Ex-Im Bank aims to finance $2 billion in aircraft exports in 2014

   The U.S. Export-Import Bank has set a goal to finance $2 billion in U.S.-manufactured business aircraft and helicopter exports by the end of 2014.
   The bank reached its previously announced goal of $1 billion in support of these exports in December 2013, 10 months ahead of schedule.
   In fiscal year 2014, Ex-Im Bank has authorized about $740 million for exports of business aircraft and helicopters made by companies that include Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., based in Savannah, Ga.; Beechcraft, based Wichita, Kan.; and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., which manufactures nonmilitary helicopters in Coatesville, Pa.
   Ex-Im Bank topped its previous goal in December 2013 with the guarantee of a $300 million loan extended by Apple Bank for Savings to Minsheng Financial Leasing Company Ltd. of Tianjin, China, that’s financing the purchase of a fleet of eight aircraft manufactured by Gulfstream.