industry news

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Lauderdale, FL — September 25, 2025 - Jettax Holdings, LLC, a company co-founded by Stewart H. Lapayowker, Esq., founder of Lapayowker Jet Counsel, P.A., today announced the planned acquisition of Aviation Financial Consulting, LLC (“AFC”), a nationally recognized aviation tax and consulting firm. The transaction will result in added capacity to increase AFC’s ability to serve a growing private aviation industry. The transaction is expected to close in early 2026.

“I have enormous respect for Stewart and believe he is absolutely the perfect strategic partner to expand AFC’s work,” said Glenn Hediger founder and current owner of AFC. 

Lapayowker added, “I welcome the opportunity to invest in Glenn’s thirty-five plus years of experience in this industry. I am confident that our shared vision and natural rapport will grow AFC many times over.” 

Lapayowker and Hediger have worked alongside for nearly three decades, providing aviation legal, accounting, and tax expertise to shared clients. The acquisition brings together seasoned professionals in a niche market that relies heavily on trusted relationships.

The two remarked, “We have worked together so well and so often that this just made good sense. We consistently challenge each other’s thinking in ways that benefit our clients. There’s no doubt this will be a rewarding and enjoyable collaboration.” 

Post-acquisition, AFC will continue to operate as an independent business unit with no significant changes to its day-to-day operations. “It will be business as usual,” noted Hediger. “What will change is AFC’s ability to expand capacity, attract top talent, and further enhance the high level of service our clients have come to expect.” 

Aviation Financial Consulting, LLC
Aviation Financial Consulting, LLC (AFC) provides the general aviation community with specialized aviation tax and accounting services. The firm’s expertise includes federal excise tax compliance, state sales and use tax planning, personal and entertainment use reporting, SEC aircraft-related disclosure and tax reporting, GAAP tax accounting, and acquisition/disposition planning. Glenn Hediger, founder and President of AFC, has over 35 years in general aviation, including nearly a decade and a half holding tax, accounting, and government a airs roles at Dassault Falcon Jet and client consulting responsibilities at RSM, US. For more information, visit www.AFCjettax.aero. 

Stewart H. Lapayowker, Esq. 
Stewart H. Lapayowker devotes his law practice to corporate aircraft transactions. He counsels corporate and individual clients, foreign and domestic, on issues relating to the acquisition, sale, leasing, registration and financing of new and pre-owned jet aircraft (including fractional aircraft). He counsels on a wide variety of aviation matters, including implementing tax efficient structures, related FAA and DOT regulatory matters, regulatory evaluation of operations, aircraft management arrangements, personal use issues and compensation-related SEC issues in connection with the use of business aircraft by public companies. He has lectured on aviation topics, been cited to by a Federal Court, and is the author of “Buying a Private Jet? What You Don’t Know…” (2025). For more information, visit https://www.JetCounsel.Law and @yourjetlawyer

The FAA is on the verge of completing the launch of a major modernization initiative that could affect the flow of business aviation transactions through the rollout of the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic System (CARES).

This anticipated overhaul of the FAA Registry in Oklahoma City aims to further digitize, streamline and automate the vital records system that has traditionally relied heavily on paper-based document processes, but has gradually shifted toward digitization since 2020 and the lasting adaptive measures arising out of a COVID-19 economy.

While the benefits of CARES are clear—faster access to aircraft records, digital filing and improved transparency—its implementation may introduce a new layer of uncertainty into an already timing-sensitive market. For brokers, attorneys, financiers, lessors and title companies, understanding what CARES is, why it matters, and how it might affect transaction timelines and effective allocation of certain condition precedent responsibilities necessary for aircraft closings is crucial and worth the prudent pause for careful consideration when structuring a potential aircraft deal.

What Is CARES?

CARES is the FAA’s initiative to digitize its aircraft registration and recordation system, further modernizing a traditionally paper-centric framework that has long been the living library and index of U.S. civil aircraft title and lien filings.

CARES was mandated under Section 546 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which directed the FAA to establish an electronic system for the registration of civil aircraft and the recording of related documents.

Key goals of CARES include:

• Electronic submission of registration and recordation documents

• Faster processing times

• Improved accuracy and transparency

• Enhanced data security and searchability

The FAA has indicated phased rollouts of the CARES online portal but industry stakeholders monitoring and operating the latest versions of CARES have experienced inconsistent functionality, features, document access, and pathways for continual user credentials and site registration, instead of consistent and intuitive ease of use.
 

