industry news

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. 

Contact Information: 

Tracey Cheek  
TLC@NAFA.aero  
405.285.7005 

Jaime Steel
Jaime@steelaviation.com 
www.steelaviation.com 
 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Steel Aviation 
 

Edgewater, MD — March 13, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is excited to announce that Steel Aviation has joined its distinguished network of aviation professionals, a company with nearly 25 years of industry experience in aviation financing.  

 “NAFA members proudly finance, support or enable the financing of general and business aviation aircraft throughout the world, and we are happy to add Steel Aviation to our association,” said Ed Medici, President of NAFA.   

Steel Aviation provides a comprehensive range of services, including aircraft sales, acquisitions, financing, insurance, maintenance, and interior and paint services. The company helps clients secure financing for any aircraft purchase, not limited to their own inventory, giving customers the flexibility to purchase from any seller. Steel Aviation’s expertise and dedication to simplifying aviation financing are key reasons why they are a valuable addition to NAFA's network of industry professionals. 

About Steel Aviation: 

With nearly 25 years of industry experience, Steel Aviation makes aviation financing seamless. We know your time is valuable, so we focus on making the financing process as easy and efficient as possible. From start to finish, we work directly with our trusted lenders to ensure a quick, hassle-free experience — so you can focus on what you do best. 

Think of us as your personal assistant in aviation financing. Thanks to our strong relationships with exclusive lenders, we can offer you the best rates and terms in the industry, ensuring you get the most favorable financing options available. 

Get pre-approved today and boost your negotiating power. Purchase your new aircraft from any seller, not just Steel’s inventory. Whether you’re looking for something big or small, Steel Aviation is here to finance them all. Learn more at http://www.steelaviation.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. 

When the US Government Accountability Office published its report “Aviation: FAA Needs to Better Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Fraud and Abuse Risks in Aircraft Registration,” in March 2020, it exposed multiple risks of fraud and abuse in the aircraft registration process.  As part of its assessment, the GAO outlined 15 recommendations for the FAA to address the issues which the agency agreed to implement.  

While not a specific recommendation in the GAO’s report, the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services (CARES) platform launched in December 2022 to address most of them and has become Ground Zero for process changes to mitigate the GAO’s concerns.  

As the FAA undertakes this Herculean effort to modernize and bridge gaps between digital and analog systems, some changes have left lenders and owners with concerns. While the process has been challenging—digital transformation is never easy, the ends should eventually justify the means, bolstering security, privacy and efficiency, as the FAA aims for full CARES implementation by the end of 2025.   

Here's a brief review of how things have progressed, where we stand, and what to expect in the future. 

The 2020 GAO Report Identified Multiple Risks  

The initial GAO report called out several risks in the aircraft registration process that could enable illegal activities and nefarious aircraft use. Chief among them: 

• Vulnerabilities in the registration process due to FAA reliance on self-certification of eligibility and failure to fully verify registrant identity. 

• Opaque ownership structures that allow registrants to conceal beneficial ownership of the aircraft through shell companies and trusts.  

• Lack of proactive enforcement of foreign sanctions that could allow forbidden foreign entities or individuals to own and operate aircraft. 

• Antiquated (paper-based) data management that limits the ability to search and analyze registration data by law enforcement.  

The GAO made 15 recommendations, which the FAA agreed to implement. This included registrant identity verification, introducing data analytics to identify patterns indicative of fraud and abuse, mitigation strategies to reduce fraudulent registration, and better coordination with law enforcement to root out fraudulent or illegal registrations.  

While not explicitly recommended, these measures essentially necessitated the digitization of registry systems by default; hence, the CARES platform was born. Aside from enabling better data-based risk mitigation, CARES is intended to streamline the registration process, eventually replacing the manual, physical stamping process at the Public Documents Room (PDR) in Oklahoma City with a modern digital system that reduces processing times and creates a central, searchable repository for aircraft registration records. Even as the agency deals with concerns around accessibility to public records for efficiently closing transactions, progress on CARES has been a move in the right direction toward improving efficiency and reducing friction.  

2024 Update Kicked Off New Activity 

In April 2024, the GAO issued an updated assessment that found the FAA had made little progress on its recommendations. With the agency having completed only three of the original 15 recommendations—a fraud and abuse risk assessment, an impact and risk tolerance analysis, and development of an antifraud strategy—the GAO made it clear there is much more work left to be done. 

