buying an aircraft

NAFA member Soar Aviation Law shares their latest article on the arrival of the 4th quarter rush.

Historically, the fourth quarter has been the busiest period for aircraft transactions. However, 2025 is proving to be an exception. The surge in activity has begun unusually early, with August already showing signs of the traditional fourth-quarter rush. The shift is not coincidental – it is the result of several converging factors that have created a sense of urgency among buyers. Chief among these are the reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), labor shortages affecting inspection availability, and ongoing uncertainty surrounding aircraft tariffs.

The OBBBA permanently reinstates 100% bonus depreciation for qualified property placed into service after January 19, 2025 under Section 168(k). This applies to new and pre-owned aircraft, provided they are predominantly used in the United States for qualified business purposes. It is important when establishing the aircraft ownership and operating structure to avoid related party leases or personal use, which can limit qualified business use. This means businesses can deduct the entire purchase price of an eligible aircraft in the year it is placed into service.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by Soar Aviation Law in August 2025. 

NAFA member, SOLJETS, shares their latest article regarding tax incentives.

With the reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation under the OBBB Act, 2025 marks a prime opportunity for business owners, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals to leverage private aviation as a strategic tax planning tool. Whether you’re considering fractional ownership, on-demand charter, or full aircraft acquisition, each structure offers distinct advantages under current IRS guidelines—especially when aircraft are used primarily for qualified business purposes.

Full Ownership: Maximum Control, Maximum Tax Incentives

For those seeking complete control over their travel, aircraft selection, and branding, full ownership remains the most robust option—particularly in light of the revived 100% bonus depreciation provision. Initially introduced under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, this provision now applies again in 2025 to both new and pre-owned aircraft placed in service this calendar year, thanks to the OBBB.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by SOLJETS on July 20, 2025.

Contact Information:
 

Theresa C. Myers
theresa.c.myers@nafa.aero​​​​
410-571-1740
 

Jack Jones 
jjones@tompkinsfinancial.com
845-278-1041 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Tompkins Community Bank

Edgewater, MD — July 29, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that Tompkins Community Bank has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers comments, "We are excited to have Tompkins Community Bank join our Association, and we look forward to their expertise in aviation financing.”

"Tompkins Community Bank is delighted to be welcomed into the National Aircraft Finance Association,” said David Carey senior vice president, Consumer and Aircraft Lending Manager. “As aircraft lending remains a significant area of focus, we are excited about the opportunities this membership presents to further support the aviation sector with our dedicated financial services."

About Tompkins Community Bank:
Tompkins Community Bank has been offering aircraft loan financing since 2008 initially as part of our commercial small business lending offering. In 2015, we launched our Aircraft Lending Channel as our expertise became widely recognized. Since then, we have honed our process and dedicated ourselves to being a trusted partner to our customers.

Our services are available nationwide and we have specialized experience partnering with brokers to create a seamless process for them and their customers as they move through the lending process.  Our Underwriting philosophy comes from a commonsense approach, we pride ourselves on efficient turn times, first-class customer experience and excellent communication with our partners.

A list of your Products & Services:

• Fixed interest rate loans from 5- 20yr terms

• Tiered rate sheet offering broker incentive options of .25%-2.00%

• Funding loans from $25,000 up to $2,000.000 under standard UW Guidelines

• Loans greater than $2,000,000 - $5,000,000 under enhanced UW Guidelines

• Financing available for prop, turbo prop & jet (no helicopter, experimental or kit aircraft)

• Financing on Consumer and Business Entity registrations available

About NAFA:  
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. 

Contact Information:
 

Theresa C. Myers
theresa.c.myers@nafa.aero
410-571-1740
 

Michael Cole
mcole2@arvest.com
630-399-0826
 
 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Arvest Equipment Finance - Aviation
 

Edgewater, MD — July 2, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that Arvest Equipment Finance - Aviation has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers comments, "We are excited to have Arvest join our Association, and we look forward to the unique alternative solution to typical aviation financing that their team specializes in.”

