Financing Timeline & Milestones

International aircraft financing typically takes 4-6 weeks from application to closing, though this can vary based on transaction complexity and document readiness. Understanding the timeline helps buyers plan effectively and avoid delays.

The process can be divided into several phases: initial consultation, application and documentation, underwriting, commitment, and closing. Parallel activities like aircraft inspection and ownership structuring should be coordinated with the financing timeline.

The process begins with an initial consultation to understand your requirements and provide preliminary term indications. This typically takes 1-2 business days and helps determine if a transaction is feasible before investing significant time.

Following the consultation, you'll submit a formal application with supporting documentation. Complete, accurate documentation at this stage significantly speeds the process. Common delays occur when documents are missing, expired, or require translation.

During underwriting, the lender reviews your financial information, verifies documentation, and assesses the aircraft as collateral. International transactions may require additional verification steps for credentials and references.

The lender will order an appraisal of the aircraft to confirm its value supports the requested loan amount. Appraisals typically take 5-7 business days once ordered.

This phase often involves back-and-forth communication to clarify information or request additional documentation. Prompt responses keep the process moving.

Upon completing underwriting, the lender issues a commitment letter outlining final terms and conditions. Review this carefully with your advisors before accepting.

Once the commitment is accepted, loan documentation is prepared. This includes the promissory note, security agreement, trust agreement provisions, and various closing documents. Review periods should be factored into the timeline.

Closing preparation involves coordinating multiple parties and ensuring all conditions are satisfied. Key activities include finalizing insurance coverage, completing ownership structure setup, confirming aircraft inspection completion, and arranging escrow and wire transfers.

International wire transfers require advance planning. Transfers from some countries may take several business days and require specific documentation. Initiate transfers early to avoid closing delays.

On closing day, all parties execute documents, funds are transferred through escrow, and FAA documents are filed. The timing and logistics should be carefully coordinated, especially when parties are in different time zones.

Following closing, the aircraft is delivered to the buyer (or remains in place if already positioned). Post-closing activities include confirming FAA acceptance of filings and distributing executed documents to all parties.