Your Portfolio is the New Jet Loan | Lasso Air 12/3

In the world of private aircraft purchases, the focus typically centers on the jet itself, its range, the cabin, the paint, and the prestige. But the financing choice? That’s where things get surprisingly personal.

Increasingly, buyers are opting out of traditional aviation loans and opting for an alternative that feels smoother, faster, and, at least on the surface, more elegant: borrowing against their investment portfolios. These facilities, known as securities-based lines of credit (SBLOCs), have quietly shifted from a niche strategy to a mainstream financing tool among high-net-worth buyers.

At its core, an SBLOC allows borrowers to use an existing investment portfolio as collateral, rather than liquidating assets. It functions somewhat like a home-equity line of credit, but without requiring a lien on real estate. And for buyers making large, timed payments, deposits, progress payments, or even the full purchase amount, the flexibility can feel like a deep breath in a high-pressure process.

Private banks have leaned into the trend. Institutions like J.P. Morgan now offer dedicated aviation financing support, positioning SBLOCs as a streamlined alternative to traditional loans. Funds can be accessed quickly, underwriting tends to be efficient, and clients avoid triggering unwanted taxable events by keeping assets invested. For many, it’s a clean solution during a milestone moment.

But anyone considering this path deserves to know the realities beneath the glossy convenience. Market volatility can trigger margin calls. Banks enforce strict loan-to-value ratios. Additional collateral may be required with little warning. Even with portfolio-backed financing, buyers must still meet every aircraft-specific requirement, including insurance minimums, FAA documentation, title work, and compliance checks.

For some buyers, an SBLOC is the perfect tool. For others, a traditional aircraft loan, secured by the aircraft itself, offers stability and peace of mind that spreadsheets alone can’t capture.

Most advisors agree on one thing: the financing choice should be made with the same clarity and intention as the aircraft choice itself. A conversation with a private banker, tax advisor, financial advisor, and aviation attorney can help cut through the noise. And that clarity is worth far more than the speed of a credit line draw.

Because getting a jet off the ground is easy, ensuring the foundation beneath it is solid that’s the real work.