Aircraft Financing & Aviation Equipment Leasing
Aircraft financing for business jets, turboprops, helicopters, flight-school fleets, agricultural aircraft and the ground equipment that keeps them flying — structured around how your operation actually earns.
EquipCash is an independent commercial equipment financing company working through an extensive platform of capital partners. We arrange purchase financing, leases, refinances and aircraft sale-leasebacks for business and commercial operators in all 50 states.
Aircraft purchases and sale-leasebacks: minimum $250,000 aircraft purchase price or current value. Aircraft transactions considered up to $300 million, subject to approval. Smaller aviation equipment financing may be available separately.Commercial Aircraft Financing, Leasing and Sale-Leaseback Solutions
An aircraft is rarely a simple purchase. Between the airframe, the engines, the avionics and the equipment on the ramp, an aviation acquisition can tie up more working capital than any other asset a business owns. The right structure lets you put the aircraft to work without draining the accounts that keep the operation running.
Aircraft Purchase Financing
New or pre-owned aircraft acquired for business or commercial operations — single aircraft or a phased fleet build.
Aircraft Leasing
Lease structures matched to eligible aircraft, hold period and how the asset fits your balance sheet and tax position.
Aircraft Sale-Leaseback
Sell an aircraft you already own into an approved financing structure, keep flying it, and free the equity for the business.
Aircraft Refinancing
Review existing aircraft debt for restructuring, term changes or consolidation where a program is available and the file supports it.
Fleet Expansion
Add aircraft to a charter, training, EMS, cargo or agricultural fleet — one tail at a time or as a coordinated acquisition.
Avionics & Equipment
Flight-deck upgrades, engine overhauls, simulators, ground support equipment and MRO machinery — financed with or without an airframe.
Every request is reviewed individually. Each customer must be approved for the particular program they are interested in, and financing is offered to business credit customers for commercial purposes only.
Aircraft Types We Review for Financing
The categories and manufacturers below are illustrative of the aviation assets our capital partners consider. They are not a statement that every model, year or configuration is eligible — airframe age, hours, condition, marketability and intended commercial use all factor into what can be structured.
Business Jets & Corporate Aircraft
Very light jets through ultra-long-range aircraft: light and midsize cabins, super-midsize, large-cabin, corporate shuttles and executive-configured airliners. Typically financed by corporate flight departments, Part 135 charter operators and closely held companies flying for business purpose.
Why operators finance turboprops: they fly into shorter fields, carry useful loads that jets cannot, and hold value across long service lives — which is exactly the profile capital partners like to see behind a structured transaction.
King Air, PC-12 and TBM airframes commonly appear in charter, EMS, cargo-feeder and corporate roles.
Turboprop Aircraft
Single- and twin-engine turboprops, executive turboprops, commuter aircraft, short-field and multi-mission airframes. Often the workhorse of regional charter, medical transport and cargo-feeder operations where runway length and operating cost drive the fleet decision.
Piston & Flight-Training Aircraft
Single- and twin-engine piston aircraft, primary and advanced trainers, instrument trainers and complete flight-school fleets. Training operations frequently finance several airframes at once as enrollment grows, then add a complex or multi-engine aircraft to round out the syllabus.
Helicopters & Rotorcraft
Corporate and air-tour helicopters, utility and heavy-lift rotorcraft, training helicopters, offshore support and air medical airframes. Rotorcraft transactions usually hinge on component times, overhaul status and the commercial contract behind the aircraft.
Seasonal revenue, structured terms
Aerial application businesses earn in a compressed window. Where a program allows it, payment structures can be shaped around the spray season rather than a flat twelve-month schedule — subject to approval, program availability and the strength of the file.
Spray systems, GPS swath guidance, loading equipment and nurse trucks can often be included in the same conversation as the airframe.
Agricultural & Aerial Application Aircraft
Crop-dusting and aerial application aircraft, forestry and fire-support airframes, agricultural helicopters, precision-spraying platforms and the ground systems that support them. Ag aviation is a seasonal, high-utilization business and the financing structure should reflect that.
