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Why Hire a Broker To Buy or Sell an Airplane?

When it comes to a jet, a whole team of outside professionals will typically be involved in the sales transaction to ensure the process goes smoothly. istock/Sierrarat
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Aircraft brokers are essential for navigating complex, unregulated aircraft transactions, offering expertise in valuation, identifying hidden costs and pitfalls (e.g., engine programs, maintenance history), and leveraging industry connections and non-public market data.
  • Professional brokers provide unbiased, specialized sales negotiation and marketing expertise, unlike internal staff (pilots, management companies) who may have conflicts of interest or lack deep market knowledge, ensuring optimal outcomes for buyers and sellers.
  • When selecting a broker, it's crucial to evaluate their comprehensive marketing plan, fee structure transparency, typical sales duration, personal involvement in the transaction, discretion capabilities, industry network, and detailed valuation research methods.
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There’s no recognized certification for aircraft sales brokers, so why hire one in the first place? In fact, there aren’t even certifications or regulations providing consumer protections for aircraft buyers outside of the Universal Commercial Codes and import/export requirements of individual countries. Most aircraft buyers, it is assumed, are sophisticated enough to look out for themselves. However, a good broker can help in an aircraft transaction in a myriad of ways. The trick is finding the right professional to help your transaction go smoothly. We’ll focus on how to select a good one in a moment, but first let’s discuss the role of a broker.

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