Read full article here

This article was originally published by GlobalAir.com on October 1, 2025.

Contact Information:                                                                                                                                                                                
                 

Theresa C. Myers                                                                                                                     
theresa.c.myers@NAFA.aero                                                      
410-571-1740

Leslie Mogenson                            
leslie@arcadiajets.com
623.466.3153 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Arcadia Jets
 

Edgewater, MD — October 9, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that Arcadia Jets has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers welcomes Arcadia Jets to the National Aircraft Finance Association. "We are excited to have Arcadia Jets join NAFA, and we anticipate that their expertise in aircraft brokerage services will be valuable in enhancing the knowledge and resources available to all NAFA members."

At Arcadia Jets, we are committed to providing personalized, trustworthy, and relationship-driven aircraft brokerage services. With a foundation built on integrity and transparency, we prioritize our clients' needs, ensuring they receive the highest level of service and market insights when buying or selling their aircraft. By leveraging the latest industry data and a deep understanding of the private aviation market, we guide each client through a seamless, stress-free experience—delivering the exact aircraft or sale outcome they require with professionalism and care.

"Being among the best in the aviation industry means surrounding ourselves with people you can trust—individuals who are dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed to excellence in General Aviation. Ensuring our customers receive the highest level of service and expertise when acquiring their aircraft is our top priority. That’s why we’re proud and excited to join the National Aviation Finance Association, aligning ourselves with a network that shares our values of trust, integrity, and professionalism."
— Adam Hahn, CEO of Arcadia Jets

About NAFA:
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association comprised of over 171 companies that promote the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Through collaboration, expertise, and educational content, NAFA provides the business and GA aircraft finance community opportunities for growth and betterment. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. 

More information at https://www.nafa.aero.

Contact Information:

Theresa C. Myers
theresa.c.myers@nafa.aero
410-571-1740

Kevin Johnson
kevin.johnson@fmjlaw.com
952-995-9500

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Fafinski Mark & Johnson (FMJ Law)

Edgewater, MD — October 8, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that Fafinski Mark & Johnson (FMJ Law) has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers welcomes Fafinski Mark & Johnson (FMJ Law) to the National Aircraft Finance Association. "We are thrilled to have FMJ Law join our network, and we anticipate that their expertise in a variety of areas of Aviation practice will be immensely valuable in enhancing the knowledge and resources available to all NAFA members." 

Fafinski Mark & Johnson (FMJ Law) is a full-service commercial and business law firm based in Minnesota. FMJ Law provides sophisticated legal service with the power of a big firm, along with the responsiveness, compelling value, and agility of a small firm. FMJ’s Aviation Practice Group represents and advises aviation industry clients from around the world in a variety of areas, including Business Aviation, Commercial Aviation, Aviation Litigation, and Aviation M&A. FMJ’s aviation team is recognized nationally and internationally for their experience and insider knowledge of the aviation industry and all of the complexities involved with aircraft purchase and sale transactions, financing, and leasing.

“Fafinski Mark & Johnson is proud to join the National Aircraft Finance Association,” said Kevin Johnson, Chair of the Aviation Practice Group. “Our team has represented business aircraft buyers and seller, lenders, aircraft management companies, and brokers in numerous purchase, finance, and leasing transactions. We have been counseling to and opposite many NAFA members over the last 20 plus years, and we are pleased to finally join this excellent organization. NAFA’s mission to improve and facilitate the lending process to support aircraft buyers aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering practical, business-focused legal solutions to the aviation industry, and we are excited to be a part of this community.”

About NAFA:  
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association comprised of over 171 companies that promote the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Through collaboration, expertise, and educational content, NAFA provides the business and GA aircraft finance community opportunities for growth and betterment. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. More information at https://www.nafa.aero.

NAFA member Holland & Knight shares their summary of the possible lapse in appropriations under the government shutdown advisory.

Much of the federal government is funded by 12 annual appropriations bills. The federal fiscal year (FY) for 2026 begins on Oct. 1, 2025, and, if appropriations bills have not been enacted into law before that date or a temporary funding measure – known as a continuing resolution (CR) – has not been enacted, a gap (or lapse) in appropriations will occur.

