Most aircraft purchases involve some financing, and the loan structure — deposit, rate and term — moves the monthly number more than small changes in the sticker price do. This calculator uses a standard amortising loan to estimate the payment, the cash needed at closing and the total interest paid over the term.
How this calculator works
Payments use a standard amortising loan formula and exclude taxes, legal fees and lender charges.
Worked example
A €450,000 aircraft with 20% down leaves a €360,000 loan. Over 10 years at 7.5%, that is about €4,273 per month and roughly €153,000 of total interest — a third of the aircraft's price. Shortening the term to 7 years raises the payment to about €5,520 but cuts total interest to around €104,000.
Frequently asked questions
What deposit do aircraft lenders expect?
Typically 15–30% of the purchase price. Newer, popular types with liquid resale markets sit at the lower end; older airframes, unusual types and experimental aircraft push both the required deposit and the interest rate up, and some lenders will not finance them at all.
What loan terms are common for aircraft?
Terms of 10–20 years are common for certified aircraft, usually with the term capped by the aircraft's age and value. A longer term lowers the monthly payment but dramatically raises total interest, so many buyers choose the shortest term the mission budget can absorb.
What does this calculator leave out?
Deliberately, everything that varies by jurisdiction and deal: VAT or import duty, legal and escrow fees, the pre-buy inspection, first-year insurance and any lender arrangement charges. Budget these separately — on an imported aircraft they can add a five-figure sum to the cash needed at closing.
What to verify next
- Approved aircraft documentation and current limitations.
- Local fuel, insurance, maintenance, hangar and financing quotations.
- The exact aircraft configuration, loading and maintenance status.