Air Ambulance & Medical Transport Aircraft
Fixed-wing air ambulances, medical evacuation helicopters, critical-care and organ transport aircraft, and medical mission conversions. Interior build-out, certification and the medical equipment package are often financed alongside the airframe.
Special-mission aircraft rarely finance as bare airframes. Survey sensors, LiDAR and camera packages, cargo systems, floats, firefighting tanks and jump doors all form part of the asset — and part of the review.
Tell us what is installed and what is being added. Modifications, STCs and installation costs are reviewed as part of the overall transaction.
Utility, Cargo & Special-Mission Aircraft
Cargo and freight aircraft, bush planes, amphibians and floatplanes, aerial survey and mapping platforms, firefighting aircraft, parachute operations, patrol and remote-access airframes. Mission equipment and sensor packages are reviewed as part of the overall transaction.
Aircraft Manufacturers and Representative Models
Open a category below to see the airframes that commonly appear in commercial aviation financing requests. Models listed include current, legacy and pre-owned families. Inclusion is for identification only — it is not a statement that a given model is in production, available, or eligible for financing.
Business Jets & Corporate Aircraft
| Manufacturer | Representative aircraft and models |
|---|---|
| Gulfstream | G280, G450, G550, G600, G650, G700, G800 |
| Bombardier | Challenger 300/350/3500, Challenger 604/605/650, Global 5000/6000/6500/7500 |
| Cessna Citation | Mustang, M2, CJ2/CJ3/CJ4, XLS/XLS+, Latitude, Longitude |
| Dassault Falcon | Falcon 50, 900, 2000, 6X, 7X, 8X |
| Embraer | Phenom 100/300, Legacy 450/500/600/650, Praetor 500/600 |
| Honda Aircraft | HondaJet, HondaJet Elite series |
| Cirrus | Vision Jet SF50 |
| Boeing / Airbus | Boeing Business Jet, ACJ family, commercial passenger and cargo aircraft |
Turboprops & Regional Aircraft
| Manufacturer | Representative aircraft and models |
|---|---|
| Beechcraft | King Air C90/200/250/260/350/360, Baron, Bonanza, Beechjet |
| Pilatus | PC-12, PC-24 |
| Daher | TBM 700/850/900/910/940/960, Kodiak 100/900 |
| Piper | M350, M500, M600, M700 |
| Epic Aircraft | E1000 family |
| Piaggio | P.180 Avanti |
| ATR | ATR 42, ATR 72 |
| De Havilland Canada | DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-6 Twin Otter, Dash 8 |
Piston, Training & Light Aircraft
| Manufacturer | Representative aircraft and models |
|---|---|
| Cessna | 152, 172 Skyhawk, 182 Skylane, 206, 208 Caravan |
| Piper | Archer, Seminole, Seneca, Warrior, Arrow |
| Cirrus | SR20, SR22, SR22T |
| Diamond Aircraft | DA20, DA40, DA42, DA50, DA62 |
| Tecnam | P2006T, P2008, P2010, P2012 Traveller |
| Beechcraft / Mooney | Bonanza, Baron, Mooney M20 series |
Helicopters & Rotorcraft
| Manufacturer | Representative aircraft and models |
|---|---|
| Bell | 206, 407, 412, 429, 505, 525 program |
| Airbus Helicopters | H125, H130, H135, H145, H160, H175 |
| Leonardo | AW109, AW119, AW139, AW169, AW189 |
| Robinson | R22, R44, R66 |
| Sikorsky | S-76, S-92, S-61 |
| MD Helicopters | MD 500, MD 530, MD 600, MD 902 |
Agricultural & Special-Mission Aircraft
| Manufacturer | Representative aircraft and models |
|---|---|
| Air Tractor | AT-402, AT-502, AT-602, AT-802, AT-802F Fire Boss |
| Thrush | Thrush 510, 710 and legacy agricultural aircraft |
| Piper / Cessna (legacy) | Pawnee, Ag Wagon, Ag Truck, Ag Husky |
| Daher Kodiak | Kodiak 100, Kodiak 900 |
Aircraft Sale-Leaseback: Unlock Working Capital From an Aircraft You Already Own
An aircraft sitting on your books may represent one of the largest pools of equity in the business. An aircraft sale-leaseback lets an eligible company sell an owned aircraft into an approved financing structure and lease it back — so the aircraft keeps flying the same missions while the equity goes back to work.