Timeline

On Sept. 19, 2025, by a vote of 217-212, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Republican-sponsored CR (H.R.5371) to keep the government open through Nov. 21, 2025, generally extending funding at current levels with enhanced security funding for government officials and extension of some expiring authorizations related to veterans' benefits and healthcare. They included the Medicare-dependent hospital and low-volume adjustment programs, telehealth and hospital-at-home flexibilities, as well as the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act. The bill also would have delayed Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital cuts that are set to become effective Oct. 1, 2025. Later the same day, however, the U.S. Senate rejected H.R.5371 by a 44-48 cloture vote.

The Senate also rejected a Democrat-sponsored CR (S.2882) on Sept. 19, 2025, to fund the government at current levels through Oct 31, 2025, by a 47-45 cloture vote. Though the Democratic version included an extension of the same public health provisions as the CR (H.R5371), it also included a permanent extension of the enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) that are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. The bill would also repeal the healthcare provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), Pub. L. 119-21. On Sept. 18, 2025, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an analysis¹ estimating that a permanent extension of the EPTCs would cost roughly $350 billion between 2026 and 2035 and expand health insurance coverage to an additional 3.8 million people by 2035. In addition, repealing provisions of the OBBB that restrict marketplace eligibility and enrollment – such as those targeting certain immigrants and low-income individuals – would add about $272 billion in costs and increase coverage by 2.9 million people in 2035.

Next steps are unclear as lawmakers departed for the Rosh Hashanah recess, and the House is not scheduled to return until after FY 2026 begins. President Donald Trump is now scheduled to meet with House and Senate Republican and Democratic leadership on Monday, September 29, after previously cancelling a proposed meeting with the Democratic leaders last week.

On Sept. 24, 2025, it was reported that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed agencies to consider extensive employee layoffs in unfunded programs that are not administration priorities if the government shuts down on Oct. 1, 2025. An OMB memo directs agencies "to use this opportunity to consider Reduction in Force (RIF) notices for all employees in programs, projects, or activities (PPAs) that satisfy all three of the following conditions: (1) discretionary funding lapses on October 1, 2025; (2) another source of funding, such as OBBB, is not currently available; and (3) the PPA is not consistent with the President's priorities." The memo asserts "Federal programs whose funding would lapse and which are otherwise unfunded … are no longer statutorily required to be carried out."

The memo was first reported by Politico, citing an OMB source as saying the following programs "will continue regardless of a shutdown": Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, military operations, law enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and air traffic control. Notably, each of these programs has funding from the OBBB or other mandatory or advanced appropriations that may be spent during a shutdown or involves activities easily deemed by OMB to be necessary for the safety of human life or the protection of property under the Antideficiency Act.²

^{Read full article here}

This article was originally published by Holland & Knight on September 30, 2025.

Contact Information:​​​
 ​​​​​

Theresa C. Myers
Theresa.c.myers@NAFA.aero​​​​
410-571-1740​​​​​​​​​​​​

Susan Weeden ​​
susan@theaircraftlenders.com
862-277-5277

NAFA Welcomes New Member: The Aircraft Lenders
 

Edgewater, MD — September 22, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that The Aircraft Lenders has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers welcomes The Aircraft Lenders to the National Aircraft Finance Association. "We are thrilled to have The Aircraft Lenders join our network, and we anticipate that their engagement and contributions will be immensely valuable in enhancing the knowledge and resources available to all NAFA members." 

The Aircraft Lenders specialize in creating competitive, customized lending solutions for all types of aircraft. They offer some of the most competitive rates in the industry. Whether you’re interested in purchasing a piston-powered airplane, a corporate jet, or even a helicopter, their partnership with more than 50 banks and private investors enables them to tailor the ideal loan or lease to fit your needs.

The Aircraft Lenders cater to a wide range of aviation missions and ownership goals:

· Piston aircraft, Turboprops, Jets, Helicopters

· Light Sport, Experimental/Kit

· New and Pre-owned

· Part 91 – Private Use

· Part 135 – Charter

They also provide insights into depreciation, tax advantages, and insurance considerations, helping you understand the total cost of ownership. Beyond funding, their collaborations with acquisition agents, aviation tax advisors, attorneys, and appraisers allow you to benefit from expert guidance throughout every stage of your transaction. 

The Aircraft Lenders is dedicated to supporting you well beyond the loan process. With a financial partner who truly grasps the complexities of the aviation sector, you can feel confident and well-prepared when it’s time to finalize your purchase.

