industry news

NAFA member SOLJETS shares their latest article.

In a season meant for gratitude and togetherness, this year’s Thanksgiving arrives amid a uniquely turbulent moment in American aviation. As the nation emerges from a prolonged government shutdown, the ripple effects continue to strain airports, delay operations, and disrupt travel plans across the country. Yet even in this period of uncertainty, private aviation has remained a reliable constant—keeping families connected, businesses moving, and essential missions in motion. This article explores why, now more than ever, private aviation deserves a special place on our gratitude list, and how its resilience, flexibility, and dedicated professionals are helping travelers stay close to what matters most.

As Thanksgiving approaches, a season that reminds us to slow down, gather with loved ones, and reflect on what we’re grateful for, it’s worth taking a moment to recognize the power of connection. This year, as the United States has just emerged from a prolonged government shutdown and federal operations reopen, the aviation system continues to feel the strain of the shutdown’s ripple effects and operational reductions. For those who depend on efficiency, safety, and reliability in the air, private aviation isn’t just a luxury; it’s a lifeline.
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A Season of Disruption

The latest government shutdown has created unprecedented strain across the national airspace system. The FAA has announced major reductions in general aviation operations at twelve of the nation’s busiest airports, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, along with others. Under these restrictions, business and private aircraft faced prohibitions from operating at these airports unless granted special authorization, and many of these limitations may remain in place as the system transitions out of the shutdown. Beyond these major hubs, many other regions are experiencing significant slowdowns as ripple effects extend across the system. With controller staffing still stretched and operational resources only beginning to recover, air travel nationwide remains impacted and unpredictable, even as the shutdown comes to an end. The FAA has indicated that commercial flight operations at major hubs will remain reduced by approximately 3% while the system stabilizes.
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NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen emphasized that these limitations place a heavy burden on general aviation, an industry that supports more than a million American jobs and contributes more than $340 billion in economic activity each year. While much of the aviation community faces new restrictions and delays, this moment underscores just how essential private aviation is to maintaining connectivity, mobility, and economic vitality.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by SOLJETS on November 14, 2025.

NAFA member FLYING Finance shares how you can take full advantage of the benefits of the new rules.

It’s hard to overstate how impactful bonus depreciation has been to private aviation.

The fiscal policy is now woven into the framework of U.S. tax legislation, and it’s become a pivotal stimulus in the aviation industry, particularly the private aircraft market. Through a series of legislative changes over the years, bonus depreciation has been instrumental in stimulating growth and revitalizing ways in which aircraft manufacturers can market and reach new consumers. 

Bonus depreciation, essentially, is a strategic tax incentive designed to foster business investments. It first became a mainstream fiscal tactic in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the economic downturn of the early 2000s. 

President George W. Bush’s administration introduced the policy through the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 that allowed for a 30 percent deduction on capital asset expenses. By 2003, this was increased to 50 percent, catalyzing business investments across various sectors, including aviation.

However, this provision oscillated through various phases, which was an indirect reflection of economic stability and legislative goals. After a temporary lapse from 2004 to 2007, the financial crisis of 2008 prompted its reactivation at 50 percent to stimulate economic recovery under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

President Barack Obama notably raised the rate to a full 100 percent in 2011, which made the immediate ability to expense private jet purchases for business use highly attractive and significantly impacted sectors like aviation.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by FLYING Finance on October 4, 2025.

Contact Information:​​​
 

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

Jeff O’Hearn
ohearn@connellco.com
908-723-9646

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Connell Blue

Edgewater, MD — November 12, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that Connell Blue has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers welcomes Connell Blue to the National Aircraft Finance Association. "We are pleased to announce that Connell Blue’s emphasis on leasing within the business aviation sector, together with Connell Equipment Leasing Company's focus on mobile equipment across all industries, will provide significant benefits to all NAFA members."

