Best Aviation Finance Solutions for Fleet Expansion: Loans, Leases & ECA-Backed Credit
Growing your fleet means choosing the right financing mix. Whether you need term loans, operating leases, finance leases or export-credit support, each option has trade-offs in cost, balance-sheet treatment and flexibility. Below, we break down the three core solutions and explain how Financely’s lender network and ECA relationships deliver the best terms for your next aircraft acquisition.
1. Senior Secured Loans
Direct loans from banks remain the most straightforward way to finance aircraft. You borrow against the aircraft’s appraised value—typically 70–80% LTV—with maturities of 7–12 years. Interest is usually set at a floating rate (SOFR + 200–350 bps).
- Pros:
Straightforward documentation, fixed amortization schedule, retains ownership risk and upside.
- Cons:
Adds debt to your balance sheet, interest costs can fluctuate.
2. Operating & Finance Leases
Leasing transfers economic ownership to the lessor while you use the plane under a rental agreement.
| Lease Type |
Key Feature |
Typical Term |
| Operating Lease |
Off-balance-sheet for lessee; flexibility to return or extend. |
2–7 years |
| Finance Lease |
On-balance-sheet; purchase obligation or bargain-purchase option. |
7–12 years |
- Pros:
Conserves capital (operating lease), predictable rates (finance lease), flexibility on fleet planning.
- Cons:
Total cost may exceed outright purchase, lessor credit profile matters.
3. ECA-Backed Credit
Export-Credit Agencies (ECAs) like US EXIM, Euler Hermes and Coface support up to 85–90% of an aircraft purchase at subsidized rates. ECA facilities run 12–15 years and often feature interest rates near SOFR + 100–150 bps plus a small guarantee fee.
- Pros:
Lower all-in cost, extended maturities, non-recourse structures in some jurisdictions.
- Cons:
Strict origin requirements, longer setup (4–6 weeks), potential sovereign risk.
4. Tailored Structures
Combining loans, leases and ECA support can optimize your cash flow and balance-sheet profile. For example, you might use an ECA tranche for 60% of the cost, add a bank loan for 20%, and lease the remaining 20%. Our team designs multi-instrument packages to fit your fleet plan and credit profile.
How Financely Delivers Value
We’ve arranged over $12 billion in aircraft financing by tapping 15+ specialized banks, leasing houses and ECA programs. Our process accelerates term-sheet gathering, simplifies due diligence and secures competitive pricing—so you spend less time negotiating and more time operating.
Ready to expand your fleet with the optimal financing mix? Financely will:
- Map out the loan, lease and ECA blend that suits your balance sheet
- Activate our relationships to secure term sheets in under a week
- Manage documentation, appraisals and compliance end-to-end
Explore Our Process & Get Started
Key Takeaways
- Senior loans, leases and ECA credit each serve distinct fleet-expansion needs.
- Fixed vs. floating rates, balance-sheet impact and maturity are critical trade-offs.
- Blended structures often unlock the best economics.
- Our $12 billion track record and 15+ funding partners deliver speed and savings.