Why Every Aircraft Buyer Needs a Strategy Session

Buying a new-to-you jet is one of the most exciting milestones in aircraft ownership, but it’s also one of the most complex Too often, a buyer dives straight into the details of make, model, and asking price. Yet they overlook the bigger picture: strategy. And without a strategy, mistakes become costly. That’s where a strategy session makes all the difference.

Clarity Before Commitment

A strategy session pulls you out of the listings and into the bigger questions:

• How has my mission profile changed, and how will it continue to evolve?
• How do the operating costs of the prospective jet compare to my current jet?
• What are the tax consequences of moving to another jet, if any?
• What will be the residual value of the aircraft when the time comes to sell it?
• How do I ensure I’m not missing a critical step so that I make informed decisions at each step of the way?

Getting the insight from an expert in the field will likely lead to insights you may not have considered.

Real-World Example: When a Deal Goes Wrong

Recently, a jet owner came to us with a dilemma: he had sourced his own aircraft, deciding to represent himself rather than use professional representation. During his pre-purchase inspection, major maintenance issues surfaced, leaving him uneasy. He felt trapped. The contract tied his hands, putting his deposit—and possibly a legal battle—on the line. Our team stepped in, unwound the deal, secured the return of his deposit, and sourced a different aircraft. In the end, he bought a better aircraft, one with more value that is well-positioned for easy resale down the road.

Aircraft Buyer: Beware of Hidden Pitfalls

Without a plan, even a smart aircraft buyer can fall into traps:

• Hidden markups inserted by middlemen
• Unexpected maintenance exposure that erases any “good deal” savings
• Aircraft with a “story” (e.g., damage history, corrosion, or stories that hurt value and resale)

A buyer without a plan inserts risk into every step of the process. A strategy session builds that plan, uncovers risks early, and gives you the confidence to move forward wisely.

Turning Ownership into a Journey

Buying a jet isn’t just a transaction; it’s the foundation for years of flying ahead. With the right strategy, your aircraft will match your mission, protect your investment and make your ownership journey smoother from day one. At The Jet Agent, we’ve guided hundreds of aircraft buyers through this process. The end results? Clarity, confidence and a straighter path to their dream aircraft. If you’re attending the CJP Conference, join us for a complimentary strategy session. Not attending? We offer the same sessions virtually by Zoom. Either way, it may be the most valuable hour you invest in your ownership journey this year.