Aircraft acquisition today looks very different than it did even a few years ago.
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Buyers have always cared about mission fit, operating cost, and long term value. What’s different today is how tight the market feels when you’re actually in a transaction. Inventory moves quickly. Inspection slots are limited. And small decisions early in the process can have a real impact on cost, timing, and risk later on.
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Because of that, aircraft acquisitions have become less about browsing listings and more about controlling the process. That includes sourcing the right aircraft, managing the inspection and documentation properly, and structuring the deal so there are no surprises after closing.
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The difference shows up in execution. In how quickly the right aircraft can be identified, how cleanly issues are handled during inspection, and how well the transaction is managed from start to finish.
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General aviation activity remains strong, with shipments reaching $31.9B in 2024 and business jet deliveries continuing to increase year over year. That level of activity reinforces the importance of making disciplined buying decisions that protect long term value.
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Below are six principles shaping smarter aircraft acquisition today, and how SOLJETS applies them in real transactions.

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1) Gain earlier access because the best aircraft aren’t always listed
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In today’s pre-owned environment, many of the most desirable aircraft transact quietly. Off-market opportunities often move through relationships, timing, and direct outreach, not public listings.

In practical terms, that means the aircraft you want may never show up in the places most buyers search. Buyers who work with teams actively sourcing and engaging sellers can see opportunities sooner, negotiate from a stronger position, and avoid settling for whatever happens to be publicly available at a given moment.

For buyers who value speed and selection, early access to the right opportunities has become one of the biggest competitive edges in the market.

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2) Buy for how you actually fly, not what is trending
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It’s easy to get swept up in brand reputation, cabin aesthetics, or “what everyone else is buying.” But the smartest acquisitions start with mission clarity:
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• Typical passenger count
  
  
• Runway requirements
  
  
• Range and frequency
  
  
• Home base operating environment
  
  
• Cabin configuration and baggage requirements
  
  

A disciplined acquisition approach forces clarity. The best aircraft is not the one that looks best on paper. It’s the one that completes your mission with the least friction, the highest reliability, and the lowest compromise.

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3) Build the real cost picture before signing anything
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Acquisition price is only one part of ownership.Operating costs, maintenance exposure, program status, and long-term cost per hour can change the entire value equation.

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The most sophisticated buyers today compare aircraft using consistent cost and performance benchmarks to estimate both fixed and variable expenses. This is critical for avoiding unexpected ownership costs that appear after the transaction closes, the kind of surprises that can turn a good purchase into a frustrating one.

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SOLJETS supports smarter acquisition by evaluating transactions through a total-cost lens, not just focusing on the purchase price.

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4) Treat pre-purchase inspections like a negotiation 

Pre-purchase inspections aren’t only technical; they are the point in the transaction where risk is confirmed, allocated, or accepted.

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Inspection findings do not typically reopen the deal. In most transactions, the buyer is already committed to the aircraft and proceeds unless the seller cannot repair discrepancies or a material issue is uncovered. That makes it critical to understand what qualifies as a discrepancy, how issues are documented, and what remedies are available if problems arise.

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That is why buyers need to clearly define inspection scope, standards, and delivery conditions upfront. When something significant is found, the outcome depends less on surprise and more on whether the transaction was structured properly from the beginning.

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In today’s market, this matters more than ever. Timelines are compressed, inspection capacity is limited, and decisions still need to move forward efficiently. A team that actively manages the inspection process helps ensure buyer protections are real, enforceable, and aligned with the agreement.

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5) Acquire with liquidity in mind — resale is part of the plan

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The smartest buyers today are thinking beyond ownership. They are evaluating how today’s purchase decisions will affect flexibility and value later on.

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Aircraft value can be heavily influenced by:

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• Cabin configuration relevance
  
  
• Avionics compliance and upgrade history
  
  
• Connectivity expectations
  
  
• Engine program positioning
  
  
• Maintenance status and pedigree
  
  

In other words, the way an aircraft is purchased, configured, and maintained directly impacts how liquid it will be later.

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A thoughtful acquisition approach helps ensure the aircraft is not only right today, but positioned to remain desirable in a changing market, protecting value and reducing friction when it is time to sell, trade, or upgrade.

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6) Modern buyers expect modern aircraft capability

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Connectivity, productivity, and onboard technology now play a central role buying decisions.

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High-performance inflight internet, upgraded cabin techologu, and true  “flying office” functionality are no longer luxury extras; they’re expected. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing aircraft that can support business operations in the air, keep passengers connected, and meet the experience standards of today’s executives and teams.

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Smarter acquisition means understanding what capability exists at purchase, what can be upgraded later, and how those decisions affect cost, downtime, and long-term value.

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The SOLJETS Advantage: Experience matters, but execution matters more.

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In today’s market, buyers want strategic guidance and confidence that the transaction will be managed cleanly from start to finish. That means clear process, strong communication, and the ability to move decisively when timing matters.

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SOLJETS approaches aircraft acquisition with a focus on control, transparency, and disciplined execution, helping buyers navigate sourcing, inspection, and closing without unnecessary friction or surprises.

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Because buying an aircraft today isn’t about chasing a deal.

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It’s about securing the right aircraft, at the right time, with the right structure and seeing the transaction through from day one.

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