Products and Services:

· Term loans up to 20 years long

· Leases – Finance Leases, Sale-Leasebacks, Lease-to-Purchase

· Financing for jets, turboprops, piston aircraft, helicopters, light sport, kit, and experimental aircraft

· Financing for Part 91 Use

· Financing for Part 135 Use

“The Aircraft Lenders is proud to become a member of the National Aircraft Finance Association,” said Susan Weeden, Director of Aviation Finance. “As independent aircraft financing brokers, our mission is to make the lending process clear, accessible, and tailored to each client’s needs. Joining NAFA allows us to expand our connections with trusted lenders and industry partners, so we can continue providing clients with the best financing options, while guiding them every step of the way.”

About NAFA:  

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association comprised of over 171 companies that promote the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years.Through collaboration, expertise, and educational content, NAFA provides the business and GA aircraft finance community opportunities for growth and betterment. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. 

More information at https://www.nafa.aero.

PLANO, TX – September 4, 2025 – Rolland Vincent Associates (RVA), a consultancy specializing in business aviation intelligence, strategy, and forecasting, has released a groundbreaking market analysis entitled Tailored to Fit: Decoding the Structural Break Between Super Mid-Size and Large Business Jets. This in-depth study examines the clear differences between the two segments and their implications for future aircraft design, product strategy, and investment decisions.

RVA publishes occasional deep-dive commentaries on key business aviation topics, aiming to spark informed discussion and encourage product innovation—long proven to stimulate demand for business jets. The first in this series examined tariffs, concluding that the sector’s future is best served by preserving a zero-tariff regime.

This second report tackles another central question for the future of business aviation: Where is the next clean-sheet business jet platform most likely to emerge? Based on RVA’s analysis, the most likely candidates are either the upper end of the Super Mid-Size (SMS) segment or within the Large Jet class. “Our analysis shows that SMS and Large Jets are not points on a smooth continuum—they are separate markets with their own rules of engagement”, said RVA President Rollie Vincent. “Misreading this structural divide can lead to costly missteps in product planning. Our report offers clear guidance for OEMs and investors on where and how to compete in the next generation of business jets.”

Drawing on the latest data and decades of industry advisory experience, RVA’s research finds that while SMS and Large Jets are often grouped together in strategic discussions, they are in fact distinct markets—serving different customers, missions, and value propositions.

Download full market analysis here

This report was originally published by Rolland Vincent Associates in September 2025. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) published the Second Quarter 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The results for the first six months of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, show increased shipments in the business jet and piston airplane sectors and an increase in the overall value of aircraft shipments. 

Aircraft shipments through the second quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston airplanes increase 5.1% with 810 units, turboprops decrease 4.3% with 268 airplanes, and business jets increase 9.9% with 354 airplanes. The value of airplane deliveries through the second quarter of 2025 was $12.3 billion, an increase of 9.9%.

Read full report here

This report was originally published by GAMA on September 9, 2025.

For international aircraft deals, the need to conduct ‘Know Your Customer’ due diligence is well known. But some aspects of KYC may be less well understood by intermediates, buyers and sellers, AvBuyer's Chris Kjelgaard learns...

Every aviation industry professional involved in transacting an international purchase or lease of a business or private aircraft to or from North America or Europe is aware that substantial due diligence must be performed to satisfy exhaustive ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) requirements.

A forest of KYC regulations now exists globally. The rules have been developed over decades, with input from US, EU and other government departments and agencies to combat international crimes that include money laundering, bribery and corruption, terrorist financing, fraud, illegal arms exports and other export and import infractions.

In recent times, imposition of international sanctions by the NATO allies and cooperating nations against Russia, Iran, North Korea and other rogue nations (the US also includes Cuba and Venezuela in its list) has lent considerable further importance and complexity to the KYC due-diligence effort.

Much of the international KYC effort is collaborative, many different countries’ banking systems and regulatory authorities cooperating to make the sources, destinations and ultimate purposes of international money flows as transparent as possible.

But for aircraft buyers, sellers and intermediaries – brokers, dealers and aircraft managers, for instance – in Business Aviation’s dominant US market to assume that KYC and anti-money laundering (AML) rules and standards worldwide are the same as those of the US Government would be a mistake.

It is a mistake that can lead to gaps in KYC and AML due-diligence compliance when preparing to conduct an international aircraft transaction, according to aviation lawyer Forrest Owens, Principal of The Law Firm of L. Forrest Owens P.A. dba Aviation Legal Counsel.

If the due-diligence effort performed for an international deal doesn’t take account of any differences in the KYC/AML standards of the different jurisdictions involved, the transaction risks violating US law, which Owens emphasizes applies extraterritorially in aircraft deals involving US assets.

