Contact Information:
Theresa C. Myers
theresa.c.myers@nafa.aero
410-571-1740
Mark Bearden
mark.bearden@faef.com
585.643.3296
NAFA Welcomes New Member: First American Equipment Finance
Edgewater, MD — June 3, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that First American Equipment Finance has joined its distinguished network of aviation professionals.
NAFA President Bryan Byers comments, "We are confident that the unique expertise that First American Equipment Finance brings will be incredibly valuable to our association and will further strengthen our collective ability to navigate the complexities of aircraft finance."
First American Equipment Finance is dedicated to being the best company to work with and the best company to work for, guiding clients through complex equipment finance transactions. Their commitment to providing exceptional service and fostering a positive work environment aligns with NAFA’s mission to support excellence and integrity in the finance industry. With expertise in equipment financing solutions, as well as U.S.-registered, new, pre-owned, and fractional aircraft financing, First American will enrich the NAFA community with practical knowledge and innovative thinking.
NAFA looks forward to the unique perspectives First American will bring as the association continues to support innovation and excellence in the finance industry.
"Our NAFA membership is one of several important actions we are taking this year to increase our investment in supporting the private aviation industry, and we are extremely excited to contribute to the NAFA community," says Mark Bearden, Senior Vice President and Head of First American's Bank Support Division.
About First American Equipment Finance:
First American Equipment Finance is one of the of the country’s largest equipment finance companies, providing leasing and financing to established commercial borrowers throughout the United States and Canada. First American specializes in aircraft financing, offering highly competitive solutions for fractional aircraft shares and full aircraft ownership. The company’s experienced team expertly navigates the entire financing process, providing strategic guidance while evaluating cash flow, tax implications, and borrowing options to secure the most effective solution for each client’s needs. As a wholly owned subsidiary of City National Bank, an RBC company, First American can offer clients competitive rates while delivering unique value through focused, industry-aligned teams. For more information, visit www.faef.com.
About City National:
City National Bank, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, is the largest bank headquartered in Los Angeles with $93 billion in assets as of April 30, 2025. Founded in 1954, City National provides personalized banking, investment and trust services in select markets including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Nashville, Atlanta, Delaware, Las Vegas, Washington D.C. and Miami.* In addition, the company and its investment affiliates manage or administer $101 billion in client investment assets. City National is dedicated to strengthening communities, and in 2024 alone, the company made charitable contributions of nearly $10 million in charitable contributions to nonprofits that support the communities it serves.
*City National Bank does business in Miami and the state of Florida as CN 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.