Wintrust Commercial Finance, a division of Wintrust Asset Finance, announced its new group supporting businesses in the aviation industry. Wintrust Commercial Finance Aviation Group will be led by new hire Michael Cole as senior vice president, spearheading the development of business in this market.

Wintrust Commercial Finance Aviation Group designs custom financing solutions for airplanes that fly with a business purpose. These solutions are structured to meet the financial requirements of the privately held company or the publicly traded corporation for operation of the airplane.

“After serving clients in the aviation industry for years, we decided it was time to form a group to focus specially on this space,” said Kirk Phillips, President and CEO of Wintrust Commercial Finance. “Speed, consistency, and transparency is our commitment to our customers, and I’m confident Michael will help us continue to grow and deliver on this commitment to the aviation community.”

“I have a background in and passion for the aviation industry, so I’m really looking forward to making an impact with Wintrust Commercial Finance within this space,” said Cole.

Cole has years of experience in both the banking and aviation industries, having served as vice president of aviation at Bridgeview Bank Group and managing director of aviation at Bank OZK. He also holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, a Commercial Seaplane Certificate, and is a Certified Flight Instructor. He has an MBA in finance and investment analysis from Saint Xavier University and an MBA from Northern Illinois University.

Wintrust Commercial Finance Aviation Group supports both new and pre-owned airplanes operating under FAR Part 91 and FAR Part 135. The group finances the full range of airplanes including single- and twin-engine turboprops; entry level; light; mid-cabin jets; and large-cabin and ultra-long-range jets.