Part 135 charter operators finance aircraft with acquisition loans, finance leases and operating leases. Lenders focus on charter revenue and trip history, the operating certificate and safety record, and any management or owner agreements behind the aircraft.
A charter aircraft has to earn its keep. Lenders want to see how: booked and historical trips, rates, how many hours go to charter versus owner use, and who carries which costs. Operators with a few years of clean history and steady revenue usually have the most options.
The charter breakeven calculator shows how many charter hours a year an aircraft needs to cover its fixed costs. Bringing that analysis to the first lender conversation shortens it.
What lenders look at
- Charter revenue and trip history by month
- Part 135 certificate, operations specifications and safety record
- Aircraft management or owner agreements
- Projected utilization and charter rates
- Crew, maintenance and insurance arrangements
Structures that usually fit
Common aircraft
Charter Aircraft Breakeven Calculator
Charter hours a year to cover fixed costs.
