A SOLJETS guide to smarter buying, lower risk, and stronger resale

‍

When buyers evaluate a private aircraft, it’s easy to focus on the obvious metrics: year, total time, cabin condition, range, or avionics upgrades. But in today’s acquisition environment, experienced teams look deeper because the real value of a jet isn’t just what it costs to buy.

‍

It’s what it costs to own.

‍

That’s why maintenance programs play such a critical role in purchase decisions today, especially in a more disciplined 2026 market. Whether it’s an engine program, APU coverage, avionics support, or scheduled maintenance planning, these agreements can protect cash flow, reduce surprises, and directly influence resale value.

‍

At SOLJETS, maintenance evaluation isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s a fundamental part of protecting clients during acquisition and one of the most overlooked components by first-time and repeat buyers.

‍

Here’s how maintenance program value is evaluated before a purchase, and what every aircraft buyer should understand before signing.

‍

1) Maintenance is treated like a financial asset — not just a service plan

‍

Some buyers see maintenance programs as a monthly bill. Experienced advisors see them as a value lever.

‍

A strong maintenance program can act like insurance against major expenses, giving a buyer predictable operating costs and removing uncertainty from ownership. In many cases, it also becomes part of the aircraft’s financial profile when it’s time to sell.

‍

Dealers evaluate questions like:
‍

• Does the program reduce downside risk?
  
  
• Does it stabilize costs year-over-year?
  
  
• Will future buyers view the aircraft as easier and safer to own?
  
  

In short, maintenance isn’t just support — it’s part of the aircraft’s financial story.

‍

2) Engine programs are evaluated first — because engines drive the biggest risk

‍

Engines are often the single largest cost exposure in aircraft ownership. That’s why engine program status is evaluated early in the acquisition process.

‍

The key isn’t just whether the aircraft is “on program,” but which program, under what terms, and with what flexibility. A thorough review includes:

‍

• Current hourly rate and escalation terms
  
  
• Coverage scope (what’s included vs excluded)
  
  
• Restoration requirements and compliance rules
  
  
• Transfer fees and whether transfer is guaranteed
  
  
• Usage limits, penalties, and contractual details buried in the fine print

‍

An aircraft may look like a great deal at purchase price — but if the engine program is expensive, restrictive, or difficult to transfer, the long-term cost picture can shift quickly.

‍

3) Transferability matters more than buyers realize

‍

One of the most common assumptions buyers make is that a maintenance program will automatically transfer at the same rate and terms. In reality, many programs have conditions that change materially after a sale.

‍

A proper evaluation confirms:

‍

• Is the program transferable to a new owner?
  
  
• Will the rate remain the same after transfer?
  
  
• Is there a required inspection or buy-in fee?
  
  
• Is there a defined timeline tied to closing?

‍

From a market perspective, a non-transferable or restructured program can reduce liquidity meaning fewer qualified buyers later and less leverage during resale negotiations.

‍

4) APU and major components often define the “true operating cost”

‍

Engines get the spotlight, but APU coverage and major component protection often determine how predictable ownership actually is.

‍

Why? Because APUs and components tend to fail quietly and expensively.

‍

Dealers examine:
‍

• APU total time and maintenance history
  
  
• Whether the APU is covered under a program
  
  
• Major component status
  
  
• Coverage caps and exclusions
  
  

Even a well-presented aircraft can carry hidden risk if major components are poorly protected turning ownership into a reactive, rather than planned, financial experience.

‍

5) Program value is evaluated against utilization — not industry averages

‍

A maintenance program that works well for one owner may not make sense for another.

‍

Evaluation considers how the aircraft will actually be operated, including:
‍

• Annual flight hours
  
  
• Typical flight length
  
  
• Operating environment
  
  
• Expected ownership horizon, not just mission profile
  
  

For higher-utilization owners, predictable hourly coverage can be a major advantage. For lower-utilization owners, certain programs may add cost without delivering proportional benefit.

The goal isn’t to “buy coverage.” It’s to align coverage with real-world use.

‍

‍

6) Maintenance status impacts resale confidence more than cosmetic upgrades

‍

Fresh paint attracts attention. A clean maintenance profile supports value.

‍

In 2026, buyers are more educated, more cautious, and more data-driven. Many prioritize aircraft with:
‍

• Clear maintenance forecasting
  
  
• Strong program coverage
  
  
• Minimal near-term heavy events
  
  
• Well-documented service history
  
  

Aircraft that present as stable, predictable, and straightforward to own consistently outperform cosmetically upgraded alternatives when it comes time to sell.

‍

Why SOLJETS Focuses on Maintenance From Day One

At SOLJETS, we don’t just help clients find aircraft. We help them understand the full ownership picture before they commit.

That perspective comes from years of evaluating transactions through the lens of total cost, risk exposure, and future marketability, not just acquisition price.

‍

Maintenance programs influence far more than operating expenses. They shape ownership confidence, cash-flow predictability, and exit flexibility. Identifying program risk early allows buyers to make informed decisions or renegotiate from a position of strength.

‍

If you’re considering a purchase in 2026, the smartest question isn’t only, “How much is the aircraft?” 

‍

It’s: What will it cost to own, protect, and eventually resell, and how confident am I in that forecast?

That’s the clarity SOLJETS is built to deliver.

‍