This remarkable achievement marks Jetcraft Asia’s seventh consecutive win, reflecting its enduring commitment to excellence in business aviation.

Commenting on behalf of Jetcraft Asia, Executive Chairman David Dixon expressed his gratitude: “The Icons of Aviation Awards is a fantastic evening and a wonderful place to connect with our industry partners and friends across Asia. It is always an honor to be recognized by our industry associates and partners but especially so when this is the seventh year in succession.

“I am truly appreciative of the support and confidence shown in Jetcraft not just in Asia but worldwide. This is also a recognition of the entire team Jetcraft has in place.”

Jetcraft Asia remains committed to setting the highest standards in business aircraft sales, acquisitions, and trading, shaping the future of aviation in the region and beyond.

Gulbas will oversee the Italian, Scandinavian, Eastern European, and Baltic regions, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and regional expertise to Jetcraft’s European clients. Prior to joining Jetcraft, Gulbas worked with leading European business aviation companies, developing a strong reputation for delivering tailored solutions to clients and driving growth in her regions.

Pascal Bachmann, SVP Sales, EMEA, says: “Europe continues to be critical for Jetcraft, with sustained demand for business aviation. Anna’s deep understanding of the market, combined with her dedication to exceptional client service reinforces our commitment to meeting the needs of this region. We’re confident our customers across Europe will benefit from enhanced insights and Jetcraft’s world-class service as we continue to expand our presence.”

Gulbas’ appointment follows the recent transition of Sean O’Leary to Regional Vice President for the East Coast US, ensuring the company is strategically positioned to best serve its customers in both North America and EMEA.

Bachmann adds: “The formation of our new EMEA structure is another significant step in Jetcraft’s growth, following Sean O’Leary’s promotion. With Anna joining the team, we’re well-placed to push boundaries and deliver even greater value to our customers in these important markets.”

This appointment completes Jetcraft’s refreshed EMEA sales structure, which also includes Massimo Burotti, Sales Director for Austria, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Great Britain and Idriss Abdelaziz, Sales Director for Southern Europe, Northern Africa, Switzerland.

As two of Jetcraft’s top Sales Directors, Hollingsworth and O’Leary’s promotions recognize their excellence in structuring some of business aviation’s most complex, cross-border transactions, with the new strategic leadership positions enhancing the company’s offer of unparalleled service, complemented by on-the-ground market intelligence.

Dan Kilkeary, SVP Sales, Americas at Jetcraft, says: “Following years of confident organic and inorganic business expansion, these appointments are another piece in the intricate global Jetcraft puzzle, strategically designed to deliver excellence for our clients.

“With the US continuing to lead demand for pre-owned business jets, I’m certain that Chris and Sean will, as Regional Vice Presidents, help us take the next step in our North American growth trajectory. Their unstoppable attitude, industry knowledge, and dedication to the high standards for which Jetcraft is renowned, promise a bright future for the US team and our customers.”

The Midwest (East and West) and South Central US territories will be led by Chris Hollingsworth as RVP for the Central US, bringing extensive local and industry knowledge from his 15 years at Jetcraft, most recently as Sales Director for the South Central US.

As RVP for the East Coast US, Sean O’Leary will lead business development in Jetcraft’s Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast US territories, following a successful career as a Sales Director managing Northern Europe transactions.

The appointments are effective October 1 2024 with a third Regional Vice President for Jetcraft in the West Coast US set to be announced in due course.

Raphael Haddad, President, Jetcraft Commercial, says: “Fiona is a powerhouse in the world of commercial aviation, with a career that spans the world’s largest lessors, and access to a global customer network.

“At Jetcraft Commercial, we have a proven record of carrying out large, strategic fleet acquisitions and turning these into global aircraft placements to fuel aviation opportunities. Fiona’s appointment enriches our approach and we’re confident she will be an asset to our team.”

Prior to joining Jetcraft Commercial, O’Malley spent 12 years at Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), serving as Vice President Commercial Operations and latterly as Vice President Sales & Marketing where she was responsible for more than 300 aircraft worth over US$2BN in value, while also managing complex restructurings with key customers. Earlier in her career, she also worked as Vice President Marketing & Sales at AerCap, leading the placement of aircraft in Eastern Europe.

In her new role, O’Malley will help drive Jetcraft Commercial’s fleet acquisition strategy and support the firms’ airline and lessor customers to transition their fleets.

Fiona O’Malley, VP Fleet Acquisitions, Jetcraft Commercial, adds: “Jetcraft Commercial is thriving. With a leading position in the regional jet and turboprop markets, and growing presence in narrowbody trading, the team has the ability to source inventory that others can’t. I’m looking forward to being part of such a dynamic team.”

O’Malley marks the second addition to Jetcraft Commercial in recent weeks, following the appointment of Sales Manager, Didi Kamilova, to capitalize on growing demand across Central Asia and the Middle East. Kamilova joins the company after spending five years as a Corporate Account Manager with Jetex, supporting sales strategies and client relationships across the Middle East, Central Asia and Europe.

Raphael Haddad, Fiona O’Malley, and Didi Kamilova will attend ISTAT EMEA in Istanbul from 22-24 September.

Business aircraft are spending less time for sale than ever before, according to the latest edition of the Pre-Owned Business Jet Market Forecast by Jetcraft.

The report shows that in 2022-2023, aircraft spent an average of 129 days on the market compared to 233 days in 2018-2019, driven by unprecedented post-pandemic demand. Furthermore, the data affirms that the industry is in a much-needed market correction period, with a dip in both volume and value in 2023. However, ongoing transaction volumes are similar to 2019 levels, while values remain higher than the pre-pandemic peak, with an expected 59% increase in total transaction value between 2019 and 2028.

