Billy Meyer is the Founder and CEO of First Texas Capital, bringing nearly four decades of aviation leadership to the specialized field of aircraft financing. Since entering the aviation industry in 1987, Billy has built his career at the intersection of aircraft sales, operations, and capital—experience that uniquely positions him to understand both the asset and the financing behind it.

Throughout his career, Billy has been directly involved in thousands of aircraft transactions, giving him rare insight into aircraft valuation, market cycles, resale liquidity, and risk management. This depth of real-world exposure forms the foundation of First Texas Capital’s financing philosophy: structure first, numbers second.

Billy’s experience extends far beyond lending. He is also the Founder and CEO of Texas Aero and the Founder of the Global Aircraft Dealers Association (GLADA), where he now serves as Chairman Emeritus. His longstanding commitment to professional standards and transparency in aviation transactions reflects the disciplined, client-first approach that defines First Texas Capital today.

In addition to aircraft sales and brokerage, Billy has owned and operated Fixed Base Operations (FBOs) for more than 37 years. This operational perspective provides firsthand understanding of aircraft ownership costs, maintenance realities, utilization planning, and long-term asset management—critical factors that influence responsible aircraft financing decisions.

As a pilot holding nine type ratings with more than 7,000 hours of jet flight time, Billy approaches aircraft finance from the cockpit as well as the boardroom. He understands performance, safety, and mission requirements not as abstract concepts, but as lived experience.

Through First Texas Capital, Billy expanded his aviation footprint into structured lending, including the acquisition of one of the largest private jet loan portfolios from KeyBank. By integrating aircraft sales knowledge, operational oversight, and capital markets expertise, he built a financing platform designed specifically for aircraft owners and buyers—not adapted from traditional banking models.

Billy’s approach to aircraft financing emphasizes:

• Strategic loan structure aligned with ownership goals
• Asset-aware underwriting
• Market-cycle discipline
• Long-term relationship focus rather than transactional lending

Earlier in his career, Billy competed professionally in NHRA drag racing and was inducted into the NHRA Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Competing at the highest levels of motorsports required risk assessment, mechanical precision, and decisive execution—principles that continue to guide his leadership in aviation finance today.

At First Texas Capital, Billy brings together aviation experience, asset expertise, and capital strategy to deliver financing solutions informed by real-world aviation experience.