From its humble beginnings 53 years ago, National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) has taken flight and become a cornerstone of the aviation finance industry. Founded on a passion for aviation and a commitment to fostering responsible aircraft financing, NAFA has grown into a robust network of nearly 200 member companies.
As 2024 draws to a close, NAFA reflects on a year marked by continued growth, a commitment to education, and fostering a strong and vibrant community.
Masters’ in Aviation Finance Degree Adds NAFA Courses - Laying the Groundwork for the Future Workforce of Business Aviation Finance
In late 2023, the NAFA Foundation announced an Endowment with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s School of Business (ERAU). NAFA subsequently established an Education Committee to oversee the relationship between NAFA, the NAFA Foundation and ERAU. This group has been working together to create a business finance concentration within ERAU’s Master’s in Aviation Finance degree program, with two unique courses—NAFA1 and NAFA2. NAFA1 expands on the commercial aviation finance curriculum currently available; adding business aviation, while NAFA2 is a new course focused solely on business and general aviation finance. The goal is to make the program available for students in the 2025/ 2026 scholastic year starting mid-2025.
Welcoming New Members and Fostering Collaboration
NAFA has seen its membership base flourish in 2024, welcoming a remarkable 40 new member companies. This influx of fresh perspectives and expertise reinforces NAFA's position as a comprehensive network for all stakeholders within the aviation finance industry. From established lenders to niche specialists, NAFA provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of ideas that ultimately propel the industry forward.
NAFA Members Connect at Key Events
2024 was a year of strengthening connections within the aviation finance community. NAFA members actively participated in a series of impactful events, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
NAFA 52nd Annual Conference: Our flagship event held at the JW Marriott Tucson, AZ, served as the premier platform for a record-breaking 233 industry professionals to network, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and explore the latest trends and developments in aircraft finance.
NAFA/IADA 2024 Networking Welcome Reception: This joint event with the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), was held at the newly opened Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, NV. This was a valuable space for more than 600 attendees from both organizations to network, build relationships, and explore potential business opportunities.
3rd Annual NAFA Reception at EAA AirVenture: This reception at the prestigious EAA AirVenture expo served as a unique opportunity for NAFA members to network with industry stakeholders from the general aviation community as well as Embry-Riddle students/interns. With more than 100 attendees, this event continues to grow in large numbers each year.
We look forward to these events in 2025, and hope to see all of you there! NAFA’s 53rd Annual Conference has been set! Save the Date: April 8–10 at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Registration opens soon for NAFA53, so sign up and start planning your trip!
Equipping Members for Success with Transactional Integrity Resources and Industry Insights
Recognizing the importance of upholding ethical standards within aircraft finance transactions, NAFA invested significantly in developing a robust suite of resources dedicated to transactional integrity. These resources, encompassing informative webinars and comprehensive materials, offer valuable guidance to members, empowering them to navigate complex transactions with confidence and transparency. All resources developed so far can be found on our new Transactional Integrity resources page, which serves as the hub for this member resource.
The NAFA newsletter also supported our members with monthly articles covering important topics in aircraft finance. Our top articles this year include:
If you’re interested in contributing to an article for 2025, don’t hesitate to reach out to tlc@nafa.aero.
Honoring a Legacy of Achievement
The year was also marked by the celebration of Tony Kioussis' remarkable career. We were pleased to present Tony with the NAFA Lifetime Achievement Award at the NAFA 52nd Annual Conference. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the aircraft finance industry throughout their career and underscores the importance of the association’s values.
Leadership and Vision for the Future
NAFA welcomed several new board members in 2024, Beau Baird, Republic Bank; Jim Simpson, Solaris Aviation; and Paula Staciarini, Embraer. Ed Kammerer, Greenberg Traurig has taken over the role of General Counsel. These individuals' expertise and leadership has been and will continue to be instrumental in guiding the association towards a bright future. Their diverse backgrounds and proven track records ensure that NAFA remains a dynamic and forward-thinking organization at the forefront of the aviation finance industry. Thank you to the following outgoing Board members for their commitment and dedication to the NAFA Board: Richard Barret, Huntington Bank; Stephen Friedrich, Embraer; and Dave Warner who served as our General Counsel.
Looking Ahead: NAFA in 2025
As we move in 2025, NAFA will focus on providing the business and general aviation finance community opportunities for growth and betterment through collaboration, member expertise, and educational content. Stay tuned and keep an eye on your inbox for updates!