The FAA is now picking up the pace of CARES implementation, fraud detection and mitigation, with a series of new updates in the past 9 months. Late last year, the agency eliminated electronic access to Work in Progress (WIP) documents as part of efforts to safeguard applicants’ personally identifiable information (PII). This, of course, delays access to recently filed documents, which introduces uncertainty into transactions and the potential for delays in the closing process. 

Then, in January 2025, the FAA updated two transformative regulatory changes designed to modernize the aircraft registration and certification process.  As of this writing, these are still being implemented, and include: 

• Acceptance of electronic submissions: The FAA has determined that original documents are no longer required to be filed in many instances but will still continue to accept them. 

• Sunsetting the manual document stamping process: When fully implemented, electronic submissions will be uploaded directly into the FAA system and will be automatically file stamped with submission date/time, ending the manual stamping process for digital submissions. Documents filed by mail, email or in person in the PDR will continue to be stamped. 

• Flexibility for true copies: The FAA now has the flexibility to accept true or certified copies of documents in lieu of originals, ending the requirement that the actual original document be submitted and then returned to the applicant.  

• Issuance of electronic registration certificates: The FAA will now issue aircraft registration and dealer certificates via email, providing near-instant delivery and eliminating the issuance of “hard cards” unless specifically requested. With hard cards no longer issued, it remains unclear whether digital registrations will be recognized by foreign jurisdictions—something registrants who fly internationally will need to keep in mind.  

Potential Transaction Implications 

Even as the FAA accelerates CARES implementation and takes steps to address the GAO’s recommendations, the industry is left with a number of challenges and outstanding questions.  

Modernizing the registry can certainly allow better integration with screening tools and automated vetting through other governmental systems, but in doing so, the FAA must address issues with PII and data privacy rules. The protection of data and the restriction of WIP document availability might mean lenders—and the entire industry—may need to be prepared to pivot at closing time should notices of filed documents appear in the final hour.  

More to come 

Although the FAA still has work ahead to implement the remaining GAO recommendations, we can look forward to continued progress as the agency works toward full CARES implementation by late 2025. While change can be challenging at times, modernization brings exciting opportunities. The industry is well-equipped to adapt, and in the end, these efforts should strengthen the system, promoting greater security and efficiency. 

This article was originally published by NAFA on March 11, 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. 

Contact Information: 

Tracey Cheek  
TLC@NAFA.aero  
405.285.7005 

Johnathan Wright 
817.991.1204 
john@aircraftsolutions.com 
https://aircraftsolutions.com
 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Corporate Aircraft Solutions 
 

Edgewater, MD — March 11, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is excited to announce that Corporate Aircraft Solutions has joined its distinguished network of aviation professionals. The company is a full-service aircraft brokerage firm that specializes in guiding clients through market analysis, financial responsibility, and the full cost of aircraft ownership. By offering clear and comprehensive information, Corporate Aircraft Solutions helps clients make sound and sustainable decisions, ensuring their investments remain secure for the long term. 

 “Corporate Aircraft Solutions 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 Corporate Aircraft Solutions to our growing organization and enhancing opportunities for all our members.”  

As part of their services, Corporate Aircraft Solutions acts as a trusted partner, offering expertise in every detail of the acquisition or sale process. The company’s focus on transparency and trust ensures that clients maintain control throughout the transaction, allowing them to stay prepared for future aviation needs.  

With this thorough and client-centric approach, Corporate Aircraft Solutions brings valuable insight and expertise to NAFA’s growing network of aviation professionals. Corporate Aircraft Solutions is looking forward to joining NAFA to build upon relationships formed over the past 20 years in the aviation sector. 

About Corporate Aircraft Solutions: 

Corporate Aircraft Solutions elevates your aircraft acquisition or sale experience, guiding you through a refined, personalized process that lets you stay focused on your journey, business, and success. 

“The financial impact of an ill-suited aircraft will far outweigh the price of expert representation,” says Johnathan Wright, president of Corporate Aircraft Solutions. 

Acting as a steward of your investment, we navigate every detail with care and financial responsibility, ensuring your purchase is sound today and sustainable for the future. From market analysis to final delivery, we provide a clear, comprehensive understanding of your aircraft’s total cost of ownership, because smart decisions start with complete information. 

More than a transaction, it’s a partnership built on trust, clarity, and expertise. Corporate Aircraft Solutions allows you to move forward with confidence, maintain control, and stay prepared for what lies on the horizon. Learn more at http://aircraftsolutions.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. 

