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With a legacy rooted in personal relationships and creative deal-making, Aircraft Finance Corporation is bringing flexibility, speed, and family values to the sky-high world of private jet ownership.
MICHAEL SPEED
In the rarefied world of private aviation, one company is quietly redefining how aircraft are financed—not by acting like a bank, but by acting like a family.
Aircraft Finance Corporation (AFC), founded by Martin Stewart Ormon and carried forward today by his wife and children, isn’t just another aviation lender. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, this family-owned firm has become one of the most trusted names in private jet financing by doing what big banks won’t: funding older aircraft, tailoring deals creatively, and offering concierge-level service that rivals the in-flight experience itself.
The company’s origin story is as unconventional as the deals it now crafts. In the late 1990s, Martin Ormon was working in hedge fund finance when a defaulted real estate loan unexpectedly left him holding a 1996 Hawker 800XP. Rather than sell off the asset, he saw opportunity. The aircraft was leased to a pharmaceutical firm—and with that, the idea for Aircraft Finance Corporation was born.
Today, AFC offers financing for aircraft up to 30 years old, often at the same terms and rates as new jets—a niche many larger institutions avoid entirely. Their unique model pairs clients with a portfolio of regional banks who want exposure to aviation assets but lack the in-house expertise to manage the nuances of jet transactions. AFC steps in as advocate, matchmaker, and strategic advisor, ensuring the borrower is positioned for success long after takeoff.
“We tailor each loan request individually and leverage our lender relationships to get the best rates and terms,” says the company’s current CEO. “We rarely tell a client ‘no’—there’s almost always a creative financing solution to be found.”
Unlike traditional lenders that shy away from complexity, AFC thrives in it. Their clients range from seasoned jet owners to first-time buyers and entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the financial and tax advantages of jet ownership. And the firm’s willingness to provide 20-year amortization terms—even on pre-owned aircraft—has made it a preferred partner for those wanting to preserve cash flow without compromising on performance.
“In a high-rate environment, stretching amortization to 15 or 20 years can dramatically improve a borrower’s financial flexibility,” the team notes. “We’re not just funding jets—we’re helping clients manage liquidity and maximize returns.”
With loan amounts reaching up to $60 million, AFC structures deals with both fixed and floating rate options. The process is fully managed from start to finish: from underwriting and lender matching, to working with aircraft brokers, attorneys, appraisers, and title companies. The result is a seamless transaction with a concierge approach, something that is often missing in the world of institutional finance.
And while the numbers matter, what truly defines AFC is its heart. The late Martin Ormon’s ethos of bold thinking and warm service continues to shape every aspect of the company’s culture. His wife, who once served behind the scenes, stepped fully into an executive leadership role after his passing, bringing her 14 years of experience as a United Airlines flight attendant into the company’s DNA.
“It was a natural transition into private aviation,” she shares. “Martin was always the face of the company, and I was the steady hand behind the curtain. Now, it’s a family affair. Our daughter Hannah has joined the team and brings new energy, new perspective, and the next generation of leadership to AFC. Her father would be proud.”
That generational continuity has become a competitive edge. As the private aviation sector welcomes a wave of younger buyers—many of them self-made entrepreneurs or professionals seeking greater flexibility—AFC’s multigenerational team bridges the gap between legacy values and modern vision. In a world where high-net-worth individuals increasingly want to deal with experts who “get it,” AFC delivers trust, transparency, and results.
Risk management is another core strength. Every loan is guided by rigorous due diligence, including in-depth appraisals to ensure loan-to-value ratios are healthy and aligned with the client’s usage goals. AFC isn’t just focused on closing deals—they’re focused on protecting client assets over time.
They’re also savvy about timing. With 100% bonus depreciation back on the table for 2025, aircraft purchases made this year may deliver substantial tax advantages. “We always recommend clients speak with an aviation tax attorney or accountant early in the process,” they advise. “With the right strategy, owning an aircraft can be a powerful tool for wealth management.”
But perhaps one of the most valuable insights the AFC team offers is this: get pre-approved before signing anything. In a high-stakes market where aircraft deposits can quickly become non-refundable, having a lender lined up protects buyers from costly surprises and ensures a smoother transaction all around.
At the end of the day, what sets AFC apart isn’t just its access to capital—but its access to clarity. In a fragmented, often opaque world of private aviation lending, they’ve created a platform where relationships—not just transactions—take flight.
From leasing a jet by happenstance to building one of the most respected names in aviation finance, the story of Aircraft Finance Corporation is as extraordinary as the clients it serves. And for those looking to purchase or refinance a private jet, it may just be the most valuable runway in the business.
To learn more, visit: www.aircraftbanker.com