The timing is perfect for the biggest and most established conference in the North American air finance calendar

These are crucial times for the biggest aviation market in the world.

US airlines stand out today as better positioned than most to weather the economic recession and restore profitability in 2009, yet the question remains of who will finance this growth and which airlines will survive the crisis. The North American air finance industry has always been incredibly innovative, but what new challenges must be overcome with such a reduction in capital markets activity across the board? In the face of the worsening credit climate, banks are becoming more selective both on the asset and the airline.

Manufacturers, leasing companies and export credit agencies are already stepping up to provide financing, however their capacity is limited and US airlines will eventually need to find alternative sources of funding.

New regulations and the recently elected Obama administration may also impact the industry, especially as environmental concerns rise in importance.

Yet aircraft financing continues to be attractive to bankers and investors in particular. Huge opportunities lie ahead of those who will have the vision to diversify their activities and business model for the longer term, but perhaps most importantly to lay the grounds today for the return of such opportunities in the future.

Airfinance Journal’s 29^th Annual New York Airfinance Conference will examine the most pressing issues that are affecting the aviation industry and will assess the solutions that are available to all parties to weather the economic storm.