Aviation Finance Australia 2026

Key takeaways

▶Aviation finance covers fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and specialist aviation equipment used for commercial, agricultural, charter, and training operations.

▶Aircraft are high-value assets with international resale markets, which can support competitive finance rates from lenders who specialise in the aviation sector.

▶Aviation finance is a specialist area — the number of lenders with aviation expertise is smaller than for vehicles or general equipment. A broker who can access these lenders is particularly valuable.

▶All applications are subject to lender criteria and approval. Rates depend on the aircraft type, value, age, use, and the operator’s business profile.

Aviation finance sits at the specialist end of the equipment finance market. The asset values are high, the resale markets are international, and the regulatory environment (CASA compliance, maintenance requirements, airworthiness directives) adds complexity that most generalist lenders aren’t equipped to assess.

Novara Finance works with a select group of specialist aviation lenders who understand aircraft values, operating structures, and the commercial realities of running an aviation business in Australia.

What we finance in aviation

Fixed-wing aircraft: Single and multi-engine piston aircraft, turboprop aircraft, and light jets. Common for charter operators, aerial survey companies, flight training organisations, and agricultural aviation (crop dusting, mustering).

Helicopters: Piston and turbine helicopters used in charter, tourism, aerial work (powerline inspection, filming), emergency services, and agricultural operations (mustering, spraying).

Agricultural aviation: Specialist agricultural aircraft (Air Tractor, Thrush) and helicopters for crop spraying and aerial application. Often financed alongside ground support equipment.

Aviation ground equipment: Refuelling equipment, ground power units, tow tractors, baggage handling, and maintenance equipment for airport and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) operations.

How aviation finance works

Aviation finance follows the same core principles as equipment finance — the aircraft serves as security for the loan, and repayments are made over an agreed term. The most common structure is a chattel mortgage, giving the operator ownership from day one. Finance structures explained →

What makes aviation finance specialist

Valuation complexity

Aircraft values depend on airframe hours, engine hours (and time since overhaul), avionics configuration, maintenance status, and market demand for the specific type. Specialist lenders use aviation-specific valuation methodologies — generalist lenders who don’t understand these factors may undervalue the aircraft, leading to higher rates or lower approved amounts.

Regulatory requirements

CASA registration, airworthiness certification, and ongoing maintenance compliance all affect the aircraft’s value and operability. Lenders need to understand these requirements — a grounded aircraft with a lapsed Certificate of Airworthiness has a very different value from one in current compliance.

International resale markets

Well-maintained aircraft from established manufacturers (Cessna, Beechcraft, Piper, Robinson, Bell, Airbus Helicopters) have global resale demand. This supports competitive financing for aircraft that are in current compliance with strong maintenance histories.

Insurance requirements

Aviation insurance is a significant operating cost, and lenders typically require comprehensive hull and liability coverage as a condition of finance. Factor insurance costs into your overall acquisition budget.

What to expect

Aviation finance rates, terms, and deposit requirements vary significantly based on the aircraft type, value, age, intended use, and the operator’s business profile. Because aviation is a specialist niche within equipment finance, the variables are too wide-ranging for indicative rate ranges to be meaningful.

What we can tell you is that established aviation businesses with clean credit, well-maintained aircraft from recognised manufacturers, and strong operating histories are well-positioned to access competitive commercial finance. New operators, older aircraft, and less common types require more specialist lender matching.

The best starting point is a conversation with our team. We’ll assess your situation, the specific aircraft, and match you to the right specialist lender. How equipment finance works →

Frequently asked questions

Do many lenders finance aircraft?

Fewer than you’d expect. Aviation is a specialist niche, and many mainstream equipment finance lenders don’t have the internal expertise to assess aircraft. A broker who has existing relationships with aviation-specialist lenders can access options that aren’t available through general channels.

Can I finance a used aircraft?

Yes, provided the aircraft has a current Certificate of Airworthiness, documented maintenance history, and reasonable remaining useful life. Aircraft age is assessed differently from vehicles — a well-maintained 20-year-old turboprop with low airframe hours and a recently overhauled engine can be a strong finance prospect.

What documents do I need?

Standard business financials (tax returns, BAS, bank statements) plus aviation-specific documents: the aircraft’s maintenance records, logbooks, Certificate of Registration, Certificate of Airworthiness, and a current valuation or purchase agreement.

Can I finance an aircraft for a new aviation business?

It’s possible but challenging. Specialist lenders will consider new aviation operators with: relevant pilot qualifications and experience, a viable business plan, a meaningful deposit, and a clear revenue model (confirmed charter contracts, training agreements, or agricultural aviation contracts).