3TOP Aviation, a market-leading aircraft trading and refurbishment specialist, has secured multimillion-pound investment to meet growing international demand. This is thanks to support from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency.
The Leatherhead-based firm acquires mid-to-end-life aircraft and engines for onward trading, leasing and refurbishment. They also dismantle aircraft and rebuild the associated components for onward sale to clients, helping to make the aerospace industry more sustainable.
The company – which employs 18 staff in Surrey plus 16 outside the UK – aims to grow into new global markets and product lines such as new generation aircraft.
As a result of the UKEF-backed financing, 3TOP Aviation is also planning to expand its UK workforce by 20%.
Plus, it is relocating some of its warehouses in France and the US to a larger site in Leatherhead, bringing further benefits to the local economy.
The financing has been secured with backing from UKEF issued under its General Export Facility. This guarantee enabled HSBC UK to provide a trade finance facility of up to £20 million, supporting 3TOP Aviation’s export growth.
Chris Emechete, Managing Director of 3TOP Aviation, said:
“We are delighted to have secured substantial funding from UKEF which helps strengthen our position as a leading UK exporter of commercial aircraft aftermarket services and allows us to further exploit new opportunities around the world.
“We are very active in the aviation market globally, so capital backing from UKEF, a major credit export agency with an impeccable pedigree and reputation, aligns perfectly with our growth plans and aspirations.”
Tim Reid, CEO at UK Export Finance, said:
“3TOP Aviation’s story shows how our support empowers UK businesses to create prosperity at home while growing their footprint internationally.
“Their impressive growth in turnover from £3 million to £70 million in just four years demonstrates the huge potential for British firms by tapping into global markets. That’s where UKEF comes in: we’re here to ensure that lack of finance never stands in the way of firms achieving their true export potential.
“3TOP Aviation brings more than 25 years of industry expertise to the sector, with international offices spanning the United Arab Emirates, United States, Singapore, Germany and India. In the last four years, 3TOP Aviation’s business has boomed with revenue growing from a post-Covid low of £3 million in 2021 to £70 million in 2025.”
Grow your business with UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s export credit agency. It’s a government department, working alongside the Department for Business and Trade as an integral part of its strategy and operations.
3TOP Aviation is one of more than 660 companies accessing support from UKEF in the last financial year. It has provided a record £14.5 billion in new financing, supporting up to 70,000 jobs.
UKEF works with over 100 private credit insurers and lenders to help UK companies access export finance. It complements not competes with the private sector.
UKEF helps UK companies to:
- win export contracts by providing attractive financing terms to their buyers
- fulfil contracts by supporting working capital loans
- get paid by insuring against buyer default
Its export finance managers provide free and impartial consultations, helping UK companies to check they are getting appropriate support and exploring how to bridge any gaps.
You can also arrange a consultation with your local export finance manager via the UKEF website.
Finance support for Surrey businesses
Are you a Surrey business looking for finance? Not sure where to start?
From start-up business funding to business growth funding, Business Surrey helps you at all stages of your business journey.
We can help you access the financial support you need to enable your business to prosper and open the door to business growth.
Our funding and grants page outlines some of the current opportunities available to Surrey businesses.
You can also get in touch with our team of experts via our Business Support Form.
