Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Financing and Leasing

Define the equipment and working configuration

Ask the seller to identify APU model and serial number, host-aircraft compatibility, included accessories, maintenance status and exchange terms.

Decisions to settle before ordering

• Confirm that the quoted unit and configuration suit the aircraft with its maintenance provider. Distinguish an installed-aircraft APU from external ground-power equipment.
• Ask whether the purchase includes removal, installation, testing and required release documentation. Obtain separate pricing for the core obligation and any accessories transferred from the old unit.

Budget for acquisition and use

Price exchange-core exposure, shipping, labour, testing, replacement accessories and aircraft downtime. Separate the equipment amount from installation, consumables and ongoing services so the requested finance amount is clear.

Compare the total payments, upfront contribution, fees and final purchase or return obligation. Match the proposed term to the expected ownership period and documented maintenance exposure; a lease may also impose use, maintenance and return conditions.

For Canadian aircraft, review the Transport Canada technical-records standard with the maintenance provider. U.S. transactions need the applicable U.S. review.

Use the equipment payment calculator for illustrations, then request a written proposal with the actual payment schedule and fees.

Request a financing review with the quote, business location, seller details, currency and intended delivery date. Learn about Mehmi Financial Group.

Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) equipment financing market context

Quick answer: Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) financing is generally reviewed using the purchase price, exact configuration, age and time-in-service where relevant, maintenance and inspection status, seller, expected useful life, business cash flow, credit profile and requested term. New and used aviation assets may be considered, but final structure depends on the specific asset, transaction, lender and jurisdiction.

In ELFA’s 2025 Survey of Equipment Finance Activity, corporate aircraft represented 2.7% of 2024 annual new business volume by equipment type among respondents. That figure is a broad aviation-finance benchmark and does not imply every aircraft, engine or ground-support asset fits the same credit profile. See the ELFA Survey of Equipment Finance Activity for the underlying U.S. industry data.

ELFA’s July 2026 CapEx Finance Index reported $14.3 billion in seasonally adjusted new business volume among surveyed member companies, with year-to-date volume 16.8% above the same period in 2025. In Canada, Statistics Canada reported 2026 machinery and equipment capital-spending intentions of about C$127.2 billion. Review the July 2026 CapEx Finance Index and Statistics Canada’s 2026 capital expenditure release.

What can affect a Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) financing decision?

• Asset details: model, serial or registration information, year, hours/cycles where applicable, configuration, maintenance status, records and expected useful life.
• Transaction quality: seller verification, ownership and liens, itemized invoice, deposit, inspection, delivery and asset location.
• Business profile: operating history, revenue and cash flow, existing obligations, credit profile, intended commercial use and supporting contracts where relevant.

For related research, compare Ground Power Unit (GPU) financing and Guinault Ground Power Unit financing. You can also review how an equipment loan is structured before requesting a written proposal.