A quality year end closing recipe

opinion

by Yves Le Marquand

2 November 2026

Feel free to reach out to Smith for his chili recipe.

Nothing says fall in Ohio quite like football and a pot of homemade chili. It’s an annual tradition in my house. As soon as the temperature drops enough for a sweatshirt, I announce to my wife that it’s time for our first batch of the season. Words by Mike Smith, president, Scope Aircraft Finance.

I’ve been using the same recipe since I learned it from a college roommate years ago. It’s simple, reliable and something I look forward to making each fall. This year, however, I accidentally grabbed the wrong blend of spices at the grocery store. The result was a much spicier batch than intended and a surprise for everyone at the dinner table. It was a good reminder that no two batches of chili turn out exactly the same, even when you’re following the same recipe.

In many ways, aircraft transactions are no different.

No two deals are exactly alike. While only 30% to 40% of aircraft transactions historically involve financing, the financing decision is just one of many variables that can shape a transaction. Ownership structures, purchase agreement terms, sale-side documentation, closing logistics and countless other factors can introduce complexity. What appears to be a straightforward transaction from one party’s perspective may be far more complicated from another’s.

Like a pot of chili, every transaction is its own blend of ingredients. When those ingredients come together in the right way, the result can be a successful outcome for everyone involved. Unlike cooking, however, there is rarely a step-by-step recipe to follow. Successful aircraft transactions depend on collaboration, communication and an understanding of the role each participant plays in the process. When any one party tries to exert too much control, the transaction can become more difficult for everyone.

The quality of the ingredients matters, too. In a transaction, that means the people involved. Experienced professionals can have a significant impact on how smoothly a deal progresses and closes. Expertise, communication and teamwork remain three of the most important ingredients in any successful transaction.

As we enter the final months of the year, now is a good time to evaluate your own closing recipe. Make sure you have the right people, the right process and the right communication in place so you can approach the year-end push with confidence.

And while I may be biased, if you’re looking for a good chili recipe, I’m happy to share one.