The largest clients of commercial aircraft brokers are small and start-up airlines. However, any business wanting to buy a commercial aircraft can utilize these services. Brokers in this multi-billion dollar business negotiate leases and sales for clients worldwide.
Commercial aircraft brokers can help you determine the size and type of aircraft you need and then help you buy or lease an aircraft. Leasing an aircraft provides greater flexibility and is the first choice of most businesses. For those who want to own the aircraft, buying a commercial aircraft used through a broker is the cost effective way to go. New aircraft from a manufacturer, such as Boeing or Airbus, is cost prohibitive for most.
When interviewing commercial aircraft sales and leasing (CASL) brokers, keep these things in mind:
- Find a broker with extensive contacts with lenders.
- For fleets, use commercial aircraft brokers who can provide flexible operating leases.
- Work with brokers with experience who conduct a dozen or more transactions each year.
- If you don't or can't do your own maintenance, stick with aircraft leasing companies offering "wet" or ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) commercial aircraft leasing.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Count on the experience and international contacts of large commercial aircraft leasing firms
The largest of the CASL brokers provide the most comprehensive services, including commercial aircrafts for sale, but may not be the best choice for businesses looking to buy or lease a single aircraft.
I recommend: GE Commercial Aviation Services handles large transactions for commercial Boeing and Airbus passenger jets.
International Lease Finance Corporation also handles leasing for small and start-up airlines.
AWAS provides "dry" lease (no crew, insurance, etc.) and sale and leaseback options.
Look to smaller CASL brokers for purchasing and leasing business or private jets
Although smaller commercial aircraft sales and leasing firms don't deal in the same volume as larger ones, they provide the services needed by small businesses. These companies often deal in both jet and turbo-prop commercial aircrafts for sale.
I recommend: Gantt Aviation negotiates several dozen transactions a year and has the necessary industry knowledge and contacts.
O'Gara Aviation Company buys and sells aircraft suitable as private and business jets.
Consider alternative leasing and ownership options
Some companies gear their services for the business traveler. If you want to avoid the high costs of owning or leasing commercial aircraft, consider options such as fractional jet ownership.
I recommend: Netjets pioneered the idea of fractional jet ownership.
XOJET provides additional options for the business and private jet customer.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If you don't understand the terminology used by your commercial aircraft sales and leasing broker, ask for an explanation. You could lose money in the transaction if you don't know what you're agreeing to.
The official source of Commercial Aircraft Sales and Leasing is
the Commercial Aircraft Sales and Leasing page at Business.com
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