We have many resources on our website, including a Guide to Buying and Selling and a detailed article that walks you through the acquisition process.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought safer travel into sharp relief in recent months and we’ve received an increasing number of inquiries from first-time buyers who are looking to business aviation as the route to safe, flexible and controlled travel. Here, we answer their most frequently asked questions.

What do I need to consider before I buy?

There are certain factors we need to understand to find the right jet for a buyer’s mission. Where do you want to fly to? How many people will be traveling at any one time? What’s your budget? Have you considered finance, or are you a cash purchaser? Once we’ve talked this through we start looking for the best aircraft.

If a potential buyer is not yet able to answer these questions, we will sit down with them and help them think about what they need and whether purchasing a jet is the right path for them.

Should I buy a new or pre-owned aircraft?

This really comes down to personal preference and budget, as there are clear benefits to both. Buying new, you will avail of a five-year warranty, which can be comforting to those unused to ownership.

We see some first-time buyers who want to test out having an aircraft, to help them understand whether it will work for them long-term. In this situation the decision might be made with short-term ownership in mind where the buyer will reassess their aircraft and the value it brings themselves or their company in a few years. In this case pre-owned provides an opportunity to experience ownership at a lower initial point of investment.

Concerns about safety and reliability shouldn’t put you off acquiring an older jet – a ten-year-old aircraft is maintained to the same standards as one that is brand new. Furthermore, we minimize the risk of older aircraft owners incurring potentially higher maintenance costs by performing extensive pre-purchase inspections. We also partner with JSSI to offer a free six-month, post-purchase, unscheduled maintenance program on select in-service aircraft purchased through Jetcraft, to provide extra peace of mind to our buyers.

Can I demo an aircraft before I buy?

Yes, and we’d encourage you to demo before purchase. If you haven’t flown in that model before, consider finding a charter company that operates the aircraft type and test it out on what would be a ‘typical’ mission for you. This is also a good way to try out different models or manufacturers so you have a feel for how big the cabin is, the comfort of the seats and the noise levels.

Should you wish to demo the specific aircraft on the market, usually the seller will look for some form of commitment, such as a letter of intent and a refundable deposit in escrow, before arranging a flight.

Can I purchase an aircraft from overseas during Covid-19?

Absolutely. Our boots on the ground global structure means we can find a deal anywhere in the world. Although travel is currently restricted, we are still keeping transactions going. For example, I’m currently working on a deal with a European buyer and a US seller, and my counterpart locally in the US is handling the pre-buy inspection and full review of the aircraft on my team’s behalf.

Should I disqualify an aircraft due to cosmetics?

It’s natural to gravitate towards details such as the color of the paint or leather; however, changing cosmetics is relatively simple and inexpensive compared to the overall cost of the aircraft. Replacing soft goods such as seat material and carpet is a cost-effective way to tailor the jet to your taste. Altering the configuration of the cabin is more expensive, but it can sometimes make sense to take that step, if the aircraft is otherwise right for you. If you are considering an aircraft that might need some updates, we can connect you with a completion center in your region.

Can I charter my aircraft to offset costs?

Charter is a great way to offset some of the costs of ownership. Most buyers will have chartered before, so the process is familiar, but you should consider whether you’re happy with someone else flying in your aircraft – and the more available it is for charter, the less time you’ll have for your own private use.  Another consideration when you’re choosing an aircraft is ensuring it’s capable of flying commercially in your region – certain countries and regions have specific rules and equipment requirements.

Who should I consult when purchasing an aircraft for the first time?

For a first-time buyer, it can seem daunting how many parties are involved and we recommend working with an established broker who will be able to walk you through all the steps and ensure you talk to everyone you need to ease the process.

You’ll have an aviation specialist lawyer; a maintenance facility doing the pre-purchase inspection; maybe a management company onboarding the aircraft; and corporate service providers all involved in a transaction.

We’d also always recommend seeking tax advice. If you don’t know where to look, we’ll point you in the right direction.

Can I choose my crew?

Yes, you can choose your crew. This is an important factor as they’re going to be on the aircraft every time you fly. This is a discussion you’d have with your operator, and you can be involved as much or as little as you want in the selection process. If you don’t have an operator, we recommend you seek out someone who has experience managing a flight department who can assist with finding your crew and managing your schedule and maintenance.

Do I have to travel through the commercial terminal to access my aircraft?

Most airports will have a private terminal or FBO reserved for private jet users. This means no queues at security, minimal interaction with other people, fewer touchpoints and a streamlined journey through the airport and onto your aircraft. At many business aviation terminals you can transfer direct to the aircraft from a car or helicopter, so travelers won’t have to enter a terminal building.

Can I bring my pet on board?

Yes you can, as long as your pet has the relevant permits to travel. This summer, Jetcraft has had a pop-up booth at Nice Airport in the Côte d’Azur, and we have seen many dogs disembarking from private jets with their owners.