Jetcraft delivers a five-year forecast of 11,202 pre-owned aircraft sales, totaling $73.9B in revenue 

A new generation is recognizing aircraft ownership as an essential business and travel tool, according to Ever Forward: The Pre-Owned Business Aviation Report . 

The report shows the share of Jetcraft buyers under 45 has nearly doubled in the last decade to a record 29% in 2024. Younger high-net-worth-individuals also lead pre-owned aircraft sales in emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa, fueling long-term industry growth. 

Jahid Fazal-Karim, Owner and Chairman of the Board, Jetcraft, says: “It’s no longer rare to see Millennials or even Gen Z becoming ‘new tech’ billionaires, selling companies in their 20s or inheriting family investments younger as part of the ‘Great Wealth Transfer.’ 

“At Jetcraft, by selling aircraft we sell time. Greater numbers of entrepreneurs under 45 are turning to business aviation to run their companies and support their lifestyles, drawn by the appeal of privacy, security and efficiency. With this changing demographic comes increased diversity – 42% of our younger buyers are from the entertainment industry, and 29% are women.” 

Read full article here

This article was originally published by Jetcraft on February 25, 2025.

NAFA member, Stewart H. Lapayowker, Esq., President of Lapayowker Jet Counsel, P.A., shares his recent article regarding personal use of corporate aircraft.

The tragic homicide of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, has highlighted critical vulnerabilities in the safety and security of corporate executives. This event was a grim reminder that high-ranking executives often face unique security risks due to their prominence and visibility.  This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need to rethink how security measures are reported and prioritized in disclosures mandated by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and whether it is equitable to continue to tax executives for personal use of corporate aircraft mandated by the Board for his or her safety and security.

Specifically, this article advocates for creating a "security measures" category within “All Other Compensation” in executive compensation tables, thereby  largely eliminating the inclusion of “personal use of corporate aircraft” within the “perquisite” category, to enhance transparency and better reflect modern corporate realities.

A Shift in Perspective: Corporate Aircraft as a Security Tool

Traditionally, the personal use of corporate aircraft by executives has been framed as a luxury or perk (i.e., a personal benefit not generally available on a non-discriminatory basis to all employees that is not integrally and directly related to the performance of the executive’s duties). However, in light of escalating security threats, this perspective is outdated; executives’ safety and security is essential to their ability to perform their duties. Corporate aircraft offer a secure, safe and controlled mode of transportation that significantly reduces executives' exposure to risk. 

Public travel increases the likelihood of executives being tracked, confronted, or targeted by individuals with malicious intent. Corporate aircraft eliminate these vulnerabilities by providing a secure, private, and direct mode of transportation.[1] Additionally, these aircraft can be equipped with enhanced security measures tailored to the specific risks executives face, including real-time threat assessment systems and secure communication tools.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by Lapayowker Jet Counsel, P.A. on Lexology on February 27, 2025.

The FAA is Implementing Major Regulatory Updates to Aircraft Registration Procedures and Certificates

The FAA announced two technical but transformative, pending regulatory changes, possibly effective January 17, 2025, as it continues to modernize its aircraft registration and certification processes. These regulatory changes, detailed in two final rules published in the Federal Register (Docket Nos. FAA-2024-2764 and FAA-2024-2765), streamline procedures and align them with the capabilities of the FAA’s new and improving Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services (CARES) system.

Key Changes

Modernized Aircraft Registration and Recordation Procedures

Federal Register :: Public Inspection: Aircraft Registration and Recordation Procedural Updates: Original Documents and Stamping 

Electronic Submissions: To “provide administrative relief from the requirements for submitting original documents” the FAA has determined original documents (i.e. manually executed originals of documents) are no longer required to be filed in many instances, although they will continue to be accepted. Accordingly, the FAA has modified 14 CFR Parts 47 and 49 to allow the FAA flexibility to accept manually executed scanned or digitally signed documents electronically.  The FAA further provided “For some documents and materials, a photocopy or digital image may be acceptable; for others, a true or certified copy may be required (see, e.g., §§47.8(a)(1), 47.11(b)(2), 49.31(a), and 49.33(c), as amended). The regulatory relief provided will enable persons to upload copies of ink signed documents and digitally signed original documents for submission via CARES and a successor system.”

End of Document Stamping for CARES Submissions: To “sunset the FAA’s practice of stamping documents” the FAA will discontinue stamping incoming documents submitted though the CARES system as CARES digitally records submission times.  Presumably documents filed by mail, email or physically though the FAA Public Documents Room will continue to be file stamped.

