Lender Rate Comparison - October 2026
| Lender | Rate from | Min Ticket | Max LTV | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investec | 5.8% p.a. | £500k | 70% | Large tickets, strong covenants |
| HSBC | 6.0% p.a. | £1m | 70% | International operators |
| Close Brothers | 6.1% p.a. | £150k | 75% | Fleet lending, proven desk |
| Lloyds Bank | 6.2% p.a. | £500k | 70% | Relationship pricing |
| AIB | 6.3% p.a. | £250k | 70% | ACMI, lessor connections |
| Lombard | 6.4% p.a. | £200k | 72% | RBS-backed, fleet focus |
| Barclays | 6.5% p.a. | £500k | 70% | SPV structures |
| Paragon | 6.9% p.a. | £100k | 75% | Complex structures |
| Shawbrook | 7.2% p.a. | £75k | 75% | Newer operators |
What Affects Your Commercial Aviation Finance Rate?
Operator Covenant
Your trading history, management accounts, revenue contracts and AOC standing all directly affect the rate lenders will offer. Strong covenants with 3+ years of profitable trading achieve the best rates.
Aircraft Type and Age
Aircraft with strong residual values and global demand (PC-12, King Air, ATR) achieve better LTVs and lower rates than older or more niche types. Newer variants are always preferred.
Finance Structure
HP typically prices differently to finance lease. SPV structures add complexity but may be appropriate for larger values. Operating leases are priced on a case-by-case basis.
Revenue Contracts
Confirmed long-term contracts - NHS HEMS agreements, PSO route contracts, long-term wet-lease agreements - significantly improve your rate by providing revenue certainty for lenders.
The Broker Advantage
Using Doulton Bridging Finance as your broker gives you access to all nine lenders listed above - and others not shown here - through a single process. We know which lenders are most active in the market, which are most competitive for your aircraft type, and how to present your case most effectively.
We do not charge you for our initial assessment and will only recommend pursuing a facility if we believe it is the right solution for your operation. Our fee is paid by the lender on completion.
Rates and criteria by lender
How each lender on our panel prices commercial aircraft in October 2026, and where it fits. Rates are indicative; we compare them all for your case.
AIB Commercial Aviation Finance Rates
Allied Irish Banks has strong connections to the ACMI and leasing community, with experience in both UK and Irish-registered aircraft finance. Their team understands wet-lease and sub-lease structures well, and they are an active lender for operators using Irish or Isle of Man AOC structures alongside UK operations. Good for ACMI operators and those with lessor relationships.
| Product | Indicative Rate | Typical LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | From 6.3% p.a. | Up to 70% | 7 years |
| Finance Lease | From 6.5% p.a. | Up to 80% | 10 years |
| Operating Lease | POA | N/A | Up to 5 years |
Barclays Commercial Aviation Finance Rates
Barclays' corporate and asset finance teams are experienced in SPV structures, making them a natural fit for operators financing aircraft through special purpose vehicles or holding companies. Their corporate pricing is competitive for established businesses and they have experience working with Isle of Man and Irish-registered aircraft within UK commercial operations.
| Product | Indicative Rate | Typical LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | From 6.5% p.a. | Up to 70% | 7 years |
| Finance Lease | From 6.7% p.a. | Up to 80% | 10 years |
| Operating Lease | POA | N/A | Up to 5 years |
Close Brothers Commercial Aviation Finance Rates
Close Brothers Asset Finance has a proven commercial aviation desk with significant experience in fleet lending across turboprops, regional jets and light twins. Their commercial team is well versed in UK AOC requirements and can structure HP and finance lease facilities efficiently. A strong choice for operators seeking a relationship-driven approach from a well-capitalised UK lender.
| Product | Indicative Rate | Typical LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | From 6.1% p.a. | Up to 70% | 7 years |
| Finance Lease | From 6.3% p.a. | Up to 80% | 10 years |
| Operating Lease | POA | N/A | Up to 5 years |
HSBC Commercial Aviation Finance Rates
HSBC's aviation finance capability spans domestic and international operations, making them an excellent choice for operators with cross-border routes, overseas subsidiaries or international wet-lease arrangements. Their global network and understanding of IATA/ICAO frameworks gives them an edge for larger or internationally-focused commercial operators.
| Product | Indicative Rate | Typical LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | From 6.0% p.a. | Up to 70% | 7 years |
| Finance Lease | From 6.2% p.a. | Up to 80% | 10 years |
| Operating Lease | POA | N/A | Up to 5 years |
Investec Commercial Aviation Finance Rates
Investec Aviation Finance is a specialist lender with deep expertise in commercial aviation. They offer highly competitive rates for operators with strong covenants and prefer larger ticket sizes of £500k and above. Investec's team understands aircraft values, lease structures and AOC requirements in detail - making them an excellent choice for established commercial operators seeking best-in-class pricing.
| Product | Indicative Rate | Typical LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | From 5.8% p.a. | Up to 70% | 7 years |
| Finance Lease | From 6.0% p.a. | Up to 80% | 10 years |
| Operating Lease | POA | N/A | Up to 5 years |
Lloyds Bank Commercial Aviation Finance Rates
Lloyds Bank offers relationship-based pricing for established commercial operators. As a major UK clearing bank, their rates are particularly competitive for clients with existing banking relationships or strong three-year trading histories. Fleet financing and structured facilities are well within their capability, particularly for operators with revenues above £2m per annum.
| Product | Indicative Rate | Typical LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | From 6.2% p.a. | Up to 70% | 7 years |
| Finance Lease | From 6.4% p.a. | Up to 80% | 10 years |
| Operating Lease | POA | N/A | Up to 5 years |
Lombard Commercial Aviation Finance Rates
Lombard, the asset finance arm of NatWest Group, has a dedicated aviation team with fleet financing experience across a wide range of commercial aircraft types. Their backing from RBS/NatWest gives them strong liquidity for multi-aircraft fleet deals. Competitive pricing for established AOC holders with clean credit profiles and strong management accounts.
| Product | Indicative Rate | Typical LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | From 6.4% p.a. | Up to 70% | 7 years |
| Finance Lease | From 6.6% p.a. | Up to 80% | 10 years |
| Operating Lease | POA | N/A | Up to 5 years |
Paragon Commercial Aviation Finance Rates
Paragon Bank's specialist asset finance division brings flexibility to complex commercial aviation structures. They are willing to consider operators that major clearing banks might decline - including newer AOC holders, aircraft with unusual configurations, or deals requiring more creative structuring. A useful option when mainstream lenders cannot accommodate your requirements.
| Product | Indicative Rate | Typical LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | From 6.9% p.a. | Up to 70% | 7 years |
| Finance Lease | From 7.1% p.a. | Up to 80% | 10 years |
| Operating Lease | POA | N/A | Up to 5 years |
Shawbrook Commercial Aviation Finance Rates
Shawbrook Bank is a challenger asset finance lender that provides accessible commercial aviation finance for operators who may be earlier in their growth journey. Their underwriting is pragmatic and they will consider newer AOC holders and smaller fleet operators. Rates are higher than the major banks but the accessibility and flexibility can make Shawbrook the right answer for the right client.
| Product | Indicative Rate | Typical LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | From 7.2% p.a. | Up to 70% | 7 years |
| Finance Lease | From 7.4% p.a. | Up to 80% | 10 years |
| Operating Lease | POA | N/A | Up to 5 years |