Connell Blue is a part of The Connell Company which is a privately-owned equipment leasing, real estate and hospitality firm. Founded in New York City in 1926 as a rice and commodity trader, the organization has evolved over the decades under the direction of five generations of the Connell family.

Connell Blue emphasizes leasing in the business aviation sector along with Connell Equipment Leasing Company which focuses on mobile equipment across all sectors. Connell Blue is the first choice for single investors, fair market value (FMV) lease financing. With over $100 million in annual equipment purchases, the company has served high quality domestic and international companies since 1975. Connell Blue is a single investor lessor offering dry operating leases for Part 91, Part 135 or Part 141 Use on new or pre-owned jets, turboprops, piston and helicopters.

“Connell Blue is excited to join as a member of the National Aircraft Finance Association to help support the aviation sector along with the other members,” said Jeff O’Hearn, Vice President. “As a privately held independent lessor focusing on business aviation clients, we are eager to expand our reach and to collaborate with the existing members to continue providing excellent service to the industry. The Connell business and family have a 50-year history in the leasing industry, and we believe the aviation sector provides additional opportunities for the company to showcase our ability to provide a tailored solution to those customers looking for operating lease options on new and pre-owned aircraft.”

About NAFA:  
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association comprised of over 175 companies that promote the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years.Through collaboration, expertise, and educational content, NAFA provides the business and GA aircraft finance community opportunities for growth and betterment. 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. 

More information at https://www.nafa.aero.

Contact Information:    

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

Debbie Wilson                                 
Debbie@AviatorsTitleAndEscrow.com
405-837-9670

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Aviators Title and Escrow
 

Edgewater, MD — November 11, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that Aviators Title and Escrow has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers welcomes Aviators Title and Escrow to the National Aircraft Finance Association. "We welcome Aviators Title and Escrow to NAFA and believe their 40 years of escrow expertise will benefit all members."

Aviators Title and Escrow is a family-owned business established in 2015 by sisters Debbie Wilson and Nancy Bartrug. Together, the sisters run the business with efficiency, integrity, and dedication.  Their unique synergy is their professional edge.  With the sisters in your corner, you’ll get the combined expertise of a unified, trustworthy team dedicated to providing you with a safe, secure escrow transaction.  Debbie and Nancy are very “hands-on” business leaders.  You’ll likely work directly with one or both during your escrow transaction. 

“It’s a privilege to be accepted as a member service provider for the National Aircraft Finance Association,” said Debbie Wilson of Aviators Title and Escrow.  “We are keenly aware of the importance lenders place on fraud prevention.  As a professional aircraft title and escrow business, we’re in a unique position to support lenders in fraud mitigation and other endeavors.  We look forward to learning how our services can be tailored to meet the individual needs of NAFA members.”

About NAFA:  
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association comprised of over 175 companies that promote the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Through collaboration, expertise, and educational content, NAFA provides the business and GA aircraft finance community opportunities for growth and betterment. 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. 

More information at https://www.nafa.aero.

Read the latest from NAFA Member Clay Ferguson, Associate Attorney at Gilchrist Aviation Law.

Over the past several years, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has undertaken a significant transformation of the Civil Aviation Registry. These changes stem from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which directed the agency to modernize registry practices, digitize aircraft records, and expand secure electronic and remote access to registration services. In response, the FAA began developing the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services, better known as CARES, which is now rolling out in phases. The initiative aims to replace the existing Registry infrastructure with a web-based platform intended to serve as the central legal repository of U.S. civil aircraft registration and recordation data.

The goals of CARES are ambitious and forward-looking.  The system is designed to reduce reliance on paper documentation, streamline submissions, and provide the aviation community with real-time access to aircraft records. Users can create secure accounts, upload documents electronically, and pay fees through an online portal. If fully realized, CARES has the potential to improve efficiency not only for the FAA, but also for aircraft owners, lenders, title companies, and aviation counsel who work with the Registry daily.

