The importance of data in the pre-owned aircraft market: How Jetcraft uses intelligence to inform its clients and the industry

For decades, the pre-owned business aviation market has run on relationships, experience and reputation. And while those foundations still matter, the industry has significantly changed.

The pace of today’s operations leaves little room for guesswork. Aircraft values shift quickly, opportunities move fast and buyers expect more, from transparency to turnaround times. That’s why real-time intelligence is essential.

At Jetcraft, data helps us see what’s changing, what’s driving it and how to act – all before others do.

Seeing data as a strategic advantage

The best advisors have a feel for timing. They know when to buy, when to wait and when to sell. But instinct alone is no longer enough. Today, timing decisions are supported by forecasting models that draw from global sales data, inventory trends and shifting demographics, meaning we spot demand as it builds, not after it peaks.

In the pre-owned market, no two aircraft are the same. Variations in age, configuration, maintenance history and upgrade status can dramatically influence value and buyer appeal. Add to this jurisdictional nuances and economic fluctuations, and the importance of having the right intelligence becomes clear. Data allows us to evaluate these variables side by side and guide clients through a far more complex process than new aircraft sales can offer.

In this landscape, market movements are more visible. It is now possible to identify how interest in specific aircraft types is developing across regions, or how pricing might adjust under current economic conditions. Some aviation specialists are already using generative AI tools to support this level of forecasting.

At Jetcraft, we’ve developed proprietary platforms, such as JetGPT, that enable our advisors to assess market conditions up to five years ahead. We’ve also evolved our market intelligence into the industry-leading annual Ever Forward Report. When applied effectively, this kind of insight helps clients act early and with greater confidence.

The data alone doesn’t close a deal. But it considers inventory cycles, regional appetite and global factors that shape transaction opportunities – creating the conditions for better-informed decisions, faster execution and stronger strategic positioning.

Meeting changing expectations with confidence

Once the right aircraft is placed with the right buyer, data-led tools continue to add value throughout the transaction process. Pricing and timing are only part of this equation. Success in the pre-owned market also depends on connecting buyers and aircraft efficiently and insightfully.

As client demographics evolve, so do their expectations. Buyers today are younger, more diverse and digitally fluent. They prioritize speed, transparency and relevance, and are frequently making high-value decisions with limited time. This is where behavioral intelligence becomes especially important.

Jetcraft’s advisors combine local knowledge with data to understand what different buyers are looking for. That includes knowing which cabin configurations are resonating in a given region, or how priorities shift between fleet operators and first-time owners. With this clarity, we can approach prospects with greater relevance and help shape smarter decisions from the outset.

This is not about removing the personal element, it’s about enhancing it. Data gives us the ability to step into every conversation better prepared and guide buyers through the process with efficiency and care.

Keeping complex transactions on track

Even seemingly straightforward transactions can present challenges. Changing valuations, jurisdictional compliance, financing logistics and inspection requirements all have the potential to slow progress. In an industry shaped by economic cycles, precision often determines whether a deal closes on time or gets pushed back.

Unlike new aircraft sales, which follow more predictable processes and pricing, pre-owned transactions often involve opaque valuation benchmarks and misaligned seller-buyer expectations. Jetcraft’s data-driven approach helps bridge that gap, bringing transparency and consistency to a market that can otherwise feel fragmented.

This is where operational data becomes critical. Smart tools can identify inconsistencies in pricing, highlight bottlenecks in specific jurisdictions and guide the most efficient route to completion. Jetcraft’s global network reflects this approach in practice, with regional advisors working alongside central analysts to keep transactions moving.

Looking ahead, the importance of data in the pre-owned aircraft market is only increasing. As buyer expectations rise and transaction cycles continue to shorten, the ability to access timely, relevant insight will define success.

Data is no longer a support function in business aviation. It is a central part of how strategies are shaped, how services are delivered and how decisions are made.