Aircraft sales & acquisitions
Aircraft sales and acquisitions: buying or selling a private jet
We represent buyers and sellers through the full transaction — sourcing, technical due diligence, negotiation, escrow, and delivery — with access to aircraft that never reach a public listing.
More than sixty aircraft transactions since 2019
- 60+Aircraft transactions completed
- Since 2019In the market
- US · UAE · KSACore transaction markets
- Off-marketAccess beyond public listings
What this service covers
Certified Jets is an aircraft broker. We act for owners who want to sell and for buyers who want to acquire, from the first valuation or mission profile through to delivery. On a sale that means pricing, records preparation, marketing and buyer screening. On a purchase it means the search, the shortlist, the offer, the inspection and the closing. Depending on the deal we may act for the buyer, the seller, or both, and we say which before you engage us.
We do not operate aircraft. Where an aircraft flies under charter after the sale, the flight is operated by a licensed air carrier that holds operational control. Where it goes under management, the operator of record holds operational control of each flight.
Acquisition representation
Most buyers start with an aircraft in mind. We start with the mission, because the wrong type bought well is still the wrong aircraft.
Mission profile
Typical routes, passenger loads, runway constraints, and how often the aircraft actually flies. This determines category before it determines model.
Market search
Public listings, dealer inventory, and off-market aircraft surfaced through our global network.
Shortlist and comparison
Candidates compared on condition, records, programme enrolment, and true operating cost — not headline price.
Offer and LOI
Letter of intent drafted and negotiated, deposit placed into escrow, inspection scope and acceptance criteria agreed.
Pre-purchase inspection
Facility selected, inspection attended and managed, discrepancies categorised and negotiated to a corrective agreement.
Closing and delivery
Purchase agreement, escrow release, registration, import and export, and delivery — with post-closing setup for crew, insurance, and management where needed.
Sales representation
An aircraft sells on records and preparation as much as on price. Most of the work happens before it is marketed.
Before listing
- Market valuation and pricing strategy
- Technical records review and work on any gaps
- Maintenance status assessment
- Presentation and specification package
Marketing
- Global exposure through our network
- Discreet or off-market where preferred
- Buyer qualification and screening
- Enquiry handling and viewings
Transaction
- Offer evaluation and negotiation
- LOI and purchase agreement support
- Pre-purchase inspection management
- Discrepancy negotiation
Closing
- Escrow coordination
- Deregistration and export
- Title and lien clearance support
- Delivery and handover
What a transaction costs
The broker’s fee is set case by case against the value of the aircraft, the complexity of the transaction and the scope of work, and it is agreed in writing before any marketing or search begins. It is paid as that agreement sets out, and it should never be a surprise at closing. We work on exclusive mandates and on commission-based engagements, and we will tell you which suits your aircraft and timeline.
Around the fee, a transaction involves third-party work that we coordinate: the pre-purchase inspection at a facility, correction of any discrepancies agreed after it, escrow, registration and import or export, title and lien clearance, and legal and tax advice. These depend on the aircraft, its records and the jurisdictions involved.
For a buyer, the figure that matters most is not the headline price. We compare candidates on true operating cost. In our view, the cheapest listed aircraft can be the most expensive one to own.
Market illustrations
A mid-size example. Our Hawker 800XP market report looks at why aircraft of the same type carry very different asking prices: engine programme enrolment, maintenance status, avionics, damage history and records quality matter more than the model year alone.
A flagship example. At the top of the market, indicative new prices are about $85.0 million for the Bombardier Global 8000 and about $84.9 million for the Gulfstream G700 (BCA equipped prices, Q1 2026; indicative, not quotes). Final prices depend on specification and delivery position. See most expensive private jets in 2026.
These are market illustrations, not valuations of any particular aircraft and not predictions.
How we are engaged
Straight answers to what clients ask before appointing a broker.
Exclusive mandate or commission?
Both, depending on the assignment. We work on exclusive mandates and on commission-based engagements, and we will tell you which structure suits your aircraft and timeline rather than defaulting to whichever favours us.
What does it cost?
Fees are set case by case against aircraft value, complexity, and the scope of work involved. Agreed in writing before any marketing or search begins — never deducted as a surprise at closing.
Do you take both sides?
Depending on the deal, yes. We may act for the buyer, the seller, or both.
What have you transacted?
Aircraft we are currently representing, and mandates we are actively searching against, are published on our inventory page. For completed transactions, ask your advisor — client confidentiality means we discuss those privately rather than publishing them.
Who else is involved?
Title and escrow agents, aviation counsel, inspection facilities, and tax advisors. We coordinate them; we do not replace them, and we will say plainly when a question belongs with your lawyer rather than your broker.
Can an aircraft be sold off market?
Yes. Discreet or off-market marketing is available where the owner prefers it, and our network gives access to aircraft that are never publicly listed.
Who inspects the aircraft?
A pre-purchase inspection is carried out at a facility selected for the aircraft. We attend and manage it, categorise discrepancies and negotiate a corrective agreement.
Which work belongs with my lawyer rather than my broker?
Legal structuring, title and tax questions. We coordinate counsel, escrow agents and tax advisors alongside the transaction and will say plainly when a question is theirs.
Discuss a mandate
Buying, selling, or still deciding which. Tell us the aircraft or the mission and an advisor will come back to you directly.