Business jets
New business jets purchased from the OEM or an authorized sales agent — structured around export credit guarantees, in markets where lending options are limited.
EXPORT CREDIT FINANCING SPECIALISTS — EST. 2011
OPTIMIZE YOUR FINANCING WITH GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
Newly manufactured business jets, helicopters and general aviation aircraft — financed at government-guaranteed rates, in 37 countries.
ABOUT AIRFINANCE
AirFinance has funded hundreds of aircraft — completing transactions with all of the leading business jet and helicopter manufacturers, in 37 countries, with the backing of nine governments. The majority of our business comes from customers who come back.
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in financing to date
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aircraft financed
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countries financed in
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government ECAs behind our deals
01What have we done?
AirFinance has funded hundreds of aircraft. We have won several awards for our work including being named EXIM’s Lender of the Year, EXIM’s Deal of the Year twice, Corporate Jet Investor’s Most Innovative Business Jet Financier and many other industry awards. We have successfully completed transactions with all of the leading business jet and helicopter manufacturers with financing in 37 different countries. We have supported transactions using the backing of nine different governments. Our customers value our services so much that the majority of our business is from repeat financing transactions with our existing customers.
02What do we do?
Simply put, we finance aircraft. Specifically, we finance newly manufactured business jets, general aviation aircraft, helicopters and simulators bought from the manufacturer or their authorized sales agent. We work very closely with the manufacturers and their sales teams to make sure if there is an aircraft being sold that needs financing, we are there. Our funding is specialized. We offer funding using Export Credit Agencies, which are departments of governments — and it allows us to fund in many countries that have been ignored by banks. The financing is often at very good terms.
03Who are we?
AirFinance started in 2011 and is comprised of a team of aviation finance professionals with impressive backgrounds and extensive experience — positioned to stay in sync with our customer base around the world. The AirFinance team prides itself on our quick reactions to customer needs.
04What does the future hold?
AirFinance is dedicated to supporting the aviation industry with guaranteed lending. It is in our DNA. Our continued growth shows we are doing well, but we continuously work on improving our service to borrowers, manufacturers, and Export Credit Agencies. We have successfully replicated the Export Credit Agency guarantee process utilizing large insurance companies. In addition to that, the Export Credit Agencies asked us to consider expanding outside of aviation — we have successfully started that part of our business with AF Capital Partners.
WHAT WE FINANCE
NEW FROM THE MANUFACTURER
Every asset we finance is newly manufactured — bought from the manufacturer or their authorized sales agent.
Helicopters
Newly manufactured civil helicopters — transactions structured and underwritten alongside EXIM and other agencies for operators worldwide.
General aviation
New general aviation aircraft — including programs built directly with manufacturers, like our exclusive Cirrus financing partnership outside the USA.
Simulators
Full-flight simulators and training equipment bought new from the manufacturer — the assets that keep fleets and crews flying.
THE SPECIALTY
EXPORT CREDIT, EXPLAINED
Our funding is specialized — government-backed guarantees that unlock better rates, in more countries.
An Export Credit Agency is a government department that helps the exporters in its country — by providing guarantees to the funders of their buyers’ purchases. Historically, aviation has been one of export credit’s biggest beneficiaries.
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Lower risk, lower rate
With the agency’s formal support, the transaction becomes lower risk and more banks are interested. Lower risk and more competition mean a lower interest rate than without the guarantee.
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One transparent fee
A single fee at first funding covers the agency’s risk and operating cost. It depends on the term, the credit strength of the business and the destination country — and it can be borrowed and repaid over the life of the loan.
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No cost to taxpayers
By supporting exporters, agencies help maintain jobs and grow the economy. In the vast majority of cases, the fees collected outweigh the operational costs.
COMMERCIAL FINANCING
VS
AIRFINANCE + ECA
The bank’s credit committee approves the transaction.
CREDIT DECISIONThe Export Credit Agency acts as the credit committee — the process feels the same to the buyer.
The rate is priced in line with the risks of the transaction.
INTEREST RATEPriced on the agency’s country risk — substantially lower — plus the agency’s one-time fee.
Uses up existing credit limits with your banks.
BANK LIMITSStand-alone financing for your aircraft — no additional banking relationships required.
Banks are often not interested in lending in many countries.
AVAILABILITYAvailable in markets banks have ignored — often at very good terms.
From the buyer’s perspective the journey is familiar — terms, due diligence, approval, documentation, funding. Your AirFinance team will help you weigh the relative merits of our funding against the commercial terms available to you.
FINANCING LOCATION
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GLOBAL REACH
WHERE AIRFINANCE HAS FINANCED
37COUNTRIES
$2B+FINANCED
9GOVERNMENTS
CREDIBILITY
THE COMPANY WE KEEP
Long-term relationships with the world’s export credit agencies — and transactions completed with all of the leading business jet and helicopter manufacturers.