“A non-US party vetted under lax foreign rules might not meet US requirements,” Owens highlights.

That is just one of several major ‘Gotchas’ that can cause a planned international aircraft sale/acquisition or lease to flounder – not forgetting that KYC principles and due-diligence requirements also apply to aircraft deals conducted domestically within the US and other nations.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by AvBuyer on August 4, 2025.

Contact Information:

Theresa C. Myers 
theresa.c.myers@nafa.aero                                                      
410-571-1740  

Ben Pidgeon                     
bpidgeon@kikocompany.com
330-453-9187 ext. 2197 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: KIKO Auctioneers
 

Edgewater, MD — August 22, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that KIKO Auctioneers has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers welcomes KIKO Auctioneers to the National Aircraft Finance Association. "We are excited to have KIKO Auctioneers join the association.  Their experience in aircraft sales and liquidation will be a valuable resource to our members.  We look forward to their involvement in NAFA and the expertise they provide."
 

About KIKO Auctioneers:
Based in Ohio, KIKO Auctioneers is a nationally recognized auction company with an 80-year legacy in premier assets and high-value real estate. KIKO Auctioneers holds over 1,000 auctions each year and operates based on principles such as integrity, collaboration, and caring.  Sixty KIKO Auctioneers agents offer decades of combined selling expertise.

KIKO Auctioneers’ aviation team specializes in aircraft auctions that deliver competitive bidding, transparent results, and a faster path to asset liquidation. “Auctions are a powerful way to build trust and uncover real market value,” explains KIKO Auctioneers’ field operations manager, Ben Pidgeon. “Joining NAFA will help us expand our reach by connecting with top-tier aviation service providers and lenders to better serve our clients.”  With aircraft sales ranging from taildraggers to business jets, KIKO Auctioneers is committed to simplifying aircraft transactions while helping sellers and buyers make confident decisions to reach their goals. KIKO Auctioneers recognizes the seller’s need for fast liquidation and maximized returns, and the auction philosophy offers full transparency for buyers through open bidding.

Services Offered:

· Bank-Owned, Corporate or Estate Asset Liquidations

· Live and Simulcast Auctions

· Timed Online Auctions

· National Marketing Footprint with Global Reach

· Transparent Pricing and Buyer Competition

· Rapid Timeline Sales Method Catered to Meet Seller’s Goals

Visit https://www.kikoauctions.com/aircraft to learn more.

About NAFA:  
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association comprised of over 171 companies that promote the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Through collaboration, expertise, and educational content, NAFA provides the business and GA aircraft finance community opportunities for growth and betterment. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. 

More information at https://www.nafa.aero.

NAFA member Global Jet Capital releases their Q2 2025 Market Brief. 

The Global Jet Capital Market Brief covers the state of the aviation market for new and pre-owned business jets; including, an overview of overall economic conditions, business jet flight operations, pre-owned and new market conditions, business jet transactions, and changes in aircraft residual values. 

The report includes data and perspective on:

• General economic conditions
• Flight operations
• Fleet status
• New and used aircraft market conditions
• Transaction activity (new and used)
• Residual values
• Recent Global Jet Capital transactions

View Report here

This report was originally published by Global Jet Capital on August 19, 2025.

PLANO, TX – July 31, 2025 – Rolland Vincent Associates (RVA), a consultancy focused on business aviation intelligence, strategy, and forecasting, today released a definitive new research report. Entitled Back to the Future: In Support of a Zero-Tariff Marketplace for Business Jets, it is a comprehensive analysis that strongly advocates for a tariff-free marketplace, underscoring the industry’s critical role in U.S. national security and global competitiveness.

RVA's report directly addresses potential U.S. national security concerns outlined in the Department of Commerce's Section 232 Investigation, launched May 1, 2025. This investigation examines imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and parts—including the vital business aviation sector. In late May 2025, RVA submitted its findings to the Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security in response to their request for stakeholder input. 

RVA President Rollie Vincent stated, "We urge policymakers to oppose new tariffs, reaffirm multilateral commitments, and promote data-driven policies that have set the stage for U.S. leadership in civil aircraft development and manufacturing. Business aviation thrives on international collaboration, and a stable, zero-tariff trade environment has fueled decades of investment, innovation, and high-paying jobs in America. The U.S. business jet manufacturing

industry consistently generates a significant trade surplus and is a model for other sectors to emulate.”