“Our mission is simple,” said Michael Cole, Vice President of Arvest Equipment Finance - Aviation. “To empower aircraft owners with expert guidance and innovative financial solutions—helping them move forward with speed and confidence.”
 

About Arvest:

Arvest Equipment Finance - Aviation delivers a high-quality alternative to typical aviation financing. The Aviation group supports both FAR Part 91- business & pleasure and FAR Part 135- retail charter. Their team of financial experts and seasoned pilots deliver customized loan solutions designed to address the specific needs of aircraft owners and operators. Their expertise ensures mission-ready outcomes for both the owner and the operator/management company. 

Arvest finances both new and preowned aircraft. Their loan programs deal with preowned airplanes starting with model year 2005 or newer. Arvest finances the following: 

1. Light, midsize, and large cabin jets
2. Single- and twin-engine turboprops
3. Cabin-class piston aircraft
4. Multi-engine turbine helicopters
5. Flight simulators supporting business airplane training

Each loan is structured, reviewing the client's financial stability, the mission, and the economic characteristics of the airplane. This thorough analysis optimizes the interest rates, loan terms, and amortization for the aircraft proposal. Their minimum loan amount starts at $2.5 million.
 

About NAFA:  

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. 

NAFA member Amanda Applegate, Founding Partner at Soar Aviation Law, shares the importance of technical representation in aircraft acquisitions.

I have written many times about the importance of assembling the right team when acquiring an aircraft. This team typically includes the buyer, an aircraft broker, escrow agent, lender, aviation attorney, tax advisor, insurance broker, and a management company or flight department. One essential, but sometimes overlooked, member of this team is the technical representative. Too often, the technical representative is not brought in until the pre-purchase inspection. In reality, their role should begin much earlier – at the very start of the acquisition process. A technical expert can provide critical insights throughout the transaction, from market analysis to delivery.

Partnering with a technical representative at the outset allows for a more informed aircraft selection. Working alongside the broker, the technical expert can help evaluate aircraft options – not only based on mission and budget, but also through an early review of aircraft records. This initial technical review helps identify potential performance issues, maintenance concerns, or damage history – factors that should be understood before signing a purchase agreement. If the agreement is signed early, it should allow the buyer to terminate the transaction without penalty after this preliminary document and visual review, should the findings warrant it.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by Soar Aviation Law on June 18, 2025.

NAFA member David G. Mayer, Partner with Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, discusses ways to buy a plane during tariff uncertainty - but with cash, financing, or leasing?

Buying and financing an aircraft may seem riskier now than in recent memory due to the impact of ever-changing tariffs, recession fears, and geopolitical risks. The sheer lack of clarity and certainty and the undeniable complexity of tariffs appear to be slowing or disrupting aircraft purchase transactions.

Tariffs may raise the purchase price of an aircraft permanently imported into the U.S., including its engines, components, materials, and parts, as I discussed in my recent blog. Under the weight of these factors, what is the path forward in buying, selling, financing, and leasing aircraft consistent with transaction best practices?

Strategy To Purchase an Aircraft Involving Tariffs

As a purchaser, you might focus first on buying an acceptable aircraft considered to be manufactured in the U.S., if available, or an aircraft exempt under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the successor to NAFTA. Even if a seller of an exempt aircraft asks for an elevated price, the asking price might still be less than a similar make and model aircraft subject to a tariff.

Regardless of the origin of an aircraft, it is essential to thoroughly analyze potential tariffs or exemptions and related costs before signing a letter of intent (LOI) to purchase an aircraft, even if you think an exemption applies to the aircraft. Each aircraft will have its own tariff story and exposure.

The LOI, which states the key terms of a purchase, should include provisions on dealing with potential tariffs, including when and where to conduct a pre-buy inspection. For example, the LOI could provide that the pre-buy inspection be conducted in Europe to avoid paying a U.S. tariff unnecessarily if a buyer rejects the airplane in the U.S. and the owner elects to return the aircraft to its base in Europe.