Enhanced Flexibility for True Copies: Previously, under 14 CFR § 49.21, the FAA allowed parties to submit an originally certified paper copy of an original document along with the actual original document.  The FAA would then record the originally certified copy and return the original to the party making the filing if requested.  The FAA has revised § 49.21 to specifically allow the FAA flexibility to accept true or certified copies of documents without the requirement that the original be filed, streamlining processes.

Click here for full article

This article was originally published by Scott McCreary with McAfee & Taft on January 17, 2025.

Study Reveals General Aviation Supports Over 1.3 Million Jobs and $339 Billion in Economic Output

WASHINGTON D.C., – February 19, 2025 - An updated study, released today, details the robust contributions of general aviation to the U.S. economy. A group of eight general aviation associations welcomed the update, conducted by PwC US Tax LLP, which determined that general aviation supports a total 1,330,200 jobs and a total of $339.2 billion in total economic output in the U.S.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Vertical Aviation International (VAI) sponsored the study. Leaders of the associations were encouraged by the study’s depiction of the significant contribution that the general aviation industry has on the U.S. economy. 

“We are proud to report that despite challenges that have plagued the entire aerospace industry since the beginning of the pandemic, the segment of the U.S. economy affected by general aviation grew over 150,000 jobs and an additional $92 billion in annual economic impact since last reported in 2020,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO. “This growth takes place at a time when the importance of the societal benefits that general aviation brings to humankind around the globe cannot be overstated. From aerial firefighting, medical airlift, natural disaster response, law enforcement, agriculture protection, through drone vaccine delivery, general aviation is saving lives while our business aviation segment creates the corporate connectivity to allow companies the competitive advantage needed to create more jobs and promote economic growth. General aviation is the technology incubator for civil aviation – our evolution is spurring more sustainable propulsion systems, safety enhancing avionics capabilities, advanced material manufacturing, and improved maintenance, training and support. These amazing innovations all serve as a testament to the strength of our industry being propelled by the hardworking teams that are engineering, building, maintaining and servicing the aircraft of today and tomorrow.”

“This third report in just over a decade is further evidence that general aviation is a catalyst for local economies, a lifeline for rural communities, and essential to the makeup of American commerce,” said Mike Adamson, AEA president and CEO. “The economic contributions of this industry are profound, and the possibilities for the future are promising. As an industry dedicated to powering safer, more efficient flight, we are creating more high-tech and high-wage careers, innovating technologies, providing essential services and inspiring the next generation.”

See full report and PwC study here

This press release was originally published by GAMA on February 19, 2025.

Contact Information: 

Tracey Cheek  
TLC@NAFA.aero  
405.285.7005 

Chris Blanchard 
Element Aviation 
561.203.8203 
sales@element-aviation.com 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Element Aviation 

Edgewater, MD — February 10, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is excited to announce that Element Aviation 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 Element Aviation’s services that play a role in advancing the interests of NAFA members within the aviation industry.”  

Element Aviation provides comprehensive private aviation solutions, including elite charter services and expert aircraft sales. As the owner of an ARGUS Platinum-rated Part 135 air carrier, Element Aviation operates with the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence, guaranteeing that clients travel with peace of mind. The ARGUS Platinum rating represents a commitment to stringent safety protocols, operational integrity, and a proactive approach to risk management, making Element a leader in private aviation safety and reliability. 
 

About Element Aviation: 

Element Aviation provides premier charter and aircraft sales services, offering a seamless, personalized experience in private aviation. Through its partnership with a trusted Part 135 air carrier, Element Aviation delivers access to a fleet of meticulously maintained jets, ensuring safety, reliability, and luxury for each journey. Whether for business or leisure, clients enjoy flexible, on-demand travel tailored to their schedule, with exceptional service every step of the way.   

In addition to charter services, Element Aviation specializes in aircraft sales, supporting clients through every stage of the buying or selling process. From market analysis to negotiating, Element’s experienced team navigates complex transactions with transparency and expertise, delivering optimal results. For discerning clients seeking high-quality charter flights or guidance on aircraft ownership, Element Aviation stands as a trusted partner committed to excellence in private aviation services. 

 For those seeking trusted expertise in charter services or aircraft transactions, Element Aviation is a premier partner, combining luxury, safety, and personalized support in private aviation. Learn more at https://www.element-aviation.com/.  

About NAFA:  

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for 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. 

