registration details, maintenance records and any lender-required valuation or inspection reports. We confirm the documents and insurance evidence needed at each stage.