United States

Robust financing fuels growth in US business aviation, new study reveals

The US business aviation finance market is entering a period of accelerated growth, supported by increasingly favorable financing conditions, rising corporate demand, and new tax incentives that make fleet investment more attractive, according to a new study.

The research, commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ), surveyed both US large corporations with an annual revenue of more than $500m and US-based business aviation financers and corporate jet brokers. The findings highlight broad confidence in the market’s financial outlook and expanding access to credit and leasing options.

Chadi Saade, President of Airbus Corporate Jets, said: “Our findings show that the business aviation sector remains strong, supported by attractive financing conditions and a clear shift towards larger, longer-range aircraft. As companies upgrade their fleets, specialist lenders and leasing structures are playing a bigger role, while heavy business jets are proving resilient in value. This combination points to a dynamic and expanding US business aviation market.”

Nearly nine in 10 (89%) business aviation financier and broker respondents expect the market to grow over the next two years, with 11% predicting strong growth. At the same time, 77% believe access to business aviation finance will increase over the next three years, providing corporations with more options to upgrade their fleets.

Finance conditions remain favorable - 93% of financiers believe aviation finance rates will become more attractive over the next two years, and 80% expect demand for fixed-rate financing structures as opposed to floating rates to rise over the next five years as companies using leases or credit to purchase business aircraft look for predictability in costs. Specialist lenders are also forecast to gain ground - 85% of respondents expect their share of the market to increase versus mainstream banks over the next five years.

Demand for large and midsize business jets continues to accelerate. The survey found that 89% of financiers expect sales of large jets to increase in the next five years, with 18% forecasting a dramatic rise. Looking at the next three years, 84% expect the trend towards midsize and large jets to further strengthen, driven by their superior range, capacity and the introduction of new models by manufacturers.

This focus on larger aircraft is also shaping financing decisions. Half of respondents (50%) believe that heavy jets will hold their value better than the rest of the market, while 62% say financing them will become easier compared to midsize and smaller aircraft.

Operating leasing continues to rise in popularity. Four in five (80%) financiers predict demand for operating leases will grow in the next five years, with more than a third (34%) expecting dramatic growth.

The survey also indicates that the new US federal spending bill will help to boost business aviation, with its provision allowing companies to write off 100% of the purchase price of capital equipment, including corporate jets. Amongst financiers and brokers surveyed, four in five (80%) believe that it will have a significant impact on aircraft sales, and almost all (96%) expect it to encourage more first-time buyers to enter the market. Corporate respondents mirrored this perspective - 62% of those surveyed say their company will definitely increase its fleet as a result of the tax change, and another 32% say it will possibly lead them to acquire more business jets.

When ranking the factors driving US aircraft sales financiers pointed first to OEM innovation. This was followed by owners upgrading aging fleets, increased focus on employee well-being, favorable tax legislation, and the growing recognition of the business value of corporate aviation.