Although CARES promises meaningful improvements, the transition has introduced significant challenges. The development of CARES has coincided with the removal or alteration of long-standing procedures that users have depended on for decades. Access to critical information has been reduced, and legal support functions historically provided by the FAA have been discontinued. These policies and procedural changes have introduced uncertainty in areas where the aviation marketplace has long relied on stability and precision. As a result, the Registry currently operates in a state that is neither fully modernized nor fully functional.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by Gilchrist Aviation Law on November 4, 2025.

Edgewater, MD—Oct. 29, 2025: The NAFA/IADA 2025 Welcome Reception, a cornerstone of NBAA-BACE, once again proved to be a highly anticipated and attended event for industry professionals. A member only event held at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas brought together aircraft brokers, dealers, lenders, title & escrow firms, aviation tax specialists, aviation attorneys and financiers from across the globe. 

With over 640 attendees, the event provided an electrifying atmosphere for industry professionals to reconnect, network, and discuss the latest developments in business general aviation. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with colleagues, explore new business opportunities, and learn about the latest industry trends. 

“The NAFA/IADA Welcome Reception is a highlight of the NBAA/BACE, drawing a broad spectrum of aviation professionals to share insights and connect,” said Bryan Byers, president of NAFA. “This event is exclusively for members, and each year we experience a significant increase in attendance.”

Aerial view of NAFA/IADA reception at the Fontainebleau - 10/13/25

NAFA and IADA would like to thank the sponsors who generously supported the event and helped make the reception a success: Gold Sponsors: Scope Aircraft Finance, Aviation Financial Consulting, and Lapayowker Jet Counsel; and Bronze Sponsor: AirFleet Capital. 

About NAFA:  
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association comprised of over 171 companies that promote the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years.Through collaboration, expertise, and educational content, NAFA provides the business and GA aircraft finance community opportunities for growth and betterment. 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. 

More information at https://www.nafa.aero.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Lauderdale, FL — September 25, 2025 - Jettax Holdings, LLC, a company co-founded by Stewart H. Lapayowker, Esq., founder of Lapayowker Jet Counsel, P.A., today announced the planned acquisition of Aviation Financial Consulting, LLC (“AFC”), a nationally recognized aviation tax and consulting firm. The transaction will result in added capacity to increase AFC’s ability to serve a growing private aviation industry. The transaction is expected to close in early 2026.

“I have enormous respect for Stewart and believe he is absolutely the perfect strategic partner to expand AFC’s work,” said Glenn Hediger founder and current owner of AFC. 

Lapayowker added, “I welcome the opportunity to invest in Glenn’s thirty-five plus years of experience in this industry. I am confident that our shared vision and natural rapport will grow AFC many times over.” 

Lapayowker and Hediger have worked alongside for nearly three decades, providing aviation legal, accounting, and tax expertise to shared clients. The acquisition brings together seasoned professionals in a niche market that relies heavily on trusted relationships.

The two remarked, “We have worked together so well and so often that this just made good sense. We consistently challenge each other’s thinking in ways that benefit our clients. There’s no doubt this will be a rewarding and enjoyable collaboration.” 

Post-acquisition, AFC will continue to operate as an independent business unit with no significant changes to its day-to-day operations. “It will be business as usual,” noted Hediger. “What will change is AFC’s ability to expand capacity, attract top talent, and further enhance the high level of service our clients have come to expect.” 

Aviation Financial Consulting, LLC
Aviation Financial Consulting, LLC (AFC) provides the general aviation community with specialized aviation tax and accounting services. The firm’s expertise includes federal excise tax compliance, state sales and use tax planning, personal and entertainment use reporting, SEC aircraft-related disclosure and tax reporting, GAAP tax accounting, and acquisition/disposition planning. Glenn Hediger, founder and President of AFC, has over 35 years in general aviation, including nearly a decade and a half holding tax, accounting, and government a airs roles at Dassault Falcon Jet and client consulting responsibilities at RSM, US. For more information, visit www.AFCjettax.aero. 