From an early age, aviation captured Joe Dini's imagination. His first flight in 1945, at just four years old, was in a late 1930s Aeronca 50, piloted by his sister’s boyfriend. Secured only by a clothesline rope behind the rear seat, that experience ignited a lifelong passion for flying. As a teenager in the 1950s, he took to the skies in an open cockpit PT-19, further cementing his love for aviation. His journey continued with preflight training as a Midshipman at Pensacola Naval Air Station in 1962, and he has been a private pilot for decades. 

Entering the World of Aircraft Finance 

His career in finance began in 1967 at Bankers Leasing in Boston, where he managed equipment leasing programs across various transportation sectors. In 1973, he joined Arlington Leasing in Lexington, MA, where he facilitated the lease of nearly 100 aircraft, starting with an MU-2 to a Hollywood star. Arlington’s acquisition by Integrated Resources in 1977 introduced him to tax-motivated leasing structures, enabling innovative short-term jet aircraft leasing. By 1985, his expertise had contributed to nearly a billion dollars in aircraft financing and leasing transactions. 

Climbing the Ranks in Aviation Finance 

In 1985, he took on the role of president at First NH Resources, expanding the bank’s aircraft and equipment leasing capabilities. His journey then led him to Airfund, an American Finance Group company, where he was involved in financing the transition from Boeing 737s to the new 757 model. By 1988, he was recruited by DPF Group to establish an aircraft finance and leasing division, covering both business and airline aircraft. Around this time, he joined the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) and built lasting professional relationships, including one with industry leader Lou Seno. 

In 1992, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding his own aircraft finance brokerage and consulting company, later selling it to FINOVA Capital. He continued leading business aircraft financing at FINOVA before launching Air Credit Alliance in 2000. His expertise was sought after by GMAC and Merrill Lynch Capital, where he spearheaded business aircraft financing initiatives. By 2004, he joined Sovereign Bank, marking his first foray into financing owner-flown aircraft. 

After financing and leasing over $2.5 billion in aircraft, he transitioned into semi-retirement in 2010 by joining the board of AOPA Aircraft Finance. Alongside his professional achievements, he served twice as NAFA’s president and remains an active consultant in the industry. 

The Power of Collaboration and Mentorship 

Reflecting on his career, he credits NAFA with expanding his industry knowledge and visibility. “I feel that my joining NAFA significantly broadened my knowledge of aviation finance by interfacing with so many icons in the industry,” he remarks. “Without NAFA, my career would have been stagnant.” 

The association provided him with opportunities to contribute to aviation finance panels and collaborate with esteemed professionals like Lou Seno, Dick Ramsden, Mike Amalfitano, and Wayne Starling. However, his most rewarding experiences came from mentoring and witnessing the success of those he hired. 

His greatest mentor, Tom Hiniker, played a crucial role in shaping his career. Hiniker provided him with his first marketing position at Arlington Leasing and later offered him an ownership stake. Hiniker’s own transition from business aircraft leasing to airline finance left a lasting impression and set a standard for leadership and innovation. 

Advice for the Next Generation 

For those aspiring to build a career in aviation finance, he emphasizes the importance of mentorship and knowledge-sharing. “Success comes from sharing knowledge and mentoring others.  I encourage all members of NAFA to follow this path,” he comments, “giving is a reward in and of itself.” His philosophy is simple: success is not just about personal achievement but about uplifting others. He encourages all NAFA members to embrace mentorship, believing that the greatest reward comes from guiding the next wave of industry leaders. 

Through decades of dedication, innovation, and leadership, Joe Dini's legacy in aviation finance continues to inspire both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. 

This article was originally published by NAFA on February 5, 2025.

NAFA member, Dean Roberts, Vice President of Strategy, Sustainability and Development at Rolland Vincent Associates, shares his recent article published in the January-March 2025 publication of TR News.

Business aviation, particularly business jet activity, plays an important part in the country's air transportation industry. In recent years, enhanced data availability from various sources in recent years has provided a better understanding of the intricacies of this sector. This article delves into different aspects of the U.S. business jet industry, including policy issues and an increasing focus on environmental sustainability.

Read full article on Page 10

Reproduced with permission of the Transportation Research Board; National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The Business Aviation calendar includes several mainstay industry predictions on future sales and trends, based on surveys of aircraft owners and operators worldwide. What’s needed to ensure these can be considered reliable projections? Dean Roberts explores…

In recent months, polling and surveys have taken center stage in the media, with a special focus on methodologies and accuracy driven by the recent US Presidential election coverage.