EXPORT CREDIT AGENCIES — NINE GOVERNMENTS
MANUFACTURER RELATIONSHIPS — $700M+ WITH TOP U.S. OEMS · EXCLUSIVE CIRRUS PARTNER OUTSIDE THE USA
TRACK RECORD
MILESTONES
Two AirFinance co-founders close $500M with U.S. EXIM Bank and $250M with Canada’s EDC for Textron.
Agent on a $200M aircraft financing for Brazil’s BNDES.
U.S. EXIM Bank creates the Qualified Advisory Program — and names AirFinance the first QA.
First QA transaction, in Tanzania. EXIM Deal of the Year — $167M BNDES / Flight Options.
First transaction with Canada’s EDC. CJI Most Innovative Business Jet Financier.
EXIM Deal of the Year — $300M with China Minsheng Bank. First floorplan financing with EXIM.
Major fleet deal with Italy’s SACE and EXIM. CJI Most Innovative Financier — jets & helicopters.
First aircraft financing with Switzerland’s SERV.
First transaction with Poland’s KUKE.
Partnerships established with Israel’s ASHRA and UK Export Finance.
First financing with EXIM and AFIC/AXIS — EXIM’s Deal of the Year.
First $100M working capital loan with Embraer & EXIM. Named UKEF approved lender and lead lender in its small deal initiative.
EXIM Bank’s Lender of the Year, jointly with Apple Bank.
BEYOND AVIATION
THE SAME EXPERTISE, ACROSS INDUSTRIES
The Export Credit Agencies asked us to consider expanding outside of aviation — AF Capital is the result. We finance newly manufactured exported products across industries, with loans available in more than 150 countries, spanning working capital, supply chain and infrastructure financing.
Visit AF Capital Partners ↗
For your non-aircraft financing.
THE TEAM
GLOBAL AVIATION FINANCING EXPERTS
Unparalleled aviation finance experience, with the capability to finance in 150 different countries.
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years of combined finance experience
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of those years at AirFinance
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global institutions on the team’s résumé
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Finance professionals with extensive origination expertise and deep technical knowledge of every aspect of asset and portfolio management.
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Long-term relationships with export credit agencies and insurance companies — and the structuring and credit capability to obtain approval for funding.
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Adept at working with lawyers for a smooth documentation process that addresses local requirements and is clearly explained to customers.
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Highly engaged professionals, always ready to manage the transaction after funding and delivery.
Tom Low joined AirFinance in 2011 and is a founder, CEO and Managing Partner. Prior to AirFinance, Tom was President of Textron Financial Corporation where he managed Cessna Finance Corporation and Bell Helicopter Finance Division. He also previously worked at Deutsche Bank. Tom holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Arizona and is a graduate of Wharton Global Leadership Program and Thunderbird School of Global Management Executive Leadership. Tom enjoys skiing and has traveled to all 50 US states and 77 countries.
Tom is based in Sarasota, FL and can be reached at tl@airfinanceco.com and 1.202.558.7702.
Kirsten Bartok Touw joined AirFinance in 2008 and is a founder and Managing Partner. Prior to AirFinance, Kirsten was Vice President, Strategy, Structured Finance & Corporate Development at Hawker Beechcraft Corporation where she helped lead the company’s expansion into Asia, as well as JV, strategic sourcing relationships, mergers and acquisitions. Kirsten also worked at XOJET, Alpine Investors, JP Morgan and Goldman, Sachs & Co. Kirsten holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Kirsten enjoys skiing with her kids, talking all things geopolitics, national security and foreign policy, and learning about new technologies and how they will change our world.
Kirsten is based in Washington, D.C. and can be reached at kb@airfinanceco.com and 1.415.440.4145.
Brent Cox joined AirFinance in 2012 and is a founder, Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer and Partner. Prior to AirFinance, Brent was the Chief Credit Officer of Textron Financial Corporation where he had oversight of the credit process, setting of policy and procedures, portfolio oversight as well as chairing both the credit committee and the residual value committee. Brent holds a BS in Finance from Central Michigan University and is a graduate of the Thunderbird School of Global Management Executive Leadership program. Brent spends his free time traveling, reading and golfing with friends and family.
Brent is based in Atlanta, GA and can be reached at bc@airfinanceco.com and 1.316.833.3347.
Andrew Woolfson joined AirFinance in 2012 and is a founder, Vice President and Partner. Prior to joining AirFinance, Andrew was a Director of International Sales for Textron Financial Corporation where he was responsible for all operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Andrew also worked at RBS and Flybe. Woolfson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Bristol and is a graduate of Thunderbird School of Global Management Executive Leadership. Andrew spends much of his leisure time cycling and he is a season ticket holder at Arsenal Football Club.
Andrew Woolfson is based in London, United Kingdom and can be reached at aw@airfinanceco.com and 44.207.682.2938.