Stewart H. Lapayowker, Esq. 
Stewart H. Lapayowker devotes his law practice to corporate aircraft transactions. He counsels corporate and individual clients, foreign and domestic, on issues relating to the acquisition, sale, leasing, registration and financing of new and pre-owned jet aircraft (including fractional aircraft). He counsels on a wide variety of aviation matters, including implementing tax efficient structures, related FAA and DOT regulatory matters, regulatory evaluation of operations, aircraft management arrangements, personal use issues and compensation-related SEC issues in connection with the use of business aircraft by public companies. He has lectured on aviation topics, been cited to by a Federal Court, and is the author of “Buying a Private Jet? What You Don’t Know…” (2025). For more information, visit https://www.JetCounsel.Law and @yourjetlawyer

The FAA is on the verge of completing the launch of a major modernization initiative that could affect the flow of business aviation transactions through the rollout of the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic System (CARES).

This anticipated overhaul of the FAA Registry in Oklahoma City aims to further digitize, streamline and automate the vital records system that has traditionally relied heavily on paper-based document processes, but has gradually shifted toward digitization since 2020 and the lasting adaptive measures arising out of a COVID-19 economy.

While the benefits of CARES are clear—faster access to aircraft records, digital filing and improved transparency—its implementation may introduce a new layer of uncertainty into an already timing-sensitive market. For brokers, attorneys, financiers, lessors and title companies, understanding what CARES is, why it matters, and how it might affect transaction timelines and effective allocation of certain condition precedent responsibilities necessary for aircraft closings is crucial and worth the prudent pause for careful consideration when structuring a potential aircraft deal.

What Is CARES?

CARES is the FAA’s initiative to digitize its aircraft registration and recordation system, further modernizing a traditionally paper-centric framework that has long been the living library and index of U.S. civil aircraft title and lien filings.

CARES was mandated under Section 546 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which directed the FAA to establish an electronic system for the registration of civil aircraft and the recording of related documents.

Key goals of CARES include:

• Electronic submission of registration and recordation documents

• Faster processing times

• Improved accuracy and transparency

• Enhanced data security and searchability

The FAA has indicated phased rollouts of the CARES online portal but industry stakeholders monitoring and operating the latest versions of CARES have experienced inconsistent functionality, features, document access, and pathways for continual user credentials and site registration, instead of consistent and intuitive ease of use.
 

Read full article here

This article was originally published by GlobalAir.com on October 1, 2025.

Contact Information:                                                                                                                                                                                
                 

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

Leslie Mogenson                            
leslie@arcadiajets.com
623.466.3153 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Arcadia Jets
 

Edgewater, MD — October 9, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that Arcadia Jets has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers welcomes Arcadia Jets to the National Aircraft Finance Association. "We are excited to have Arcadia Jets join NAFA, and we anticipate that their expertise in aircraft brokerage services will be valuable in enhancing the knowledge and resources available to all NAFA members."

At Arcadia Jets, we are committed to providing personalized, trustworthy, and relationship-driven aircraft brokerage services. With a foundation built on integrity and transparency, we prioritize our clients' needs, ensuring they receive the highest level of service and market insights when buying or selling their aircraft. By leveraging the latest industry data and a deep understanding of the private aviation market, we guide each client through a seamless, stress-free experience—delivering the exact aircraft or sale outcome they require with professionalism and care.

"Being among the best in the aviation industry means surrounding ourselves with people you can trust—individuals who are dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed to excellence in General Aviation. Ensuring our customers receive the highest level of service and expertise when acquiring their aircraft is our top priority. That’s why we’re proud and excited to join the National Aviation Finance Association, aligning ourselves with a network that shares our values of trust, integrity, and professionalism."
— Adam Hahn, CEO of Arcadia Jets

About NAFA:
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association comprised of over 171 companies that promote the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Through collaboration, expertise, and educational content, NAFA provides the business and GA aircraft finance community opportunities for growth and betterment. 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. 

More information at https://www.nafa.aero.

