Understanding aircraft acquisitions

Navigating the world of business aircraft acquisitions requires expertise, strategy and continuous communication. With many factors to consider, from the aircraft to choose to how to structure its financing, working with a trusted aviation partner is essential to achieve success.

Finding the right aircraft

The first stage of any acquisition is about evaluating requirements. At Jetcraft, we prioritize understanding our clients’ needs. Every buyer has unique preferences for range, the number of passengers they wish to fly, budget, aircraft age and performance. We start by evaluating these to find the right aircraft to meet their mission profile.

 Next, we ‘build the bench’, our team required to execute on the transaction. This includes our legal, tax and aircraft management experts, while setting up the overall structure for aircraft ownership.

A team to support you

You need a team you can trust, especially if you’re purchasing your first aircraft. When a buyer comes to Jetcraft, we issue an internal release to our global sales team detailing the exact specifications of the aircraft that will best suit their requirements, including the most appropriate models, flying hours and other criteria. Our search is not limited by country or state – we offer unmatched international reach and unrivalled local knowledge.

We then carefully cultivate an aircraft shortlist, evaluating each option against the market. We determine whether each model presents a strong opportunity, and those to avoid or eliminate. This detail ensures we deliver only the most suitable options for our clients.

Hands-on approach

 Today, technological advancements like virtual walkthroughs and videos are beneficial, but nothing compares to experiencing an aircraft firsthand. Stepping onboard and highlighting customizations throughout a tour also helps build trust.

Jetcraft’s ‘boots on the ground’ approach ensures our team can conduct an initial inspection wherever a potential aircraft is located across the globe. We first verify the aircraft matches its advertised condition, do a cosmetic sweep and identify factors impacting value. Most importantly, we ensure it meets the client’s expectations in real life.

Moving towards a deal

Once the right aircraft has been identified, the process accelerates. We begin preparing offers in the form of letters of intent (LOI), secure deposit funds, and work to achieve the best buyer-friendly terms on the transaction.

With visual inspections cleared, we move on to a thorough records review to flag specific areas that need extra attention and set up the pre-purchase inspection (PPI). The contracting phase follows, keeping the deal on track.

Cross-border transactions, the purchase or sale of an aircraft across international boundaries, add a layer of complexity in aircraft acquisitions – and are something our team is expertly skilled in. As advisors, we confirm compliance with the required registry, assess suitability for Part 135 operations (if the aircraft will be used for charter), and determine if an Export Certificate of Airworthiness is necessary. Doing this homework ahead of the PPI saves time and cuts costs, resulting in a smoother, more satisfying transaction.

 Building trust through experience

 The acquisition process demands time, expertise and team effort. Successfully guiding someone through their first aircraft purchase is something I’m particularly proud of, creating an enduring relationship. Importantly, Jetcraft doesn’t operate from a theoretical standpoint. We actively trade aircraft and often use our own funds to purchase planes. This gives us a unique position, allowing us to advise clients backed by our own meticulous experience.

With decades in this business, we know how to find solutions. And if we don’t have them in-house, we can source them quickly. It’s this combination of knowledge, agility and commitment that’s helped us cement our reputation over 60+ years.

To find your local Jetcraft representative, contact us today.