An aircraft purchase agreement (APA) should reflect and expand on the LOI tariff provisions to allow the parties to adjust to evolving tariffs. Consider provisions where the parties might retain mutual rights to terminate a deal (possibly via a specialized form of a “force majeure” clause); create an escrow deposit to fund tariffs; expand tax indemnities to protect against unexpected tariffs, changes in tariff rules, or related claims; and obtain representations and documentation that confirm that tariff exemptions apply. Realistically, the purchaser and seller may need to negotiate terms in their LOI and APA to “share the pain” of tariffs, bonds, and other import costs (possibly in a purchase price adjustment provision).

Strategy To Finance Aircraft Purchases Involving Tariffs

Although financing tariffs dilute the aircraft collateral or residual value coverage for the lender or lessor, that does not mean these financiers cannot or will not make a loan or lease regarding an aircraft, including the aircraft’s tariffs. Competition among financiers practically guarantees this result.

To set the table for negotiations, you should ask your potential lender or lessor how tariffs impact loan or lease pricing and terms, and discuss how to manage finance costs using fixed, floating, and hedging structures, especially if you expect the Federal Reserve to cut or increase interest rates.

You can expect financiers to understand the implications of tariffs on their aircraft loans. Consequently, a financier may feel compelled to reduce the loan or lease term, increase the principal payments during the term, and require loan covenants, including borrower cash flow and net worth coupled with an aircraft’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. To put teeth into the LTV, lenders will require a periodic true-up (loan prepayment), if needed, to restore the original LTV and minimize tariff collateral dilution. Depending on the amount of tariffs, financiers may fund them based on a very strong personal guarantee.

Whether the parties import a new or used aircraft, there are three basic ways to acquire an aircraft. You can buy an airplane with cash, use loan proceeds to pay all or a part of the purchase price, or arrange for a third party—a lessor—to purchase and lease an aircraft to you, as the lessee.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by AINsight on May 9, 2025.

You’ve decided to buy a business aircraft – what now? Gerrard Cowan asks industry experts to outline the key questions for prospective buyers before they make their offer on a business airplane...

The precise issues to cover will depend on the aircraft buyer involved and the nature of their requirements. Nevertheless, there are several key aspects that anyone who’s interested in acquiring a business aircraft needs to consider.

Following are five key questions all business aircraft buyers should ask before making an offer on an aircraft of interest, according to a selection of industry professionals...

1. Is it the Right Aircraft for Me?

While it can be very easy to get caught up with an aircraft’s ‘ramp appeal’, the first and most critical question to ask yourself is ‘What’s my mission?’, according to Casey Miller, President of Latitude 33 Aviation.

Ramp appeal will soon fade if the aircraft is not capable of efficiently flying the mission needs it was purchased to fulfil;. Equally, without keeping a firm handle on your flying needs, it is possible to overpay for a larger and more capable plane than you need.

“You want a jet that can fulfill at least 80% of your typical flight needs. If you’re chasing that extra 20%, you might end up with a larger, more expensive aircraft than you truly require,” Miller warns.

Take the example of a US buyer whose planned flights are mostly domestic (say 80%), with only occasional need (20%) for long-range flights with high-density seating requirements.

“Purchasing a plane that can also accomplish the latter will exponentially increase the acquisition and annual operating costs,” he highlights. “Instead, purchase the plane that is capable of your 80%, and charter other planes to accomplish the 20% - you will be far better off financially.”

It is wasteful to “buy a large Gulfstream if you are just hopping around local airports, even if you have the funds to buy one,” Steve Rogers, Managing Director of Aradian Aviation, argues.

By the same token, it is no good having something that lacks the range for longer trips if you will need them, even occasionally. “But how often are you going to do the longer trips? You can always stop for fuel if they are just once or so a month.”

Moreover, a potential aircraft owner should assess how many hours they’ve flown over the preceding 12-24 months and assess whether this is expected to change, according to Max Hooper, Co-Founder at Corporate Jet Consulting (CJC).

And they should look for any trends in terms of the distance flown or the number of passengers they typically carry. “Straight away this will narrow the number of aircraft which could suit their mission profile,” he notes.

Keller Laseter, Chief Commercial Officer at FLYING Finance, suggests buyers should analyze such details as the typical routes they plan to fly, passenger capacity requirements, runway accessibility and range.

