Article
How one Phenom 300E owner sold smarter — not slower.
When Market Timing Meets Experience: A Real Phenom 300E Success Story
A short time ago, a longtime jet owner reached out to us for help selling their Phenom 300E. They weren’t in a rush, but they wanted it done right.
They’d spoken with several brokers before us. Most offered big promises and small details. One said, “We’ve got buyers lined up already.” Another assured them, “The market’s hot, just list it and it’ll move.”
If you’ve owned an aircraft before, you’ve heard these lines. What’s often missing is strategy, transparency, and execution.
The Challenge
The aircraft was in excellent condition, but like many owners preparing to sell, the client faced a key decision: Should they invest in a full interior refresh before listing, or sell the aircraft as-is?
It wasn’t a small question. The refresh quotes were over six figures and would take several weeks to complete. Done right, it could enhance appeal. Done wrong, it could waste time and erode margin. Meanwhile, new Phenom 300Es were entering the market, and timing mattered.
The Solution
Rather than guess, we approached it like an investment decision.
We performed a market analysis comparing aircraft with and without recent refurbishments, down to color schemes, materials, and seat configurations. The data was clear: buyers valued authenticity and condition over customization.
We advised the owner to skip the refresh but to complete a detailed interior conditioning and professional photo set that presented the cabin as near-new.
From there, our team built a targeted selling strategy:
- Highlighted the aircraft’s originality and Embraer pedigree
- Structured pricing around high-demand spec combinations
- Engaged verified buyers in our private network, not mass-market tire kickers
The Result
The aircraft sold swiftly, above market average, with no last-minute renegotiations and a smooth, efficient closing. The owner not only saved the cost of refurbishment but gained weeks of valuable time.
As they put it:
“You turned what felt like a coin toss into a clear business decision.”
The Takeaway
Owning a Phenom 300 or 300E isn’t just about flying, it’s about managing a valuable asset. The right representation means knowing when to act, when to wait, and how to read the market in real time.
At The Jet Agent, that’s exactly what we do; protecting your aircraft’s value through data, insight, and precision.
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.