- Access capital currently tied up in an owned aircraft.
- Retain operational use of the aircraft under the lease.
- Fund fleet expansion, overhauls, payroll or other business needs.
- Improve liquidity without selling off a revenue-producing asset.
- Recover eligible capital invested in a recently purchased aircraft.
Recently purchased, or owned for years?
Aircraft acquired recently or owned for years may qualify for sale-leaseback review. Available proceeds depend on aircraft value, title, liens, condition, financial qualifications and financing structure. No particular percentage of the purchase price is guaranteed.
Aviation Equipment Financing: Avionics, Simulators, GSE and MRO
A large share of aviation spending never touches an airframe purchase. Flight-deck upgrades, engine overhauls, simulators, ramp equipment and shop machinery are substantial capital projects in their own right — and each can be reviewed as a standalone financing request.
Avionics & Flight-Deck Systems
GPS navigation, glass cockpit retrofits, flight management systems, autopilots, ADS-B, transponders, weather radar, terrain awareness, collision avoidance, satellite communications and flight data systems.
Engines, APUs & Overhauls
Engine purchases and exchanges, hot sections and major overhauls, auxiliary power units, propellers, rotor components and life-limited parts programs — often the single largest unplanned expense an operator faces.
Cabin & In-Flight Systems
In-flight Wi-Fi and satellite connectivity, cabin entertainment, seating, galley equipment, cabin lighting, environmental control, air filtration, lavatory systems and full interior refurbishment.
Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
Tugs and pushback tractors, ground power units, deicing equipment, baggage tractors, belt and cargo loaders, aircraft lifts, passenger stairs, fuel trucks, lavatory and water service trucks, air-start units and preconditioned air.
MRO & Maintenance Shop Equipment
Engine stands, hydraulic lifts and jacks, borescopes, nondestructive testing systems, avionics test benches, wheel and brake servicing, composite repair equipment, torque tooling, aircraft wash systems and shop machinery.
Flight Simulation & Training Systems
Full-flight simulators, flight training devices, fixed-base and cockpit trainers, instrument training systems, VR training platforms, maintenance trainers and aviation classroom equipment.
Safety & Emergency Equipment
Emergency locator transmitters, life rafts, evacuation systems, fire suppression, aviation rescue systems, oxygen and breathing equipment, emergency medical modules and airport rescue apparatus.
FBO, Hangar & Airport Infrastructure
Hangar door systems, airport lighting, fueling infrastructure, FBO equipment, cargo handling systems, paint and refurbishment booths, aerial mapping and LiDAR packages, specialized sensors and commercial drone systems.
Aviation Businesses We Work With
EquipCash reviews commercial aviation financing requests from operators and vendors across the industry. Eligibility depends on the proposed commercial use, the aircraft or equipment itself, and the financial structure of the transaction.
- Corporate flight departments
- Part 135 charter & air taxi
- Flight schools & pilot academies
- Air ambulance & EMS transport
- Agricultural aviation & aerial application
- Aerial firefighting & forestry
- Cargo, freight & regional carriers
- Fixed-base operators (FBOs)
- MRO & aviation service providers
- Aircraft dealers & brokers
- Aviation equipment vendors
- Aerial survey, mapping & inspection
- Helicopter tour & offshore support
- Airport service & ground handling
- Utility & powerline patrol operators
- Skydiving & parachute operations
What You Need to Submit an Aircraft Financing Request
Aircraft transactions carry more documentation than most equipment deals. Having the following assembled up front shortens the review considerably — and tells us quickly which of our capital partners is the right fit for the transaction.
