Flying Engineer

Aircraft finance and leasing companies

231 lenders, lessors, banks and advisors in 26 countries: business jet loans, airline and operating leasing, engine leasing, helicopter finance.

231companies

26countries

8 Nov 2026updated

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Buying an aircraft: the money side

Three things to know before you call a lender or lessor.

How aircraft financing works

A lender pays most of the price of the aircraft. You pay a deposit, then a fixed payment each month for a set number of years. The aircraft is the security for the loan, so the lender can take it if you stop paying.

Lenders look at the aircraft as much as at you. Its age, type, hours and maintenance history all matter. Most lenders ask for a pre-purchase inspection and an independent appraisal before they agree.

Loan or lease?

With a loan you own the aircraft and build equity in it. With an operating lease the lessor owns it. You pay to use it for a fixed time, then hand it back or renew.

A lease usually means less money up front and less risk if the aircraft loses value. A loan usually works better if you plan to keep the aircraft for many years. Many airlines lease a large share of their fleets. Private owners more often borrow and buy.

What lenders ask for

For you: financial statements or tax returns, proof of income or company accounts, and how and where the aircraft will be used and based.

For the aircraft: the logbooks and maintenance records, a pre-purchase inspection, an appraisal and proof of insurance before closing. The older the aircraft, the fewer lenders will take it, and the shorter the loan.

Common questions

Updated 8 Nov 2026. Confirm the details with the company before you book.

What does an aircraft finance company do?
It lends the money to buy an aircraft, or arranges the loan with a bank. Some are banks with an aviation team. Some are specialist lenders that only do aircraft. Brokers and advisors do not lend themselves: they find the lender and set up the deal for a fee.
What is an aircraft lessor?
A lessor owns aircraft or engines and rents them out. Airlines and operators pay a monthly rent instead of buying. Under an operating lease the lessor keeps the aircraft at the end. Under a finance lease the aircraft usually passes to the operator when the last payment is made.
What is the difference between a wet lease and a dry lease?
A dry lease gives you the aircraft only. You supply the crew, maintenance and insurance. A wet lease, also called ACMI, includes the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, so you can start flying at once. Wet leases are usually short. Dry leases usually run for years.
What is engine leasing?
Airlines and operators rent spare engines so an aircraft keeps flying while its own engine is in the shop. Engine lessors own pools of engines for common aircraft types and lease them for days, months or years. Some also buy, sell and trade engines and parts.
How do I choose a lender or lessor?
Pick companies that work with your aircraft type and size and in your country. Ask what they need from you, how long approval takes, what the full cost is over the term, and what happens if you sell early or return the aircraft. Use the filters above to find the right type of company, then compare two or three.
Is my company missing or wrong on this page?
This list shows every public company in our aircraft financing and aircraft leasing categories. If your company is missing, or an address, phone number or type is wrong, add or claim your page and we will correct it.
How many companies are listed?
231 companies in 26 countries, updated 8 Nov 2026. Most are in United States (116), Ireland (26), United Kingdom (19).
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About aircraft finance and leasing

Aircraft financing companies and lenders

Aircraft financing companies fund the purchase or refinancing of aircraft, from single-engine pistons and helicopters to business jets and airliners. The category includes banks with dedicated aviation divisions, specialist lenders, operating lessors and finance brokers. Private owners, flight schools, charter operators, corporate flight departments and airlines are the borrowers.

Lenders usually look at the aircraft's age, type, maintenance status and registration as well as the borrower's finances, and typically ask for a pre-purchase inspection and an independent appraisal. Compare loan term, rate, deposit, balloon payment and any restrictions on where the aircraft can be based or flown. For larger aircraft, an operating lease can be an alternative to a loan.

Finance providers in the directory

We list 113 aircraft finance companies, most in the United States (72), the United Kingdom (15), Canada (6) and France (6).

Financing usually runs alongside aircraft sales brokers, aircraft leasing companies and aircraft insurance providers, since lenders require hull cover. Our guides compare financing versus leasing a private jet and explain aviation loan rates for owners, operators and students.

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About this list

This list shows every public company in our aircraft financing and aircraft leasing categories. The type of company comes from its own website and our own checks. Always confirm terms, rates and conditions with the company directly. The Flying Engineer is an independent directory, not a lender or a broker, and is not linked to any company on this page. Last updated 8 Nov 2026.