Private Jets and Business Aircraft

Updated Aircraft Buying Guide

2023-11-07T13:31:13-05:00

The latest SherpaReport Aircraft Buying Guide has been published. This updated book provides comprehensive and user-friendly guidance on all aspects of purchasing a private aircraft. The new edition of this one-of-a-kind guide, geared towards individuals and businesses, offers brand new sections as well as updated costs and enhanced information.

What are FBOs And What Services Do They Provide

2023-05-04T11:32:15-04:00

Flying private can be a luxurious and seamless experience thanks to the support of FBOs, or Fixed-Base Operators. FBOs are private terminals that cater exclusively to private aviation, offering a range of services to private aircraft owners and their passengers.

The Largest Fractional Aircraft Operators in 2022

2023-03-01T11:59:58-05:00

The fractional aircraft operators in North America flew over 833,000 hours in 2022. This was an increase of more than 7% compared to 2021, and up about 65% compared to the reduced pandemic levels in 2020. The largest fractional operators, including operators of both jets and turboprops, are ranked and discussed below.

New Guide to Buying a Private Aircraft

2022-10-13T11:34:46-04:00

The new SherpaReport Aircraft Buying Guide is geared towards people looking to buy larger turboprop and jet aircraft, as well as those exploring the idea of acquiring their first piston plane. The detailed book provides comprehensive guidance on all aspects of purchasing a private aircraft.

Used Business Jet Sales Are Surging

2021-08-09T16:12:33-04:00

In March this year, SherpaReport looked at how the market for new business jets showed signs of a strong recovery, from a pandemic induced fall in 2020. In this article, we follow up by exploring the current, booming state of the market for pre-owned business jets.

Chartering a Private Aircraft: Primer for First Time Buyers

2021-01-13T22:18:33-05:00

If you are considering private aviation for your future travels, this article will give you a good introduction to chartering an aircraft for the first time.

Negotiating Fractional Jet Contract Terms

2020-02-27T22:19:09-05:00

SherpaReport talked to two experts in the field of fractional aircraft agreements to find out which terms are negotiable. Between them these advisors have seen hundreds of fractional contracts. Here’s a rundown on the areas to look at if you are buying a share in an aircraft.

An Introduction to Flying on Private Aircraft

2019-09-20T05:29:21-04:00

Private aviation is an attractive alternative to commercial air travel for both business and leisure travelers. But the array of services can be rather daunting to someone who is considering it for the first time. This article provides an introduction to private aviation, designed to help you understand why and how to get the most from your next private plane journey.

New Business Jet Sales Up in 2018

2019-06-05T16:08:00-04:00

The latest data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) shows unit business jet deliveries increased last year. The annual databook reported 703 new business jets sold worldwide in 2018 compared to (a slightly revised) 677 unit sales in 2017. The increase was helped by several recent model introductions. Here are some of the highlights and the sales by manufacturer.

Buying a Jet for Charter Revenue

2019-04-03T12:11:04-04:00

Two people had recently asked me about buying a private jet. Neither of them had owned one before but they had both been given a similar pitch. In each case, the broad offer was: buy a plane, take 100% depreciation, charter it out and have 30-40 hours of free use. So, here’s a look at how viable this concept is.

Chartering a Private Plane? How to Choose the Right Aircraft

2019-01-22T12:53:12-05:00

If you are chartering a private plane for the first time, or even if you have previously chartered, there are several aspects to think through. A lot depends on the number of passengers, and your destination and any special requirements. This article explains the key factors to consider when chartering an aircraft.

New Business Jet Sales Rise Slightly in 2017

2018-06-05T16:08:00-04:00

The sales data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) shows unit business jet deliveries in 2017 grew slightly last year. The annual databook reported 676 new business jets sold worldwide in 2017 compared to (a revised) 667 unit sales in 2016. The increase was helped by several new models entering full service during the year. Here are some of the highlights and the sales by manufacturer.

The Alternatives to Private Jet Cards

2018-04-03T12:51:36-04:00

Jet cards have been getting a lot of press lately, and with good reason. For the right type of flyer, they can save both money and time. But a private jet card may not be the best option for you. It really depends on your flights, and where you fly, how often you fly and when you fly. In this article, we take a look at jet cards and the various alternatives.

The Costs to Own and Operate a Pilatus PC12

2017-09-29T09:20:06-04:00

Pilatus announced the development of the PC-12 at the annual National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in October 1989. Pilatus believed that the PC-12 would fit a new market not served by existing aircraft, namely the King Air series aircraft, and it would be the first single-engine, turbo-prop aircraft capable of a large cabin volume, flying at high speed across long distances.

Deciding Between Fractional Ownership of an Aircraft or Leasing

2017-07-25T10:34:46-04:00

Many of the large fractional jet providers also offer a leasing option. Which one is better for you depends on personal circumstances including investment plans and actual travel needs. SherpaReport talked to some leading providers and advisers to get some different perspectives.

The Costs to Own and Operate a Falcon 7X

2017-06-12T18:29:48-04:00

The Dassault Falcon 7X took its first flight in 2005, and was first delivered to a customer in 2007. This large cabin business jet has a range of almost 6,000 nm. Here’s a breakdown on the costs to buy and operate one.

How to Compare Jet Cards

2017-05-23T10:21:27-04:00

Private jet cards have become increasingly popular. There are a variety of providers who issue the cards and each issuer has somewhat different features. So it is important to spend some time comparing what is available and choosing the one that best suits your needs. Below are some points to consider when purchasing a jet card.

New Business Jet Sales Drop in 2016

2017-05-10T16:08:00-04:00

Sales data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) shows deliveries in 2016 were lower than for several years. The annual databook reported 661 new business jets sold worldwide in 2016 compared to 718 unit sales in 2015. Here are some of the highlights and the sales by manufacturer.

Additional Reasons to Fly Privately

2017-03-31T17:42:37-04:00

We’ve previously written about the main reasons for flying on private jets. These include the time saving, the privacy, the convenience and the flexibility. Recently we’ve heard of a couple more reasons to add to this list. While these additional reasons don’t make compelling cases on their own, they certainly add to the consideration set.

How To Select A Broker to Help Sell Your Jet Aircraft

2017-03-13T11:20:00-04:00

It always amazes me just how many people are caught out when they make the decision to sell their aircraft, but when you look at the array of specialists offering to support the sales process, it is hardly surprising.

It’s often said that in excess of 80%, as many as 85% perhaps, of all jet sales transactions involve an appointed broker, so my primary focus here is to help guide you through this selection process.

Seven Mistakes When Buying An Aircraft

2017-02-27T15:17:40-05:00

Acquiring your own aircraft takes some thought and planning. If you know what you’re doing and have a good team to help you, the process can go fairly smoothly. But, if you haven’t bought a plane before or if you want to try and “wing it”, you can be in for some exciting surprises. Here’s a look at some of the biggest mistakes that can happen along the way.

Updated Forecasts for New Private Jet Sales

2017-01-19T10:39:12-05:00

Looking at the latest ten-year forecasts for the business jet industry, it appears as though the next decade will bring slow growth overall. Several forecasts see a peak within the next five years followed by a downturn, although this decline is softer than has been seen in the past.