- Business profile. Legal name, ownership structure, time in business, operating history and a current financial picture.
- Aircraft identification. Manufacturer, model, year, serial number and N-number, plus the proposed purchase price or current estimated value.
- Condition and history. Total time, engine and component times, maintenance status, logbook availability, damage history and airworthiness documentation.
- Intended commercial use. How the aircraft will be operated, under what part, and what revenue or business function it supports.
- Transaction documents. Purchase agreement, seller information, or existing ownership documentation for a refinance.
- Financial support. Business financial statements, bank statements and any additional transaction-specific documentation requested during review.
- For sale-leasebacks. Current title, lien and payoff information, proof of ownership and evidence of the original purchase.
Aircraft requests may also call for an appraisal, title and escrow review, insurance certificates, airworthiness records and a pre-buy inspection. EquipCash reviews A–C credit profiles through its platform of capital partners, though aviation programs often expect stronger credit, additional equity, relevant operating experience or more complete financial documentation than general equipment financing. Not every credit tier or program is available for every aircraft, and each customer must be approved for the particular program they are applying for.
A note on the corporate application — it is not for everyone
The corporate-only application is the exception, not the standard path. It generally fits only where:
- The borrowing entity has multiple owners with substantial financial reserves;
- Those owners have a documented ownership history in other corporations; and
- The corporation itself carries enough balance-sheet strength to stand behind the transaction.
Even then, most capital partners still expect personal guarantees, and the structure applies to a small minority of requests. If that does not describe your entity — and for most operators it will not — start with the standard financing application instead. It is the faster path, and nothing is lost by applying there first.
If you do meet the criteria above, use the corporate financing application.
If you are standing up a new operation, read how we look at startup and early-stage equipment financing before you apply. For a rough payment estimate before submitting, try our equipment financing calculators, and review current IRS guidance with your tax professional on how an aircraft acquisition may be treated. Industry background on business aviation operations is published by the National Business Aviation Association, and airworthiness and registration requirements are administered by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Aviation Vendor & Dealer Financing Programs
Aircraft dealers, brokers, avionics suppliers and aviation equipment vendors can explore a dedicated EquipCash financing partnership for qualified commercial customers.
- Financing options presented to your customer during the sales process.
- Support for larger transactions that stall on a cash purchase.
- A straightforward application path for commercial buyers.
- No direct cost to participating dealers under standard programs.
Payment timing, pre-funding arrangements and documentation requirements depend on the approved program and equipment delivery terms. Customers must be approved for the particular program, and financing is available to business credit customers only.
Aircraft Financing FAQs
Straight answers to the questions aviation operators ask most often before they apply.
Can I finance a used aircraft?
Yes. New and pre-owned aircraft are both reviewed. Eligibility depends on age, total time, condition, maintenance and damage history, marketability of the model, and the overall strength of the transaction. Older airframes are not automatically excluded — a well-maintained, well-documented aircraft with a clear commercial purpose often reviews better than a newer one with gaps in its records.
Does EquipCash finance private jets?
EquipCash reviews business-purpose jet financing requests — corporate aircraft, charter aircraft and other eligible commercial airframes. Financing is offered for commercial and business purposes to business credit customers only. Purely personal, family or recreational aircraft financing is not offered.
Can I finance a Cessna or Piper for my flight school?
Yes. Commercial flight schools and pilot training academies can submit requests for eligible Cessna, Piper, Diamond, Cirrus, Tecnam and other training aircraft, including multi-aircraft fleet acquisitions. Enrollment history, instructor capacity, aircraft utilization and the financial profile of the school all factor into the review.
Is helicopter financing available?
Helicopter financing is reviewed for commercial uses including charter, air medical, agricultural operations, utility and aerial work, offshore support, tour operations and corporate transport. Rotorcraft transactions typically require detailed component time records and overhaul status, since those drive a significant portion of the aircraft's value.