Read full PR here

This press release was originally published by Rolland Vincent Associates on July 31, 2025.

This webinar covers the basic rules for importing aircraft through U.S. Customs and related tariff issues. While imports through Customs have long been required and penalties for violations severe, understanding the requirements is especially important today due to the unfamiliar, complicated, and evolving tariff rules that now apply to aircraft imports.

Key insights from the discussion included:

Don’t be fooled by these Myths!

• U.S. registered aircraft do not need to be imported through U.S. Customs. WRONG!

• Tariffs don’t apply to U.S. registered aircraft. WRONG!

• Tariffs don't apply to used aircraft. WRONG! 

Important Considerations:

• Do your due diligence.

• Consider possible tariff implications when deciding where you should conduct a pre-buy inspection (PBI) and/or closing since an aircraft arrival in the US, even for a PBI or closing, could constitute an “import” and subject the parties to a tariff.

• Ensure the purchase agreement is clear as to which party is responsible for paying a tariff (if applicable).
 

Summary:

• Consult a knowledgeable professional before moving an aircraft to the U.S. since importation rules are complicated, and misunderstanding tariffs could lead to costly mistakes.

Click here to view full webinar

Contact Information:
 

Theresa C. Myers
theresa.c.myers@nafa.aero​​​​
410-571-1740
 

Jack Jones 
jjones@tompkinsfinancial.com
845-278-1041 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Tompkins Community Bank

Edgewater, MD — July 29, 2025 - The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is proud to announce that Tompkins Community Bank has joined its distinguished network of business and general aviation finance professionals.

NAFA President Bryan Byers comments, "We are excited to have Tompkins Community Bank join our Association, and we look forward to their expertise in aviation financing.”

"Tompkins Community Bank is delighted to be welcomed into the National Aircraft Finance Association,” said David Carey senior vice president, Consumer and Aircraft Lending Manager. “As aircraft lending remains a significant area of focus, we are excited about the opportunities this membership presents to further support the aviation sector with our dedicated financial services."

About Tompkins Community Bank:
Tompkins Community Bank has been offering aircraft loan financing since 2008 initially as part of our commercial small business lending offering. In 2015, we launched our Aircraft Lending Channel as our expertise became widely recognized. Since then, we have honed our process and dedicated ourselves to being a trusted partner to our customers.

Our services are available nationwide and we have specialized experience partnering with brokers to create a seamless process for them and their customers as they move through the lending process.  Our Underwriting philosophy comes from a commonsense approach, we pride ourselves on efficient turn times, first-class customer experience and excellent communication with our partners.

A list of your Products & Services:

• Fixed interest rate loans from 5- 20yr terms

• Tiered rate sheet offering broker incentive options of .25%-2.00%

• Funding loans from $25,000 up to $2,000.000 under standard UW Guidelines

• Loans greater than $2,000,000 - $5,000,000 under enhanced UW Guidelines

• Financing available for prop, turbo prop & jet (no helicopter, experimental or kit aircraft)

• Financing on Consumer and Business Entity registrations available

About NAFA:  
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for more than 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. 

NAFA member, David G. Mayer with Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, shares his latest blog regarding the FAA's improved privacy issues.

Has privacy around business aircraft been lost or found? Although the FAA is again attempting to enhance privacy in and around aircraft, increasingly sophisticated intrusions, along with attendant risks to safety and security, persist, as does the potential for aircraft damage. This blog discusses how to identify breaches and possible regulatory, legal structuring, and other solutions to achieve the still elusive goal of personal/aircraft privacy. Confidentiality also improves with proper structuring.

The FAA is trying to enhance the privacy around business aircraft registered in the U.S. By limiting access to information about owners of U.S.-registered aircraft, the FAA has somewhat improved privacy, safety, and security, but significant challenges remain across the ownership and transaction experience. These issues extend not only to registered owners but also to lessees and the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) who call the shots behind the scenes. 

Consequently, with the focus on owners, UBOs need to understand and insist on protocols that optimize privacy, safety, and security involving their aircraft. Initially, UBOs should deploy measures to achieve privacy through legal ownership structuring, use of regulatory policy tools, and aircraft management.

For situations where the parties require secrecy or identify credible threats of personal injury or physical damage to the aircraft, UBOs may elect to fly on a different aircraft via a jet card, charter, club, fractional share, or other lift.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by David G. Mayer in AIN on July 11, 2025.