Buyer's Guide

How to Sell a Private Jet


Guide to selling a private jet. Valuation, preparation, marketing strategies, broker selection, and managing buyer inspections.

Selling a private jet requires preparation, pricing discipline, and patience. The aircraft market is transparent — buyers have access to the same data you do. Your advantage comes from aircraft condition, complete records, and realistic pricing.

Valuation

Get a professional appraisal from an ASA-certified appraiser. Cross-reference with recent comparable sales. Bluebook values provide a baseline but may not reflect current market conditions. Price within 5% of market or expect extended time on market.

Preparation

Complete all open maintenance items. Detail the interior and exterior. Organize maintenance logbooks chronologically. Professional photography and a detailed specification sheet increase buyer confidence and reduce time to sale.

Marketing Strategy

List on major platforms (Controller, AvBuyer, GlobalAir). Work with a broker who has an active buyer network. Off-market listings protect privacy but limit exposure. The best brokers combine both approaches.

Managing the Sale

Expect 3–12 months for a standard sale. Be prepared for buyer pre-purchase inspections — they will find issues. Negotiate resolution fairly. Clean, well-maintained aircraft with complete records sell faster and closer to asking price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Average time on market is 6–12 months. Well-priced, well-maintained aircraft can sell in 60–90 days. Overpriced aircraft may take 18+ months.

Yes. Brokers provide market exposure, qualified buyer screening, negotiation expertise, and transaction management.

Typically 1–3% of the sale price for exclusive listings. Some charge flat fees. Negotiate terms before signing a listing agreement.

Professional appraisal plus analysis of comparable recent sales. Pricing within 5% of fair market value attracts serious buyers.

Yes. Completing open maintenance items, particularly engine programs and inspections, increases buyer confidence and sale price.

Complete maintenance logbooks, airworthiness directives compliance, service bulletin status, damage history (if any), and ownership chain.

Yes. Off-market sales protect privacy and avoid public price discussions. The trade-off is reduced buyer exposure.

Capital gains tax may apply. Consult your tax advisor before listing. Structuring the sale through your aircraft LLC may offer optimization opportunities.

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