Chad Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Jetcraft says: “For the first time, we’re including an analysis of market dynamics in the Pre-Owned Business Jet Market Forecast. As our data shows, since 2022 the number of days an aircraft spends on the market has decreased by almost half – due to borders opening and international travel resuming, along with buyers making faster, more emotional purchase decisions due to increased demand. We expect transaction rates will settle at this new level, even with more inventory available, culminating in a total forecast revenue of $15.6B annually by 2028.”

Among the report’s key findings is a continued rise in younger buyers, with 28% of Jetcraft buyers now aged under 45 years old (a 14% increase since 2019), averaging $13M per transaction. The Middle East and Africa boast the greatest proportion of younger buyers, due to the growth of UHNWIs in these regions.

Jahid Fazal-Karim, Owner and Chairman of the Board, Jetcraft, adds: “Our data has gone from strength to strength since the Market Forecast’s inception in 2015. We were the first to report the rise in buyers under 45 as a contributing factor to the growth of our industry and this demographic continues to be influential. Their market share has almost doubled since 2015, caused by a shift in generational wealth and the continued rise of billionaires in the tech space.

“As Jetcraft evolves, so too does our expertise in analyzing and interpreting the data, allowing us to make increasingly accurate predictions for the years ahead and provide deep analysis of the trends driving our dynamic industry.”

For full graphs and additional insight, download the Pre-Owned Business Jet Market Forecast here.

Niki Rokni, Partner and Head of Aircraft Sales at AXON, says: “Jetcraft is the global leader in business jet transactions and is a natural fit to take on our respected clients. The AXON team will remain the same, now with additional focus on our commercial aircraft sales and leasing services.”

The handover follows many years of successful collaboration between AXON and Jetcraft in navigating complex transactions around the world. AXON, who specialize in exclusive, off-market listings, will continue to work hand in hand with each customer to provide a seamless transition.

Jahid Fazal-Karim, Owner and Chairman of the Board at Jetcraft says: “I want to thank Niki and all at AXON for placing their trust in us. Jetcraft is a global force in the industry, offering the best-in-class service for aircraft sales, acquisitions and trades. By taking on AXON’s elite customer base and quality aircraft we continue our growth trajectory, providing the expertise nobody else can match.”

Pictured: Niki Rokni, Partner and Head of Aircraft Sales at AXON with Jahid Fazal-Karin, Owner and Chairman of the Board at Jetcraft

Provided by Pan-African banking firm Absa Group Limited, the new credit facility will ensure Jetcraft Commercial builds upon its strong track record in facilitating multi-layered, complex transactions with airlines worldwide.

Marc Meloche, Managing Director, Aviation Finance, Jetcraft Commercial, says: “The trust placed in the capabilities of Jetcraft Commercial by our customers has seen our deal volume increase by more than 70% in the past year.

“Establishing new lines of credit gives us additional opportunities to support our customers in their aircraft purchases and build on our recent successes. Absa’s commitment proves Jetcraft Commercial’s standing as a business, giving airlines total confidence in our ability to deliver and meet their needs.”

Morne Visagie, Senior Investment Banker at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking, says: “Jetcraft Commercial has an excellent track record of closing deals between multiple parties and we’re proud to support the business in reaching its next phase of growth, ensuring it has the financing solutions to seize opportunities quickly and expand into new and developing markets.”

Presented during AsBAA’s Icons of Aviation 2023 gala dinner on Saturday 11th November, Jetcraft Asia’s president David Dixon accepted the award on behalf of everyone in the company, which Jetcraft first won in 2015.

Commenting on the award afterwards David Dixon stressed that: “The whole team is so pleased the Icons of Aviation awards are back. It’s always a fantastic evening and a pleasure to connect with our friends in business aviation, especially in Asia. Any win is an enormous achievement and to be named Best Aircraft Broker for the sixth time is incredibly humbling, especially since this award is voted for by our peers.

“We have an outstanding team here at Jetcraft Asia and with the region continuing to bounce back we are committed to setting standards that shape the industry, delivering aircraft sales, acquisitions, and trading at the Speed of Life. Thank you all.”

Asad Rahman, Jetquity’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The Protect Program is about instilling confidence and clarity in aircraft ownership. By letting owners know their exit price, we’re revolutionizing the buying and selling process in the aviation world. As part of our objective to align with the most esteemed names in business aviation, we’re thrilled to partner with Jetcraft as the first aviation specialist to bring the Protect Program to its clientele.”

Jahid Fazal-Karim, Owner and Chairman of the Board, Jetcraft, adds: “Today’s pre-owned jet marketplace is extremely complex, and at Jetcraft, we’re committed to harnessing innovative technology to benefit our clients. Through Jetquity’s Protect Program, we’re offering our customers the peace of mind that comes with knowing their aircraft’s future resale value, and when they are ready to sell their investment, access to Jetcraft’s market-leading intelligence and strategic financing solutions to support even the most complex of transactions.”

Launched in spring 2023, Jetquity’s Residual Value Protect Program is designed to safeguard a client’s business jet investment against market volatility. Owners are able to select the duration of the program (from one to 10 years), and offered an end of term minimum exit price for their aircraft as part of a single premium. The integration of the Protect Program into service offerings, sets new standards in the aviation landscape, promising a streamlined, transparent, and enhanced buying and selling experience for business aircraft owners worldwide.