“If the jet cannot accommodate their primary travel demands efficiently, it might lead to operational challenges, or unnecessary expenses (such as chartering), or having to go to an airport further away that meets the performance of the aircraft being used,” he warns.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by AvBuyer on February 3, 2025.

NAFA member, Shailon Ian, CEO of Vinci Aircraft Inspections, discusses audits.

It is widely agreed among quality management professionals that audits, both internal and external, are a powerful tool within quality management systems. Unfortunately, that is where the consensus ends.

When it comes to the details—where the devil lies—every manager and specialist has their own approach to audits, with distinct focuses, frequencies, and expected outcomes.

Excluding cases where an audit is merely conducted to check a box on another audit’s checklist, the vast majority of audits yield little practical value.

In theory, audits are an excellent concept. Their mere existence should encourage the auditee to be more diligent. However, in practice, managers often learn to comply with the checklist without considering the efficiency or effectiveness of their actions.

On the other side, often constrained by limited time, auditors rush through checklists in a superficial review, failing to probe deeper into the auditee’s responses.

Moreover, audit results are frequently scattered and disconnected. The task of transferring data from a report into a control system is often overlooked in daily operations. As a result, reports are either stored away in company servers or left hanging in folders, only to be retrieved when an internal auditor requests them.

All of this indicates that the audit process is stuck in the past. A revolution is needed to make audits more effective and truly impactful. Just as industries are transforming into Industry 4.0, audits must leap from Audit 1.0 straight to Audit 4.0.

But how?

The first step is to leverage industry forums focused on quality and operational safety to standardize key parameters:

● Interpretation of quality or safety standards being audited

● Standardization of acceptable compliance methods for the 20% most critical items

● Audit frequency for the same scope

● Auditor training and qualification

● Adoption of technology to streamline the audit process and integrate with existing company systems

Currently, companies within the same industry, subject to similar quality and safety standards, handle these aspects in vastly different ways.

Some industries even have forums for developing and revising quality and safety standards, yet they diverge in interpretation and evaluation during audits.

Beyond standardizing the interpretation of requirements, companies should establish clear, acceptable compliance methods for the 20-30% most critical items, with a structured approval process for each Means of Compliance (MOC).

Similarly, audit intervals and scopes vary widely. From my time as an auditor for the Civil Aviation Authority, I often compare audits to two different approaches in a burger chain: one company places an auditor at the end of the assembly line to bite into every sandwich to “ensure quality,” while another trains its team and regularly audits the process. Which one delivers better-quality burgers?

Auditing everything, one by one, is not always the best solution.

Even today, audits still heavily rely on the experience and judgment of auditors. While expertise is valuable, this inconsistency poses a challenge for data analysts trying to translate diverse observations into actionable insights.

Auditors should undergo structured training and qualification programs to reduce data variability and ensure consistency.

Lastly, companies must adopt tools that genuinely assist auditors in their work—not just digital forms or repositories for images and records. Simply digitizing an old process is not innovation. Instead, we need systems that support data collection and analysis using advanced machine learning and data processing technologies.

The time for revolution is now. Audit 4.0 is the tool that quality and safety management systems need to transform raw data into meaningful, actionable insights.

This article was written by Shailon Ian, CEO of Vinci Aircraft Inspections, and published to NAFA on April 9, 2025.

Contact Information: 
 

Tracey Cheek  
TLC@NAFA.aero  
405.285.7005 

Anthony Marchese 
anthony@marchesepropertyvaluations.com.au 
http://www.marchesepropertyvaluations.com.au/ 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Marchese Property Valuations 

Edgewater, MD — April 7, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is excited to announce that Marchese Property Valuations has joined its distinguished network of aviation professionals. 

 “Marchese Property Valuations (Australia) joining NAFA is a step forward in advancing our mission to improve and facilitate the financing process to support aircraft buyers,” said Ed Medici, NAFA President. We welcome Marchese Property Valuations to our growing organization and enhancing opportunities for all our members.”  

