Flight Department Fleet Planning and Year-End Transactions

July 2023

ACS header.PNG

It’s official. We are already more than halfway through the year. Year-end is always on the minds of ultra-high net worth individuals, senior executives, and those who closely support them. Strategic planning ensures thoughtful consideration of the many factors associated with the purchase or disposition of high-value assets. Aircraft transactions fall into that category and require the same careful execution, particularly during fluid market conditions.

In the not-so-distant past, an initial purchase or a change in the size or makeup of a flight department or fleet could be accomplished relatively quickly. According to Ann Pollard, a Duncan Aviation Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Team member, “A successful aircraft transaction now requires more time to complete. Although we have seen some easing and improved conditions for buyers, transactions are still taking longer to close. High quality shops continue to experience significant backlogs. Flight department staffing shortages, particularly with respect to qualified flight crews and technicians, along with slots at training facilities, are also an ongoing challenge. This translates to longer lead times to identify, hire and train qualified personnel. All of these factors contribute to a need for careful planning, so if a year-end transaction is desired, it should already be underway or getting started as soon as possible.

Whether you are considering a year-end transaction, contemplating future fleet planning strategies, exploring the performance and operating costs of different aircraft models, or simply looking for insights into the current market, Duncan Aviation’s Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions department is ready to assist.  Duncan Aviation has been an industry leading provider of aircraft sales and acquisition services since Donald Duncan founded the company in 1956. With more than 3,500 transactions to date, we are uniquely positioned to help our clients expertly navigate the rapidly evolving market conditions. 

To learn more about Duncan Aviation Aircraft Sales, visit www.DuncanAviation.aero/services/aircraft-sales or contact our team today: aircraftsales@duncanaviation.com. 