Default

Leasing & Financing

Whether you are a business executive looking to invest in new equipment or a vendor seeking financing options for your clients, you can leverage flexible financing through First American.

Case Studies

See firsthand how organizations have achieved their goals with customized financing from First American.

Private Aviation

Twice as Nice: Acquiring a Private Aircraft, Along with Tax Benefits

Fast Facts

Industry

Private Aviation

Star icon

Organization

Ultra-high-net-worth individual

Building Icon

Client Since

2020

Handshake icon

Equipment Financed

$9,700,000 aircraft1

Money icon

Financing Structure

Aircraft loan

Financing Structure Icon

Industry Specific Fact

Certain aircraft purchases may qualify for a special depreciation allowance, subject to the prevailing tax rules for the year the asset is placed in service.

Lightbulb icon

Industry

Private Aviation

Star icon

Organization

Ultra-high-net-worth individual

Building Icon

Equipment Financed

$9,700,000 aircraft1

Money icon

Searching the Skies for the Right Plane (and the Right Financing Plan)

In October 2020, a City National Bank Relationship Manager introduced his client—an ultra-high-net-worth individual who owned an entertainment company—to First American, as the client was interested in financing production trailer equipment to support his business. With a deep level of knowledge and experience within the entertainment industry, First American provided the client with a custom financing solution for $800,000 worth of equipment. 

A few years later, the client sold their booming entertainment company and, following this significant liquidity event, sought to purchase a private plane to enjoy its many benefits, including a tax write-off. Knowing their vast experience with aircraft financing, the client turned to City National® and First American. 

The client wanted to purchase a private plane to enjoy its many benefits, including a tax write-off.

Working with First American provided a seamless, relationship‑driven experience that simplified the financing process from start to finish.

Streamlined Financing Solution Creates a Tax Benefit Tailwind

Because of the client’s positive experience financing production equipment years earlier, they trusted that First American would deliver again, and worked with them on their aircraft loan. Financing this investment provided many advantages for the client, including tax benefits, a streamlined process from start to finish, and a dedicated First American team available to answer questions along the way.

Searching the Skies for the Right Plane (and the Right Financing Plan)

In October 2020, a City National Bank Relationship Manager introduced his client—an ultra-high-net-worth individual who owned an entertainment company—to First American, as the client was interested in financing production trailer equipment to support his business. With a deep level of knowledge and experience within the entertainment industry, First American provided the client with a custom financing solution for $800,000 worth of equipment. 

A few years later, the client sold their booming entertainment company and, following this significant liquidity event, sought to purchase a private plane to enjoy its many benefits, including a tax write-off. Knowing their vast experience with aircraft financing, the client turned to City National® and First American. 

The client wanted to purchase a private plane to enjoy its many benefits, including a tax write-off.

Streamlined Financing Solution Creates a Tax Benefit Tailwind

Because of the client’s positive experience financing production equipment years earlier, they trusted that First American would deliver again, and worked with them on their aircraft loan. Financing this investment provided many advantages for the client, including tax benefits, a streamlined process from start to finish, and a dedicated First American team available to answer questions along the way. 

Working with First American provided a seamless, relationship‑driven experience that simplified the financing process from start to finish.

The Results

Successful Connections Lead to Continued Success

The Results

Successful Connections Lead to Continued Success


$2,000,000

additional lease line for the client's other entities

The successful relationship between the client, First American, and City National® has continued to grow over the past few years. The bank supports the client’s broader banking needs, while First American helps with equipment finance needs—like a $2MM lease line for the client’s other operating entities.


By forging connections and delivering exceptional service, First American and City National® have become trusted resources for the client, providing financial solutions that meet both their personal and business needs.

Other Relevant Case Studies

Aviation Services Business

Financing Fleet Addition to Keep Up with Charter Demand

J Public Relations

Expanding Space—and Reach—With Office Buildout

Redtail Media

Equipment Lease Helps Production Company Soar in Competitive Industry

 

 

Financing for What's Next

From capital projects to equipment purchases, learn how First American can help fund your organization's needs.

 

 

1Equipment financing, aircraft financing, and leasing are offered by First American Equipment Finance, a subsidiary of City National Bank, and are subject to credit approval by, and documentation acceptable to, First American Equipment Finance. Additional terms and conditions apply to all financing. For California clients: Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license.

First American Equipment Finance is an RBC company and subsidiary of City National Bank. Deposit products and services are offered by City National Bank.

City National Bank, its managed affiliates, and subsidiaries, as a matter of policy, do not give tax, accounting, regulatory or legal advice, and any information provided should not be construed as such. Rules in the areas of law, tax, and accounting are subject to change and open to varying interpretations. You should consult with your other advisors on the tax, accounting, and legal implications of actions you may take based on any strategies presented, taking into account your own particular circumstances.

This case study is for general information and education only. It is provided as a courtesy to the clients and friends of City National Bank (City National). City National does not warrant that it is accurate or complete. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are those of the authors or persons quoted as of the date of the article with no obligation to update or notify of inaccuracy or change. This case study may not be reproduced, distributed or further published by any person without the written consent of City National.

City National Bank Member FDIC. City National Bank is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. © 2026 City National Bank. All Rights Reserved. cnb.com® is a registered trademark of City National Bank.