Article
From Phenom 300 to Praetor: How One Owner Made the Perfect Transition
Defining What Mattered
Before diving into listings, we sat down to clarify priorities:- Range: nonstop capability beyond 3,000 nm.
- Pedigree: the right ownership and maintenance history to protect long-term value.
- Cabin: space and comfort for clients and employees on longer legs.
- Timing: an upgrade plan that wouldn’t leave him grounded.
- Training: a custom program focused on transitioning smoothly from his Phenom.
Finding the Right Fit
Through our network, we identified an off-market Praetor 500 that checked every box. At the same time, we lined up a buyer for his Phenom 300. The logistics were seamless: he flew his 300 to prebuy, finalized the sale, and stepped directly into his new aircraft—all in the same morning. His downtime? Hours, not months.Training, Tailored
Instead of weeks in a generic program, we coordinated one-on-one instruction tailored to his Phenom background. The result: a confident, efficient transition without wasted time.A Win on All Fronts
Today, he’s enjoying exactly what he hoped for:- Flying nonstop to his expanded business locations without fuel stops.
- A larger, more comfortable cabin for his team and clients.
- The same confidence at altitude, but with mission capability expanded dramatically.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As Senior Sales Director at The Jet Agent, Jon Gilbert, C.M., makes buying and selling jet planes seamless.
A trusted advisor, he guides buyers to the perfect aircraft for their needs while crafting smart strategies that help sellers maximize their returns.
Our clients love Jon’s ability to optimize results. He listens carefully, uncovers what they truly need and delivers tailored solutions—even when they don’t know all the questions to ask!
For Jon, relationships come first. “I take bits of information, piece them together, and craft outcomes that fit each client perfectly,” he says.
His aviation career spans over 20 years. Before joining The Jet Agent, Jon served as President and Director of Sales for Jet Linx, managing a fleet of aircraft. He also led the aviation divisions at two prominent engineering firms.
As a commercial pilot with 2,000+ flight hours under his belt, Jon’s hands-on experience in the flight deck—flying a variety of aircraft, including Citations—adds a unique edge to his aviation expertise.
Jon earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Management from the University of North Dakota. He’s an AAAE Certified Member and serves on its General Aviation Committee. He’s also a corporate member of the National Business Aviation Association, Citation Jet Pilots Association, National Aircraft Finance Association and Colorado Business Aviation Association.