Can I get financing against an aircraft I already own?
Often, yes. An aircraft sale-leaseback or refinance may provide access to capital based on the equity in an owned aircraft. The structure depends on appraised value, title and lien position, condition and records, how recently the aircraft was acquired, and the financial qualifications of the business. Approval for the specific program is required.
Can aviation equipment be financed separately from an aircraft?
Yes. Avionics upgrades, engine overhauls, flight simulators, ground support equipment, MRO shop machinery, hangar systems and safety equipment can each be considered as standalone transactions. You do not need to be financing an airframe at the same time.
How large a transaction can EquipCash handle?
Aircraft purchases and aircraft sale-leasebacks are considered when the aircraft purchase price or current value is at least $250,000. Aircraft transactions up to $300 million may be reviewed, subject to eligibility and approval. Smaller aviation equipment transactions may be considered through regular equipment financing programs.
Does EquipCash finance agricultural aircraft?
Commercial agricultural aircraft, aerial application equipment, crop-spraying helicopters, spray and swath guidance systems and related ground equipment are all reviewed. Seasonal revenue patterns are common in ag aviation, and where a program allows it, payment structures can sometimes be shaped accordingly.
Can a startup aviation business qualify?
Startup requests are reviewed individually. A personal guarantee is expected on startup transactions under current capital partner programs. Relevant aviation experience, reserves, realistic projections, contracts or letters of intent, and additional supporting documentation carry real weight — where an applicant is lighter in one area, they generally need to be notably strong in the others.
How long does aircraft financing take?
Timelines vary with the complexity of the transaction. General aviation equipment can move quickly; aircraft transactions involving appraisals, title and escrow, pre-buy inspections and lien releases take longer. The fastest files are the complete ones — records, financials and transaction documents assembled before submission.
What credit profile do aircraft programs expect?
EquipCash works with A, B and C credit profiles across its platform of capital partners. Aviation programs specifically tend to expect stronger credit, more equity, more operating history or fuller documentation than general equipment financing. Approval is never guaranteed, and each customer must be approved for the particular program they are interested in.
Request Aircraft or Aviation Equipment Financing
Tell us about the aircraft or equipment and the business behind it. There is no cost to submit a request, and submitting does not obligate you to proceed.
What you will need
- The aircraft or equipment, and the approximate purchase price or current value
- Whether you are buying, leasing, refinancing or exploring a sale-leaseback
- The legal entity that will hold the aircraft, and who will guarantee
- Basic financial information for the operating business
Financing is available to business credit customers only, for commercial and business purposes. Each customer must be approved for the particular program they are interested in.
Ready to Finance Your Aircraft or Aviation Equipment?
Whether you are buying a business jet, expanding a flight-school fleet, overhauling an engine, upgrading a flight deck or exploring an aircraft sale-leaseback, EquipCash will review your commercial aviation financing request and tell you plainly where it stands.
Financing Disclosure
EquipCash is an independent commercial equipment financing company offering flexible equipment financing and leasing solutions to businesses across a broad range of industries and credit profiles. Financing is available exclusively for commercial and business purposes, not personal, family, or household use.
Each financing request is evaluated individually, with programs available for businesses with varying credit qualifications. Approvals, rates, terms, financing amounts, and structures depend on the overall transaction, including creditworthiness, equipment, and supporting documentation. Financing is subject to approval, and specific terms or funding timelines are not guaranteed.
Information provided on this website is for general informational purposes and does not constitute a financing commitment or tax, legal, or accounting advice. Businesses should consult their professional advisors regarding their individual circumstances.
Aircraft categories, manufacturer names and model designations are used for identification purposes only and do not imply affiliation, endorsement, availability, or that any particular aircraft or model is eligible for financing. Photographs are illustrative only; the aircraft and operators shown are not EquipCash customers, and their appearance does not imply any relationship with EquipCash.