How We Turned Complexity Into a Million Dollar Win
I just got off a call with a longtime client we’ve guided through several stages of jet ownership. Years ago, we found his first aircraft; when his mission expanded, we sold that Citation CJ3 and sourced a Citation CJ4 Gen2 to meet his longer-range needs.
When he asked us to find the newest CJ4 Gen2 at the best possible price, our market intelligence team got to work. Most options were listed in the mid-$12M range. But one stood out: the seller had just dropped the price by $600,000—yet buyers were avoiding it because it was based in Australia and the export/import process seemed daunting.
Where others hesitated, we acted. After electronic logbook review and early due diligence, we made an offer $1M below the reduced ask, contingent on a full inspection. Our technical expert flew to Australia for a detailed cosmetic review, test flight, and mechanical prebuy. We coordinated a U.S. airworthiness certificate and arranged the ferry flight home.
The next day, our client flew his new jet—and loved it.
Fast-forward a year: after analyzing recent CJ4 Gen2 sales and listings, we found his aircraft is now worth about $600,000 more than he paid.
This is what we do at The Jet Agent: uncover overlooked opportunities, navigate complex transactions with confidence, and help our clients end up ahead of the market.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Denise Wilson, CAM, is the founder and President of The Jet Agent. Wilson has more than 25 years of experience in all facets of the aviation industry. This includes 20+ years of flying Citations and other jets in both business aviation and commercial operations, and 18 years assisting clients in the acquisition and sales of jet aircraft.
She previously served as founder & CEO of Desert Jet, collectively consisting of an aircraft acquisitions and sales division, a jet charter and management company, a jet maintenance business, and a popular FBO featuring a newly built private terminal, Desert Jet Center. Under her leadership, the company grew exponentially, ranking on the Inc. 500 list of the nation’s fastest growing, privately-owned companies five consecutive years.
As a jet aircraft broker and acquisition consultant, Wilson provides concierge-level acquisition representation, aircraft sales, and coaching to clients. She authored the Amazon #1 Bestseller “The Insider’s Guide to Buying and Selling Jets.”
