Buying a private jet is an acquisition — not a purchase. The process involves mission analysis, market research, broker selection, pre-purchase inspection, legal structuring, and closing. Done correctly, it takes 60–120 days. Done incorrectly, it costs you years of headaches.
Define Your Mission
How many hours will you fly annually? What are your typical routes? How many passengers? What runway lengths do you need? These answers determine whether you need a light jet, midsize, super-midsize, or heavy jet — and whether you should buy at all.
New vs Pre-Owned
New aircraft offer warranty coverage and the latest avionics but require 18–36 month delivery timelines. Pre-owned aircraft are available immediately at 40–70% of new pricing but require thorough inspection. Most buyers purchase pre-owned.
The Pre-Purchase Inspection
Never skip this. An independent maintenance facility inspects the airframe, engines, avionics, and maintenance records. Cost: $25,000–$75,000 depending on aircraft type. This investment has saved buyers millions by revealing hidden maintenance issues.
Ownership Structure
Most buyers hold aircraft in a single-purpose LLC for liability protection and tax optimization. Discuss Section 179 bonus depreciation with your tax advisor — it can significantly offset acquisition cost in year one.
Total Cost of Ownership
The purchase price is 30–40% of your first-year cost. Budget for: crew salaries ($150,000–$300,000/yr), insurance ($15,000–$50,000/yr), hangar ($30,000–$150,000/yr), maintenance reserves ($200,000–$500,000/yr), and fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Light jets: $3–$10 million. Midsize: $8–$20 million. Heavy jets: $20–$65 million. Ultra-long-range: $45–$75 million.
Pre-owned offers better value for most buyers. New makes sense if you need specific configurations, want warranty coverage, or fly 400+ hours annually.
An independent examination of the aircraft's airframe, engines, avionics, and maintenance history by a qualified maintenance facility. It typically takes 5–10 business days.
Strongly recommended. Brokers provide market intelligence, negotiate pricing, coordinate inspections, and manage the closing process.
60–120 days from offer to closing, including the pre-purchase inspection, legal structuring, and financing arrangements.
Annual operating costs typically equal 10–15% of the aircraft's purchase price. A $10 million jet costs approximately $1–$1.5 million per year to operate.
Yes. Aircraft financing is available from specialized lenders. Typical terms: 10–20% down payment, 10–15 year terms, competitive interest rates.
Aircraft depreciate over 5–7 years under MACRS. Section 179 bonus depreciation may allow first-year write-off of the entire purchase price. Consult your tax advisor.
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Our team provides straightforward guidance on charter, acquisition, and sales — no pressure, no performance.