What are the three types of aircraft leasing?
The three commonly referenced aircraft lease types are operating leases, finance or capital leases, and wet leases. An operating lease generally provides use of an aircraft for a defined term without the same ownership focus as a finance lease. A finance lease is structured more like long-term asset financing. A wet lease typically includes the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, making it an operational arrangement rather than a pure financing structure.
What aircraft lease structures does Commercial Funding Partners offer?
Commercial Funding Partners offers flexible equipment-finance structures that may include capital leases, operating leases, tax leases, FMV leases, master lease programs, and sale-leasebacks. The appropriate structure depends on the aircraft, transaction size, credit profile, desired end-of-term options, and cash-flow objectives. CFP reviews each opportunity individually to determine which structures may fit the transaction.
Can I finance an aircraft I already own?
Yes. A sale-leaseback may allow a business to sell an owned aircraft and lease it back, maintaining operational use while releasing capital tied to the asset. Businesses may use resulting liquidity for working capital, expansion, acquisitions, partner buyouts, or balance-sheet recapitalization. Proceeds and lease terms are determined through aircraft appraisal and credit review.
What transaction sizes can CFP consider for aircraft lease financing?
CFP structures qualified equipment-financing transactions from $250,000 to $300 million per project. Larger, more complex projects may be supported through institutional capital structures, including multi-vendor, cross-border, and syndicated facilities where appropriate. Transaction size alone does not determine suitability; the aircraft, borrower profile, project purpose, and proposed lease structure are all evaluated during review.
Can lease payments be tailored to my cash flow?
Yes. CFP can evaluate flexible payment arrangements, including seasonal schedules, step-up payments, deferred principal, balloon payments, and custom amortization. The goal is to create a structure that reflects the project’s expected cash flow rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all payment schedule. Availability of any payment feature depends on the transaction’s underwriting, asset profile, and final financing terms.
Can aircraft lease financing include related project costs?
When an aircraft acquisition is part of a broader eligible equipment project, CFP may be able to include certain non-admitted or soft costs within the overall financing facility. These can include engineering, software integration, freight, installation, commissioning, training, taxes, and project-management costs. Eligible costs and advance rates are reviewed individually based on the complete project structure and credit approval.
How quickly can Commercial Funding Partners review a financing request?
CFP’s structuring specialists respond to equipment-financing quote requests within one business day, and vendor partners can receive same-day preliminary financing reviews. Timing for a complete decision and funding depends on the transaction’s complexity, required diligence, aircraft appraisal, documentation, and credit review. Providing a clear project summary and available financial information helps the team begin structuring efficiently.
What information is needed to begin an aircraft lease financing review?
A productive initial review typically includes the aircraft details, purchase price or estimated value, seller or vendor information, desired funding amount, intended lease term, and a summary of the business purpose. CFP may also request company financial information and details on any related project costs. This information allows the team to assess potential structures and identify appropriate next steps.