Contact Information:

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

Kevin Johnson
kevin.johnson@fmjlaw.com
952-995-9500

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Fafinski Mark & Johnson (FMJ Law)

Edgewater, MD — October 8, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that Fafinski Mark & Johnson (FMJ Law) has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers welcomes Fafinski Mark & Johnson (FMJ Law) to the National Aircraft Finance Association. "We are thrilled to have FMJ Law join our network, and we anticipate that their expertise in a variety of areas of Aviation practice will be immensely valuable in enhancing the knowledge and resources available to all NAFA members." 

Fafinski Mark & Johnson (FMJ Law) is a full-service commercial and business law firm based in Minnesota. FMJ Law provides sophisticated legal service with the power of a big firm, along with the responsiveness, compelling value, and agility of a small firm. FMJ’s Aviation Practice Group represents and advises aviation industry clients from around the world in a variety of areas, including Business Aviation, Commercial Aviation, Aviation Litigation, and Aviation M&A. FMJ’s aviation team is recognized nationally and internationally for their experience and insider knowledge of the aviation industry and all of the complexities involved with aircraft purchase and sale transactions, financing, and leasing.

“Fafinski Mark & Johnson is proud to join the National Aircraft Finance Association,” said Kevin Johnson, Chair of the Aviation Practice Group. “Our team has represented business aircraft buyers and seller, lenders, aircraft management companies, and brokers in numerous purchase, finance, and leasing transactions. We have been counseling to and opposite many NAFA members over the last 20 plus years, and we are pleased to finally join this excellent organization. NAFA’s mission to improve and facilitate the lending process to support aircraft buyers aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering practical, business-focused legal solutions to the aviation industry, and we are excited to be a part of this community.”

About NAFA:  
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association comprised of over 171 companies that promote the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Through collaboration, expertise, and educational content, NAFA provides the business and GA aircraft finance community opportunities for growth and betterment. 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. More information at https://www.nafa.aero.

NAFA member Holland & Knight shares their summary of the possible lapse in appropriations under the government shutdown advisory.

Much of the federal government is funded by 12 annual appropriations bills. The federal fiscal year (FY) for 2026 begins on Oct. 1, 2025, and, if appropriations bills have not been enacted into law before that date or a temporary funding measure – known as a continuing resolution (CR) – has not been enacted, a gap (or lapse) in appropriations will occur.

Timeline

On Sept. 19, 2025, by a vote of 217-212, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Republican-sponsored CR (H.R.5371) to keep the government open through Nov. 21, 2025, generally extending funding at current levels with enhanced security funding for government officials and extension of some expiring authorizations related to veterans' benefits and healthcare. They included the Medicare-dependent hospital and low-volume adjustment programs, telehealth and hospital-at-home flexibilities, as well as the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act. The bill also would have delayed Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital cuts that are set to become effective Oct. 1, 2025. Later the same day, however, the U.S. Senate rejected H.R.5371 by a 44-48 cloture vote.

The Senate also rejected a Democrat-sponsored CR (S.2882) on Sept. 19, 2025, to fund the government at current levels through Oct 31, 2025, by a 47-45 cloture vote. Though the Democratic version included an extension of the same public health provisions as the CR (H.R5371), it also included a permanent extension of the enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) that are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. The bill would also repeal the healthcare provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), Pub. L. 119-21. On Sept. 18, 2025, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an analysis¹ estimating that a permanent extension of the EPTCs would cost roughly $350 billion between 2026 and 2035 and expand health insurance coverage to an additional 3.8 million people by 2035. In addition, repealing provisions of the OBBB that restrict marketplace eligibility and enrollment – such as those targeting certain immigrants and low-income individuals – would add about $272 billion in costs and increase coverage by 2.9 million people in 2035.

Next steps are unclear as lawmakers departed for the Rosh Hashanah recess, and the House is not scheduled to return until after FY 2026 begins. President Donald Trump is now scheduled to meet with House and Senate Republican and Democratic leadership on Monday, September 29, after previously cancelling a proposed meeting with the Democratic leaders last week.

