The Importance of Market Research When Buying and Selling a Private Jet

August 2024

The preowned business jet market is fueled by data and there are scores of market intelligence resources dedicated to tracking, analyzing, and helping buyers and sellers to make informed decisions based on the ever-changing market conditions. Extensive resources are needed to examine and collate the massive amounts of available data and more importantly, translate that data into a simple story that effectively guides decision-making.

Strategic Market Insights and Cost Analyses

An entire subset of Market Researchers exists in the preowned business jet sector. A wide-reaching global network of analysts work strategically (often with each other) to acquire information and navigate the various market intelligence tools to efficiently and effectively support teams of sales executives and their clientele. They provide market overviews and “deep dive” analysis on individual market segments with the sole purpose of identifying key factors influencing trends and values. Depending on the sales organization they are affiliated with, Market Researchers may also have access to proprietary operational cost trends and maintenance projections based off actual historical data. This provides the added value of compiling statistics that paint a clear picture not only of the value of a business jet at a certain point in time, but also the true cost of aircraft ownership and operation over an extended period of time.

Informed Aircraft Transactions = Maximized Returns

Understanding your unique preferences and objectives in the marketplace helps to ensure your goals are met. Knowing where the market has been and the direction it is headed is key to transacting the best aircraft at the optimal price point. It should be a priority to spot and understand trends that have the potential to impact on a particular market segment. Thorough Market Research saves time, ensures focused consideration, informed decision-making, and maximized returns.

Quality of Market Research: Long Term Effects on Time and Resources

Take the COVID pandemic, for example. Many first-time buyers purchased an aircraft as an answer to the societal chaos and travel challenges that the pandemic created, not fully understanding that the purchase price of a private jet can be the least costly and least complex aspect of aircraft ownership. The reality of operational and maintenance costs and requirements of aircraft ownership quickly forced several new owners to sell aircraft that had been purchased at the peak of the market (because of low supply and high demand in the marketplace). An expert transaction consultant harnesses multilevel market research with ownership and operating cost datapoints to provide realistic budget projections to prepare you for your future as an aircraft owner.  The benefits of aircraft ownership can change your life and your business opportunities, provided your team of advisors helps you to select an aircraft that will fit your mission requirements AND your budget over your projected ownership lifecycle.

The Duncan Aviation Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Team compiled some of their expertise to prepare this Straight Talk book, which explores important considerations when navigating the pre-owned aircraft marketplace.

Read the Straight Talk about Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions here

If you have any questions about preowned business jet or turboprop markets, would like to discuss a potential transaction, or wish to learn more about the services we offer, call us and ask for Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions at +1 402.475.2611. You can also visit us at DuncanAviation.aero/AircraftSales or email us at AircraftSales@DuncanAviation.com.