But these same issues extend to the rapidly growing survey industry in Business Aviation, where accuracy and methodology are vital. Following, we’ll put survey practices into context, exploring the essentials of robust survey design and the implications of choosing the right methodology.

In Business Aviation, survey work spans everything from informal polling at industry conferences—quick polls that stimulate expert panel debates—to rigorous statistical surveys designed to refine aircraft attributes with multi-million-dollar implications.

Not all surveys are created equal. Different goals require different survey methods. It's a "right tool for the job" mentality that’s worth remembering as we revisit survey basics, examine key issues, and offer guidance on selecting the most effective survey methodology.

Statistical Accuracy: The Core Metrics

Assessing survey accuracy rests on two essential metrics: confidence level and margin of error.

1. Confidence Level: This tells us how likely it is that the sample accurately reflects the larger population. In business research, a 95% confidence level is typical.

2. Margin of Error: This represents the amount of error acceptable in the results. In business, a margin of error of ±4-5% is common, while medical research typically demands a narrower margin of ±3% (at a 99% confidence level).

With these metrics in hand, researchers can determine the ideal sample size needed for a given population. Conversely, if you know the population, the sample size achieved, and required confidence level then you can calculate the margin of error to assess the survey’s reliability.

For example, to survey the business jet/turboprop owner population of approximately 21,000 with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of ±4-5%, a randomized sample size of around 450 respondents would be needed.

Why Random Sampling Matters in Aviation Polls

Random sampling is crucial because it ensures a survey’s results truly represent the larger population, making findings more reliable. Here’s why:

• Reduced Bias: In a random sample, every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, which minimizes systematic bias and prevents any one group from being over- or underrepresented.

• Enables Probability Theory Use: With a random sample, researchers can calculate meaningful metrics like margin of error and confidence level, which help quantify the reliability of results.

Random sampling is the foundation of credible survey data because it provides a balanced view of the population, enabling actionable insights. Therefore, it’s essential for the surveyor to know the population size and obtain an adequate random sample to ensure results with real statistical worth.

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This article was written by Dean Roberts, VP Strategy, Sustainability and Development at Rolland Vincent Associates and published in the January 2025 edition of AvBuyer, page 30. 

With a new US President taking office, an uncertain economic environment and conflict in Europe and the Middle East, 2025 could pose a range of challenges and opportunities for Business Aviation finance. Gerrard Cowan, with AvBuyer, explores.

It has been a turbulent few years for the global economy and for Business Aviation. 

Chad Anderson, CEO of business aircraft acquisition specialist Jetcraft, reflects that demand for pre-owned aircraft surged following the Covid-19 pandemic, “driven by a combination of supply chain issues affecting new aircraft production and an influx of first-time buyers entering the market”.

This dynamic could begin to shift in 2025, he says. With new aircraft production expected to ramp up and more deliveries coming online, the pre-owned market might soften slightly, which could impact aircraft values and loan-to-value ratios.

Still, well-maintained and newer pre-owned models are likely to be highly sought after and to hold their value, Anderson says.

“In a high-demand market, financing availability could become more competitive, especially for in-demand models that retain strong value,” he adds. “Buyers will need to act swiftly and be well-prepared to secure favorable financing terms.”

Demand is still very strong, but there is a division in the market based on aircraft age, notes Ramy Sidhom, Head of PNC Aviation Finance. Older aircraft experienced an unprecedented increase in demand and value in the first few post-pandemic years, but now the inventory of older models has stabilized and their values are falling.

“First-time buyers who bought older aircraft at their height of demand and value are now experiencing their first major maintenance events, leading them to explore upgrades for newer models,” he highlights.

There has been great speculation about what would become of the first-time buyers, post-pandemic – would they stay or go? They have not exited the market, says Sidhom, but rather have refined their searches, becoming savvier and exploring options that meet all of their unique mission needs.

This will impact the market heading into the coming year, he predicts. “We believe they are here to stay, and they will continue to appreciate the convenience, safety and productivity that Business Aviation provides.

“Additionally, newer aircraft remain in high demand and inventory remains very tight, a trend we expect to continue into 2025.”

Sidhom points to a range of other areas to watch for in 2025. For instance, he highlights the potential rise in inventory levels (particularly in older model aircraft), potential changes to the new aircraft order backlogs for the OEMs, their challenges with delivery schedules, and the general supply chain challenges faced by the industry.

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This article was originally published by AvBuyer on December 11, 2024.