On Sept. 24, 2025, it was reported that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed agencies to consider extensive employee layoffs in unfunded programs that are not administration priorities if the government shuts down on Oct. 1, 2025. An OMB memo directs agencies "to use this opportunity to consider Reduction in Force (RIF) notices for all employees in programs, projects, or activities (PPAs) that satisfy all three of the following conditions: (1) discretionary funding lapses on October 1, 2025; (2) another source of funding, such as OBBB, is not currently available; and (3) the PPA is not consistent with the President's priorities." The memo asserts "Federal programs whose funding would lapse and which are otherwise unfunded … are no longer statutorily required to be carried out."

The memo was first reported by Politico, citing an OMB source as saying the following programs "will continue regardless of a shutdown": Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, military operations, law enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and air traffic control. Notably, each of these programs has funding from the OBBB or other mandatory or advanced appropriations that may be spent during a shutdown or involves activities easily deemed by OMB to be necessary for the safety of human life or the protection of property under the Antideficiency Act.²

^{Read full article here}

This article was originally published by Holland & Knight on September 30, 2025.

Contact Information:​​​
 ​​​​​

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

Susan Weeden ​​
susan@theaircraftlenders.com
862-277-5277

NAFA Welcomes New Member: The Aircraft Lenders
 

Edgewater, MD — September 22, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that The Aircraft Lenders has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers welcomes The Aircraft Lenders to the National Aircraft Finance Association. "We are thrilled to have The Aircraft Lenders join our network, and we anticipate that their engagement and contributions will be immensely valuable in enhancing the knowledge and resources available to all NAFA members." 

The Aircraft Lenders specialize in creating competitive, customized lending solutions for all types of aircraft. They offer some of the most competitive rates in the industry. Whether you’re interested in purchasing a piston-powered airplane, a corporate jet, or even a helicopter, their partnership with more than 50 banks and private investors enables them to tailor the ideal loan or lease to fit your needs.

The Aircraft Lenders cater to a wide range of aviation missions and ownership goals:

· Piston aircraft, Turboprops, Jets, Helicopters

· Light Sport, Experimental/Kit

· New and Pre-owned

· Part 91 – Private Use

· Part 135 – Charter

They also provide insights into depreciation, tax advantages, and insurance considerations, helping you understand the total cost of ownership. Beyond funding, their collaborations with acquisition agents, aviation tax advisors, attorneys, and appraisers allow you to benefit from expert guidance throughout every stage of your transaction. 

The Aircraft Lenders is dedicated to supporting you well beyond the loan process. With a financial partner who truly grasps the complexities of the aviation sector, you can feel confident and well-prepared when it’s time to finalize your purchase.

Products and Services:

· Term loans up to 20 years long

· Leases – Finance Leases, Sale-Leasebacks, Lease-to-Purchase

· Financing for jets, turboprops, piston aircraft, helicopters, light sport, kit, and experimental aircraft

· Financing for Part 91 Use

· Financing for Part 135 Use

“The Aircraft Lenders is proud to become a member of the National Aircraft Finance Association,” said Susan Weeden, Director of Aviation Finance. “As independent aircraft financing brokers, our mission is to make the lending process clear, accessible, and tailored to each client’s needs. Joining NAFA allows us to expand our connections with trusted lenders and industry partners, so we can continue providing clients with the best financing options, while guiding them every step of the way.”

About NAFA:  

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association comprised of over 171 companies that promote the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years.Through collaboration, expertise, and educational content, NAFA provides the business and GA aircraft finance community opportunities for growth and betterment. 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. 

More information at https://www.nafa.aero.

PLANO, TX – September 4, 2025 – Rolland Vincent Associates (RVA), a consultancy specializing in business aviation intelligence, strategy, and forecasting, has released a groundbreaking market analysis entitled Tailored to Fit: Decoding the Structural Break Between Super Mid-Size and Large Business Jets. This in-depth study examines the clear differences between the two segments and their implications for future aircraft design, product strategy, and investment decisions.