As a specialist valuation and consultancy firm, Marchese Property Valuations (MPV) provides comprehensive property, business, and asset valuation services across Australia. Their expertise includes asset and vehicle valuations, estate administration, insurance matters, commercial and industrial property assessments, and market rent valuations. With a commitment to accuracy, transparency, and ethical service, MPV delivers reliable valuations that help clients optimize financial outcomes. Their international partnership with the VPC Group further enhances their ability to provide cross-border advisory services across the Asia-Pacific. NAFA is proud to welcome Marchese Property Valuations to our network.  

Anthony Marchese, CEO of Marchese Property Valuations, comments, “It is an honour to join the esteemed network of the National Aircraft Finance Association. This affiliation marks an important milestone in our continued commitment to providing high-quality, independent valuation services, and further strengthens our ability to support clients within the aviation finance sector both in Australia and internationally.” 
 

About Marchese Property Valuations: 
MPV combines decades of industry expertise with a commitment to professionalism, accuracy, and ethical standards. Our senior valuers – Anthony Marchese, Bonnie McIntosh, and Chris Mason – are all Certified Practicing Valuers, accredited by the Australian Valuers Institute (AVI). MPV also holds a strategic leadership position within AVI, with both Anthony and Bonnie serving as Board Directors. 

With a strong foundation in property, business, and asset valuation, our services span a wide range of needs. Our team’s diverse background enables us to deliver high-accuracy valuations with strategic insights that help clients optimize financial outcomes. MPV’s asset valuation capability is strengthened by Anthony Marchese’s engineering and asset expertise, developed through multi-million-dollar projects and international supply chain negotiations. 

MPV prides itself on client-focused, flexible service, expert witness support, and a high level of accuracy and professionalism in valuations. 

To learn more, visit http://www.marchesepropertyvaluations.com.au/. 
 

About NAFA: 
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. 

Contact Information: 

Tracey Cheek  
TLC@NAFA.aero
405.285.7005 
 

Eric Helt 
EHelt@celticbank.com 
https://celticbank.com  

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Celtic Bank 
 

Edgewater, MD — March 27, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is excited to announce that Celtic Bank, has joined its distinguished network of aviation professionals. 

“NAFA members facilitate the financing of general and business aviation aircraft on a global scale,” said Ed Medici, NAFA President. “We welcome and support Celtic Bank services that play a role in advancing the interests of NAFA members within the aviation industry.” 

Specializing in aircraft financing, Celtic Bank provides flexible loan solutions for business-critical aircraft, including turboprops, small jets, and rotary aircraft. With competitive rates, quick approvals, and tailored loan structures, they help aircraft owners and operators secure financing that aligns with their operational and financial goals. Their expertise extends to borrowers who supplement financing with charter income, offering customized solutions to optimize investments. By delivering fast and efficient funding, Celtic Bank ensures that clients can acquire and maintain their aircraft with confidence. NAFA is proud to welcome Celtic Bank to our network.  
 

About Celtic Bank: 

At Celtic Bank, we understand the unique needs of aircraft owners and operators. Whether you’re looking to finance a turboprop, small jet, or rotary aircraft, our flexible loan terms and quick turnaround times ensure you get the financing you need when you need it most. With aggressive rates and personalized solutions, we specialize in financing aircraft that are business critical. For borrowers who can augment their monthly payments with charter income, we offer tailored financing that supports your goals and operations. 

Learn more about Celtic Bank. 
 

About NAFA:  

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. 

Contact Information: 

Tracey Cheek  
TLC@NAFA.aero  
405.285.7005 

Kenneth Parzygnat 
954.931.0596 
kenparz@v1capitaladvisors.com 
www.v1capitalaircraftfinance.com 
 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: V1 Capital Aircraft Financing 

Edgewater, MD — March 14, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is excited to announce that V1 Capital Aircraft Financing has joined its distinguished network of aviation professionals. V1 Capital Aircraft Financing is a leader in connecting clients with a wide array of specialized lenders through its extensive network of lending partners. Their mission is to provide tailored, flexible financing solutions to meet the specific needs of their clients. 

“NAFA members facilitate the financing of general and business aviation aircraft on a global scale,” said Ed Medici, NAFA President. “We welcome and support V1 Capital Financing’s services that play a role in advancing the interests of NAFA members within the aviation industry.”  

