The short answer
Cargo and specialty operators often finance aircraft against contracted revenue. Lenders look closely at the customer contracts, their length and counterparty, any mission-specific modifications, and how the aircraft would be valued if the contract ended.
A long contract with a strong customer can be worth as much to a lender as the aircraft itself. Specialty modifications can cut both ways: they make the aircraft valuable for the mission and harder to resell outside it. Strong files explain both.
What lenders look at
- Customer contracts, terms and counterparties
- Mission modifications and their effect on value
- Utilization and seasonality
- Operating certificate and history
- Plan for the aircraft if a contract ends
Structures that usually fit
Common aircraft
Cessna 208 CaravanSingle-engine turbopropPilatus PC-12Single-engine turbopropBeechcraft King Air 350Twin turbopropRobinson R44Piston helicopter
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