Isabelle Lafond understands that in the competitive world of corporate aviation finance, year-end deadlines are non-negotiable for customers and aircraft buyers. As the head of aviation finance at Northpoint Commercial Finance, Lafond regularly leads high-stake transactions requiring flawless execution for timely closings. These deals often involve a complex web of stakeholders, across multiple jurisdictions, all operating with competing priorities.
“For year-end deals, every hour matters to deliver a financing solution that respects our customers’ timelines,” Lafond says. By adopting a project-management approach and consistent communication, she brings clarity and momentum, ensuring transactions move forward efficiently and close as intended.
Lafond’s professional philosophy is centered on the idea that a partner’s value is proven during the most challenging parts of a journey. She believes in active listening and staying proactively engaged to anticipate hurdles before they disrupt a deal. In a fast-moving market, she advocates for transparency and delivering consistently on every commitment. “Ultimately, long-term relationships are built on trust and genuine care for our customers’ success,” Lafond explains. For her, the goal is to show clients they can depend on her team not just for a single transaction, but for every step of their long-term growth.
Beyond her financial acumen, Lafond considers her deep industry network to be her “secret weapon” for closing deals. She recognizes that complex aviation transactions are never closed alone; they require bringing the right experts — appraisers, legal counsel and technical advisors— to the table at the exact right moment. “I’m never hesitant to get insight from industry experts, either formally or informally,” she notes. This ability to tap into a trusted network gives customers confidence that every angle has been considered, streamlining the closing process and elevating the overall client experience.