Their commitment to ensuring the best possible financing outcome for each client is evident in their personalized approach. V1 Capital Aircraft Financing’s range of services caters to various types of aircraft, from single-engine planes to multi-engine jets and helicopters. Whether it’s a personal, corporate, or utility aircraft purchase, they structure custom financing to meet each client’s unique needs and goals. V1 Capital Aircraft Financing’s depth of industry knowledge and strategic partnerships make them a valuable addition to NAFA’s growing network of aviation professionals. 

About V1 Capital Aircraft Financing: 

At V1 Capital Aircraft Financing, we take pride in offering a streamlined and efficient financing process that saves you time, hassle, and money. With over 30 years of industry experience, we leverage our deep knowledge to connect you directly with the lender offering the right product for your specific needs. This approach eliminates the need for you to repeatedly submit financial information to multiple lenders, saving you the effort and time of searching for the perfect match for your profile, usage, and equipment requirements. Our strong relationships with lenders allow us to secure more favorable terms on your behalf. By prequalifying borrowers, we reduce the lenders' workload of vetting unqualified applicants, which often results in better terms and cost savings that we pass directly to you. Learn more at https://www.v1capitalaircraftfinance.com.

About NAFA:  

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. 

Contact Information: 

Tracey Cheek  
TLC@NAFA.aero  
405.285.7005 

Holly Quist 
713.554.0727 
Holly@EMCJET.com 
http://www.emcjet.com  

NAFA Welcomes New Member: EMCJET 
 

Edgewater, MD — March 14, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is excited to announce that EMCJET has joined its distinguished network of aviation professionals. 

“NAFA members facilitate the financing of general and business aviation aircraft on a global scale,” said Ed Medici, NAFA President. “We welcome and support EMCJET’s services that play a role in advancing the interests of NAFA members within the aviation industry.”  

EMCJET is an industry-leading full-service aircraft brokerage and management company specializing in buying, selling and managing aircraft at an international level. With over $4.1B in transactions, 373 aircraft bought and sold, and over 281 successful acquisition listings, EMCJET’s mission is to deliver a seamless and sophisticated aircraft service experience, tailored to perfection for every client we serve. 

Representatives from EMCJET commented, "Joining The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is an exciting opportunity for EMCJET. We look forward to connecting with industry leaders, expanding our network, and staying at the forefront of aircraft finance trends. NAFA’s resources and community will help us enhance our financing solutions and better serve our clients with expert insights and strategic partnerships.” 

About EMCJET: 

EMCJET’s expert team leverages in-depth knowledge and advanced tools to guide clients through every aspect of aircraft ownership, ensuring the best financial outcome aligned with their unique needs. Through a consultative approach, EMCJET prioritizes exceptional customer service, provides clear guidance, and structures every step of the process for success—delivering results that exceed expectations. 

For those seeking trusted expertise in aircraft transactions, EMCJET stands as a premier partner, combining precision, insight, and personalized support in aviation services. Learn more at https://emcjet.com   

About NAFA:  

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. 

Many purchasers and financiers fail to appreciate the implication of how an aircraft will be operated post closing, whether under FAR Part 135 or Part 91, during the sales process. Parts 135 & 91 apply to operations of aircraft and the particulars of these parts will govern not only how, when, and where the aircraft can be operated post-closing, but also what equipment, certification and licensing the aircraft and crew will need as well as the availability of aircraft and engine support programs. In addition to the FARs, depending on the proposed operation, the economic aviation regulations of DOT may also need to be considered.

From on-demand air taxi operators to private non-commercial operators, operational issues can be complex and can create challenges for structural arrangements that purchasers as well as financiers may not anticipate. This may be particularly true if the intent is for operation of the aircraft not only domestically, but also internationally. While international operations may present unique challenges, such challenges can be overcome without jeopardizing the value or security of the aircraft.

