Close Brothers Aviation Finance - UK Market Leader
Founded in 1878, Close Brothers Group has built one of the UK's most recognised specialist lending businesses - and their aviation finance division is widely considered the market leader for G-registered general aviation and business aircraft.
What distinguishes Close Brothers from the broader asset finance market is precisely this: aviation knowledge. Their team understands G-registered aircraft, the mechanics of CAA mortgage registration, and the considerations that make aircraft different from other assets - including the interaction of annual inspections, airworthiness directives, engine time since overhaul, and avionics status on an aircraft's actual value versus its book price.
For borrowers purchasing their first aircraft - whether a Cessna 172 for PPL training, a Piper Seneca for IFR currency, or a Beechcraft King Air for business transport - Close Brothers provides a structured, professionally-managed path to finance that many banks simply cannot offer. Most high-street banks have no aviation specialists; Close Brothers have an entire team dedicated to the sector.
Doulton Bridging Finance works with Close Brothers as part of our aviation finance panel, alongside Lombard for business jet transactions and specialist lenders for helicopter finance. We present each case to the lender or lenders best positioned to approve it on competitive terms.
Current Close Brothers Aviation Finance Rates
Rates are indicative as of October 2026. Actual rates depend on the aircraft's age, condition, total hours, engine time remaining, and the borrower's credit profile.
| Aircraft Category | Value Range | Finance Type | Rate From | Max LTV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piston / Light Single | £10k – £100k | Hire Purchase | 5.9% APR | 70% new / 60% used |
| Light Twin / Turboprop | £100k – £500k | Hire Purchase | 6.2% APR | 70% new / 60% used |
| Business Jet | £500k – £5m | Hire Purchase | 6.8% APR | 65% new / 55% used |
| Business / Charter Use | £100k+ | Finance Lease | 6.0% APR | 70% |
Aircraft Types Funded by Close Brothers
Close Brothers Aviation Finance funds the full spectrum of general aviation and light business aviation. Their ability to assess aircraft on their actual condition and technical specification - rather than relying solely on published residual value guides - makes them the preferred lender for non-standard or older aircraft where conventional lenders decline.
| Aircraft Type | Typical Value | Rate Indication | Example Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172 (used) | £40k–£80k | from 5.9% APR | 7 years |
| Piper PA-28 Cherokee | £35k–£70k | from 5.9% APR | 7 years |
| Beechcraft Bonanza | £80k–£180k | from 6.2% APR | 10 years |
| Piper Seneca (twin) | £100k–£200k | from 6.2% APR | 10 years |
| Pilatus PC-12 (turboprop) | £1m–£3m | from 6.5% APR | 10–12 years |
| Cessna Citation XLS | £1m–£3.5m | from 6.8% APR | 10–12 years |
CAA Mortgage Registration - What You Need to Know
A CAA mortgage (formally a "registered mortgage" under the Civil Aviation Act 1982) is a charge registered with the UK Civil Aviation Authority against a G-registered aircraft. It gives the lender a legally enforceable security interest in the aircraft - equivalent to a legal charge on a property title - and is required by all reputable aviation finance lenders for loans above approximately £30,000.
The process is managed by specialist aviation solicitors and runs alongside the aircraft purchase and registration process. It adds to the legal costs of a transaction (typically £1,500–£3,000) and requires coordination between the buyer's solicitor, the lender's solicitor, and the current registered owner. Close Brothers include CAA mortgage documentation within their standard legal process, which simplifies the administrative burden for borrowers unfamiliar with aviation lending.
For aircraft already on a finance agreement from a previous owner, a mortgage discharge must also be arranged before the new facility can be registered. We coordinate this as part of our standard broker service.