Business Jet Finance

Lombard - Aircraft Finance (NatWest Group)

An independent broker's overview - products, eligibility, pros, cons and how Lombard compares to the rest of the market.

Rates updated October 2026

Lombard is the asset finance arm of NatWest Group and one of the UK's largest asset finance businesses. Their aviation finance team handles business jet transactions from light jets to large-cabin aircraft, with a particular strength in lending to established UK companies and NatWest/RBS banking customers.

Strengths

Backed by NatWest Group - strong balance sheet and long-term commitment to the market
Competitive rates for existing NatWest/RBS relationships
Can coordinate with NatWest treasury and FX teams for multi-currency transactions
Experienced in complex corporate and group structures
Offers both hire purchase and finance lease products

Limitations

Non-NatWest customers may face slower onboarding
Less flexible on older aircraft than specialist lenders
Maximum LTV typically 75% (vs 85% with Global Jet Capital)
Slower credit process for very large or complex transactions

How Lombard Compares

vs Close Brothers

Close Brothers and Lombard are the two most active mainstream UK aviation lenders. Rates are similar; Close Brothers often moves faster for smaller deals. Lombard has an edge on large corporate transactions where NatWest banking relationships are involved.

vs Global Jet Capital

Global Jet Capital is a specialist lessor offering lower rates and higher LTVs, but with a fundamentally different structure (operating or finance lease vs conventional loan). Lombard is better for buyers who want full ownership from day one.

vs Barclays Aviation Finance

Barclays offers longer maximum terms (12 years vs Lombard's typical 10). Both are competitive for mid-size jet transactions.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a NatWest customer to use Lombard aviation finance?

No - Lombard is open to all creditworthy UK borrowers. However, existing NatWest/RBS customers with a strong relationship may benefit from preferential terms.

What aircraft types does Lombard finance?

Lombard's aviation team handles business jets, turboprops and larger piston aircraft. They are most active in the £500,000–£20m range.

Can Lombard finance an aircraft held in an offshore SPV?

Lombard primarily lends to UK-based entities, though they will consider offshore holding structures with appropriate UK guarantees and security arrangements.

How does Lombard assess the value of a used business jet?

Lombard uses approved independent appraisers (typically AMSTAT or AVAC-certified valuers) to provide desktop or physical appraisals. The lower of cost and appraisal value is used for LTV calculation.

What is the typical Lombard business jet loan approval timeline?

From full application to credit approval is usually 7–14 working days. Completion (drawdown) follows legal review of the security documentation.

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Finance taken for business purposes is not regulated by the FCA. Rates shown are indicative as at October 2026 and depend on credit profile, term, aircraft and deposit. We act as a credit broker, not a lender. Your aircraft may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.