Hope Wright joined AirFinance in 2017 and is currently a Finance Manager. Prior to AirFinance, Hope was an Accounting Supervisor at Saginaw Valley State University where she had the responsibility of all university receivables, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and private grantor’s guidelines, and monitoring and tracking university fixed assets. Hope holds a BS in Accounting from Central Michigan University. Hope enjoys watching her daughters’ volleyball games, spending time with family, traveling and trying new recipes.
Hope is based in Atlanta, GA and can be reached at hw@airfinanceco.com and 1.706.603.4176.
H. Suha Kocabal joined AirFinance in 2018 and is currently a Vice President and Partner. Prior to AirFinance, Suha was a Director at TD Bank where he headed up the bank’s export credit origination focused primarily on the US Export Import Bank in the aerospace and transportation sector. At TD Bank and its predecessors, Suha lived and worked in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Singapore. Suha holds a MS in Business from Johns Hopkins University. Suha enjoys a good Netflix binge, travel in Asia, but can also be found on the beaches of Aegean Sea.
Suha is based in Washington D.C. and can be reached at sk@airfinanceco.com and 1.202.909.6627.
Nicholas Peffer joined AirFinance in 2025 and currently serves as Vice President, Americas. Prior to AirFinance, he was Head of Region for Leonardo Helicopters, where he led brand growth across Mexico, Central America and Caribbean. He also served as Managing Director of Latin America for Bell Helicopter and as Director of International Sales for Textron Financial Corporation. Nicholas holds dual bachelor’s degrees in International Business and Marketing along with an MBA from Texas Tech University. He is also a graduate of Northwestern Kellogg’s Executive Education Program Driving Growth through Innovation. Nicholas is passionate about soccer, Formula 1, and hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Nicholas is based in Fort Worth, Texas and can be reached at np@airfinanceco.com and +1.817.368.0202.
Catriona Ryan joined AirFinance in 2023 and is currently a Finance Manager. Prior to AirFinance, she was an Associate Director at Waystone where she helped to manage assets of aircraft businesses globally. She also previously worked at Deloitte and Credit Suisse. Catriona has a BA in International Business Accounting and Finance from the University of Limerick, a Master 1 from the Toulouse Business School and is a CPA. Catriona enjoys scuba diving and has travelled to many dive locations all over the world including Australia, Mexico, Belize, Thailand and Croatia.
Catriona is based in Tipperary, Ireland and can be reached at cr@airfinanceco.com and 353.87.953.0693.
IN THEIR WORDS
“Since 2011, AirFinance has acted as EXIM Bank’s Qualified Advisor, assisting EXIM with underwriting and structuring business jet aircraft and helicopter transactions globally.”
“Obtaining financing in Nigeria with reasonable terms and conditions is very difficult. Working with AirFinance to get EXIM-backed funding has proven to be a successful option.”
“AirFinance really helped us structure the credit with EXIM the way we wanted it — and helped us all the way from preparing the documentation, approval process and disbursement of the credit.”
“Partnering with AF Capital gives Atlancis the confidence and financial flexibility to accelerate our expansion plans across East Africa. Their dedicated personal account management ensures we receive responsive, tailored support that enables us to focus on growth while knowing our financial needs are in expert hands.”
WORK WITH US
FIVE STAGES. ONE TEAM.
Working with AirFinance is easy — and your AirFinance professional stays close at every stage, from first termsheet to final disbursement.
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01
Agreement of terms
Once you’ve agreed the terms of the purchase agreement with the manufacturer, AirFinance issues an indicative termsheet covering all the key economic terms of the financing. At this stage the Export Credit Agency is not yet involved — you work one-on-one with your AirFinance team member.
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Due diligence
A due diligence visit is likely to be needed, and you’ll provide detailed credit and know-your-customer information. After this stage, AirFinance can assess whether the transaction is likely to gain agency approval — and given our close relationships with the agencies, we are very confident in the opinions we provide.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- 3 years of audited financials
- Latest management accounts
- Organization charts
- IDs of key individuals
- Projections
- Aircraft Operation & Maintenance plan
- Company formation documents
- Company background & history
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03
Application & approval
AirFinance applies to the Export Credit Agency on your behalf. Some further questions are likely to arise — once they’re answered, the transaction receives the agency’s approval.
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04
Documentation & funding
With terms approved, AirFinance recommends lawyers and documentation begins. We remain key to the process throughout — making sure every element of the approval is satisfied, and that you understand exactly what is in the documents.
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Post funding
AirFinance invoices on the agreed terms and collects the annually required documents, like insurance and audited financials. Your AirFinance professional stays close — for future needs in aviation or, with our sister brand AF Capital, any other financing your business may need.
ON LINKEDIN
LATEST FROM AIRFINANCE
WORK WITH US
LET’S FINANCE YOUR NEXT AIRCRAFT
Tell us what you’re buying and where it’s going. From indicative termsheet to disbursement, your AirFinance team member handles the whole journey.
EXPORT CREDIT FINANCING SPECIALISTS — EST. 2011