Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG)

Each entity—an airline, leasing company or investor—purchases or sells aircraft with distinct objectives. It might be to meet rising passenger needs, optimize fleet management, or own them as investment assets. Aircraft trading is a complex process that demands a deep understanding of market dynamics, technical aspects of airplanes and valuation methods.

Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG), backed by a strong reputation for facilitating sophisticated airplane transactions worldwide, fulfills this need with extensive experience and expertise in aircraft trading.

Its worldwide network of team members, with distinguished careers in commercial and business aviation, covers the entire spectrum of aircraft trading, tailoring every transaction to client needs.

“We make the most of our reputation to maintain relationships with clients on both sides—the people we source aircraft from and place aircraft with. It helps us customize transactions in the most competitive manner,” says Christian Nuehlen, founder and CEO of AFG.
In his two decades in the commercial aviation industry, Nuehlen assisted numerous aircraft lessors, airlines, banks and consulting firms in aircraft leasing and financing. Drawing on this far-reaching expertise and knowledge, he ensures AFG’s multinational team of experts upholds the highest level of professional integrity to meet the diverse requirements of clients.

Making Aircraft Deals Happen

Widely acknowledged for its expertise in the aircraft trading segment, AFG offers tailor-made commercial and corporate aircraft solutions to clients on both the buy and sell sides through various sale, lease, acquisition and financing options.

Quite often, airlines experiencing growing passenger demands must expand their fleets and fill critical spots quickly. They might get in touch with a manufacturer about a particular plane, but fail to finalize the deal for some reason.

Aided by its global partnerships with investors, manufacturers, airlines, banks and leasing companies, AFG readily sources the aircraft on a client’s behalf.

Its worldwide presence gives the team the strategic advantage of closely monitoring market conditions, identifying purchasing opportunities and quickly offering a suitable aircraft.

The AFG team takes into account a range of factors like routing requirements, flight distances, number of seats, interior configuration, along with budgeting considerations.

AFG always takes the time to ensure the aircraft and parts it acquires are in excellent condition before connecting with potential buyers or lessors. If the aircraft needs maintenance work, the team gets it done, including repainting, before making the delivery.

Airlines suffering from overcapacity might also need to sell inventory. In these instances, AFG buys the aircraft, and bridges them to sell to other airlines. It can also put aircraft on a long-term operational lease, selling them with a lease attached to an investor. This enables airlines to acquire aircraft without paying the full purchase price or tying up capital, improving cash flow, liquidity and financial flexibility. Due to its extensive global network, AFG does not have to retain an aircraft for long and often has a destination for the aircraft already lined up when it partners with a client.

“The goal is to ensure there is a value-added component to each transaction for satisfying the needs of our customers,” states Nuehlen.

Further distinguishing AFG’s services is the level of transparency it maintains with the buy and sell side of every transaction. It always keeps lines of communication open to conduct detailed analysis of client needs before proceeding with any acquisition or sale process.

This synergy of transparent communication and flexible pricing has empowered AFG and its team members to complete over 500 transactions for more than 100 clients worldwide while generating $50 billion in transaction volume. Its diversified global customer base is a testament to its success.

In one instance, a major flag carrier with a cargo division was dissatisfied with operating a mixed fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Looking to retain a single manufacturer, the client decided to let go of their Airbus A330s.

AFG stepped in and bought all the planes, took care of maintenance and repainting, and delivered them to a large-scale logistics company—all in about two months. Despite its substantial footprint, the logistics company had been focusing on shipping, not air freight. Acquiring the four airplanes kickstarted their air freight logistics venture.

Taking Big Steps in Freighter Trading

The AFG team is well aware of global freighter demand, heightened by limited passenger aircraft transactions during the pandemic. It capitalizes on this opportunity to play a leading role in freighter transactions and conversions, where supply chain conditions remain advantageous for air cargo.

Through its in-depth understanding of cargo airlines, AFG integrated access to a network of prime cargo operators to offer a range of P2F or production freighter solutions. From regional turboprops to widebodies, its freighter team advises, manages and sources the aircraft that precisely meet the business needs of cargo operators.

The Journey Ahead

Beginning its journey with an exclusive focus on commercial aircraft, AFG has realized global growth to diversify its portfolio. It is not just commercial aircraft anymore. AFG now deals with corporate aircraft, engines, spare parts and in-demand narrowbodies.

It is also involved in buying and selling various components and equipment used for the maintenance, repair and operation of aircraft. Spare parts trading is a dynamic activity that demands considerable knowledge and coordination among the various stakeholders. AFG collaborates with parts suppliers, distributors and dealers to match the demand and supply of parts for its clients.

The team keeps a close watch on the latest industry trends. For instance, manufacturers are trying their best to keep up with the increasing demand for narrowbody Airbus and Boeing airplanes. AFG is leveraging its global network to help airlines find those aircraft and expand their fleets.

Meanwhile, it is eager to foray into new geographic locations and broaden its global presence while strengthening the team’s technical capabilities.

Organizations looking for a partner determined to go the extra mile and conclude aircraft transactions worldwide in the most reliable, efficient, and competitive manner can rely on AFG’s remarkable portfolio of services.