RVA publishes occasional deep-dive commentaries on key business aviation topics, aiming to spark informed discussion and encourage product innovation—long proven to stimulate demand for business jets. The first in this series examined tariffs, concluding that the sector’s future is best served by preserving a zero-tariff regime.

This second report tackles another central question for the future of business aviation: Where is the next clean-sheet business jet platform most likely to emerge? Based on RVA’s analysis, the most likely candidates are either the upper end of the Super Mid-Size (SMS) segment or within the Large Jet class. “Our analysis shows that SMS and Large Jets are not points on a smooth continuum—they are separate markets with their own rules of engagement”, said RVA President Rollie Vincent. “Misreading this structural divide can lead to costly missteps in product planning. Our report offers clear guidance for OEMs and investors on where and how to compete in the next generation of business jets.”

Drawing on the latest data and decades of industry advisory experience, RVA’s research finds that while SMS and Large Jets are often grouped together in strategic discussions, they are in fact distinct markets—serving different customers, missions, and value propositions.

Download full market analysis here

This report was originally published by Rolland Vincent Associates in September 2025. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) published the Second Quarter 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The results for the first six months of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, show increased shipments in the business jet and piston airplane sectors and an increase in the overall value of aircraft shipments. 

Aircraft shipments through the second quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston airplanes increase 5.1% with 810 units, turboprops decrease 4.3% with 268 airplanes, and business jets increase 9.9% with 354 airplanes. The value of airplane deliveries through the second quarter of 2025 was $12.3 billion, an increase of 9.9%.

Read full report here

This report was originally published by GAMA on September 9, 2025.

For international aircraft deals, the need to conduct ‘Know Your Customer’ due diligence is well known. But some aspects of KYC may be less well understood by intermediates, buyers and sellers, AvBuyer's Chris Kjelgaard learns...

Every aviation industry professional involved in transacting an international purchase or lease of a business or private aircraft to or from North America or Europe is aware that substantial due diligence must be performed to satisfy exhaustive ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) requirements.

A forest of KYC regulations now exists globally. The rules have been developed over decades, with input from US, EU and other government departments and agencies to combat international crimes that include money laundering, bribery and corruption, terrorist financing, fraud, illegal arms exports and other export and import infractions.

In recent times, imposition of international sanctions by the NATO allies and cooperating nations against Russia, Iran, North Korea and other rogue nations (the US also includes Cuba and Venezuela in its list) has lent considerable further importance and complexity to the KYC due-diligence effort.

Much of the international KYC effort is collaborative, many different countries’ banking systems and regulatory authorities cooperating to make the sources, destinations and ultimate purposes of international money flows as transparent as possible.

But for aircraft buyers, sellers and intermediaries – brokers, dealers and aircraft managers, for instance – in Business Aviation’s dominant US market to assume that KYC and anti-money laundering (AML) rules and standards worldwide are the same as those of the US Government would be a mistake.

It is a mistake that can lead to gaps in KYC and AML due-diligence compliance when preparing to conduct an international aircraft transaction, according to aviation lawyer Forrest Owens, Principal of The Law Firm of L. Forrest Owens P.A. dba Aviation Legal Counsel.

If the due-diligence effort performed for an international deal doesn’t take account of any differences in the KYC/AML standards of the different jurisdictions involved, the transaction risks violating US law, which Owens emphasizes applies extraterritorially in aircraft deals involving US assets.

“A non-US party vetted under lax foreign rules might not meet US requirements,” Owens highlights.

That is just one of several major ‘Gotchas’ that can cause a planned international aircraft sale/acquisition or lease to flounder – not forgetting that KYC principles and due-diligence requirements also apply to aircraft deals conducted domestically within the US and other nations.

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This article was originally published by AvBuyer on August 4, 2025.