Flying privately is entirely flexible and, as well as your pets, it’s much easier to transport many types of luggage on your aircraft, including ski or golf equipment, breakables and valuables – however you are still liable to follow customs regulations when bringing anything in or out of a country.

Everyone is thinking about how to mitigate risk and stay safe while traveling. Speak to your local Jetcraft representative to start your journey towards owning a private aircraft today.

The desirability of an ultra-long-range model is evident from its name. These aircraft are desirable tools to facilitate our increasingly globalized world of business.

So, which of these aircraft are worth considering for your next purchase? Here’s a preview of seven new jets scheduled to enter the market within the next five years…

Gulfstream G500, delivered September 2018

The first G500 delivered on 27 September, 2018. Announced to the public in 2014, it seats up to 19 passengers (the same as the much-loved G450), but has a cruising speed of 561mph and a top speed of 710mph, far surpassing the model it replaces. On a full tank, its range peaks at 5,200nm – 19% farther than the G450 – meaning the G500 can fly nonstop from San Francisco to Tokyo, or LA to London.

Gulfstream G600, expected 2018

The second of Gulfstream’s new twin-engine business jets is due for certification in Q4 2018 and entry into service in early 2019. The G600 is the larger, longer-range one of the pair. Heading to its European debut at EBACE this year, the G600 made the journey from Savannah, Ga., to Geneva while traveling at an average speed of 691mph, setting a city-pair record between the two cities. It has a top range of 6,500nm and seats up to 19 passengers. In both the G500 and G600, cabin comfort is class-leading, with extensive personalization options and signature oval Gulfstream windows that flood the cabin with natural light.

Bombardier Global 7500, expected 2018

Rebranded from the Global 7000 thanks to its better-than-expected performance in the air, the Global 7500 is the largest and longest-range business jet in the 19-seat sector, capable of flying 7,700nm with a top speed of 710mph. The manufacturer made waves earlier this year with the launch of the ‘Nuage’ seat (French for cloud). The Nuage is touted as the first major reinvention of a business aircraft seat in 30 years, and the industry’s first ‘deep recline’ seat – arguably a necessary adjustment in cabin design, given the 16hr flights now on offer. Along with extra comfort, the cabin will also boast extra space with a four section cabin, making it the largest purpose built private jet ever produced.

Bombardier Global 5500, expected 2019

Set to reshape expectations with the widest-in-class cabin, longest range, new purpose-built Rolls-Royce Pearl engine and leading-edge wing technology, the Global 5500 is due to enter service at the of 2019. Bombardier unveiled the new addition during EBACE earlier this year, the 5500 has a class-leading range of just under 6,560 miles, 575 miles greater than the Global 5000. In addition to the extra range, the 5500 will offer as much as 13% better fuel efficient than its predecessor. The aircraft will have a top speed of 594mph and feature the smoothest ride which is the hallmark of the Global models.

Bombardier Global 6500, expected 2019

Similar to the new 5500, the 6500 boasts wide-open living spaces, refined interior design, new purpose-built Rolls-Royce Pearl engine and leading-edge wing technology. The 6500 has an impressive range of 6,600 nautical miles, reaching a top speed of 594mph. The 6500 has better hot and short-runway performances and will be able to fly from Mexico to Spain nonstop. The new aircraft also has a brand-new interior, using technology from its upcoming Global 7500. Passengers will have the Nuage seat, a lounge chair that converts into a flat surface for sleeping or for banquet-style dining at a table, the 5500 also debuts the Nuage seat.

Cessna Citation Longitude, expected 2018

The Citation Longitude has been anticipated for some time, and the aircraft’s clean-sheet design and fully customizable cabin make it an attractive contender in the long-range sector. With a capacity of eight to 12, a maximum range of 3,500nm and a top speed of 548mph, the Longitude is the smallest jet on this list, but with the announcement in April that production has paused on the longer-range Citation Hemisphere, the Longitude is Textron Aviation’s most exciting upcoming launch.

Dassault Falcon 6X, expected 2022

The Falcon 6X, which Dassault describes as the most spacious, advanced and versatile twinjet in business aviation, was only announced back in February. Sitting in the middle of this list in terms of range, the 5,500nm aircraft is largely based on the 5X’s aerodynamics and system features, though it boasts a new engine to allow for extra range and a larger cabin. The cabin is six feet, six inches high and eight feet, six inches wide – the highest and widest cross section in a purpose built business jet. It has a top speed of 690mph, and seats up to 19 passengers in the spacious, airy cabin, replete with skylight.

If you’re looking to invest in a long-range or ultra-long-range jet, please get in touch.

Jetcraft’s 2017 10-year Market Forecast predicted the Large Jet category (comprising the Super Large, ULR and Converted Airliners segments) would account for more than 63% of total revenue for new deliveries from 2017- 2026. We will release our updated forecast later this month. Click here to download the most recent Market Forecast and to subscribe to our News Email List to be notified when the new forecast is released.

All file photos are courtesy of the manufacturers.