In this webinar, we discussed:

• What lessors/financiers need to know about commercial/non-commercial and domestic/international operations and the implications of these operations on leases and security interests.
• What questions transaction attorneys should consider during the sale/purchase process in counseling purchasers and financiers regarding the intended post-closing operation of an aircraft.
• What insurance brokers need to know for proper underwriting and to ensure proper coverage based upon the post-closing operations of the aircraft and equipment, certification and licensing required for aircraft, operators, and crew.

View the Recording
 

This NAFA webinar originally aired on March 12, 2025.

What can buyers of business and private aircraft in the USA hope for in 2025 in terms of potential tax benefits from their purchases? Experts share their insights with Chris Kjelgaard.

Aircraft buyers based in the US who plan to use their new and used planes primarily for business purposes have entered 2025 with reasons for hope that the year might prove favorable in terms of the tax treatment the US Federal Government affords their newly acquired aviation assets.

That hope is new, and it follows a year in which the tax picture at both US federal and state level for aircraft buyers began to show early signs of darkening.

In 2024, under what proved to be the outgoing Biden Administration, the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) pronounced that it would direct greater scrutiny toward finding out to what extent owners were using their aircraft for business purposes – as legislation conferring tax benefits on purchases of aviation assets meant them to do.

The IRS further indicated it would put that scrutiny into practical effect by conducting increased numbers of tax audits on owners of new and used business and private aircraft.

That planned intensification of IRS focus would mean those owners who couldn’t document clearly that at least 50% of the flying they conducted with their aircraft during the year would be ineligible for the bonus depreciation schedule available, under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

As matters stand today, the act’s provisions for bonus depreciation on aircraft and various other purchased assets are scheduled to end in 2027.

But the dawning of 2025 – and with it the assumption of power by the Trump Administration – has brought what is widely expected to be a dramatic sea change in the US Government’s regulatory ethos as it affects many areas of business. That sea change is expected to include a relaxation of tax legislation, and perhaps a contraction in the size and oversight power of the IRS.

As of this early-February writing, it remains to be seen to what extent the Trump Administration will honor the political promises the incoming Administration made during last year’s Presidential campaigning process.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by AvBuyer on March 5, 2025.

Contact Information: 
 

Tracey Cheek  
TLC@NAFA.aero  
405.285.7005 
 

Preston Holland 
423.681.2929 
preston@prestige.aero 
www.prestige.aero

 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Prestige Aircraft Finance 
 

Edgewater, MD — March 11, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is excited to announce that Prestige Aircraft Finance has joined its distinguished network of aviation professionals. Prestige Aircraft Finance is a team of aviation finance professionals that ensure successful purchase transactions for all parties involved. As a modern generation of aviation finance brokers, they focus on enhancing customer experience and work closely with clients' transaction teams to ensure the smoothest aircraft transactions possible.

 “NAFA members facilitate the financing of general and business aviation aircraft on a global scale,” said Ed Medici, NAFA President. “We welcome and support Prestige Aircraft Finance’s services that play a role in advancing the interests of NAFA members within the aviation industry.”  

Prestige Aircraft Finance offers a wide range of financing solutions tailored to various aircraft types, including single and multi-engine piston aircraft, turboprops, business jets, and helicopters. Whether assisting with personal, corporate, or utility aircraft purchases, they structure custom financing to meet each client’s specific needs and goals. From credit-based and asset-based loans for business jets to traditional financing and leasing options for helicopters, Prestige Aircraft Finance brings specialized expertise to every transaction, making them an excellent addition to NAFA's growing network of aviation professionals. 
 

About Prestige Aircraft Finance: 
At Prestige Aircraft Finance, we specialize in tailored financing solutions for piston and turbine fixed wing and rotor aircraft. As a next-generation aviation finance firm, we combine deep industry expertise with a modern, client-first approach—offering streamlined loan origination, transparent underwriting, and access to a curated network of top-tier lenders. Whether you’re acquiring a fractional share, financing a whole aircraft, or structuring a leaseback, our team ensures every deal is optimized for long-term value. More than just a brokerage, Prestige Aircraft Finance is built for those who demand efficiency, insight, and a financing partner as invested in their success as they are. Learn more at http://prestige.aero.
 

About NAFA:  
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer.