Why List with Plane Selection
Selling a private aircraft requires more than posting an advertisement and waiting for inquiries. The pre-owned jet market is global, complex, and competitive — with hundreds of similar aircraft vying for buyer attention at any given time. The difference between a successful sale at market value and a protracted listing that eventually sells below expectations often comes down to one factor: the quality of your broker.
Plane Selection brings three critical advantages to every sale:
- Global buyer network: With operations spanning 49 countries and deep relationships in Europe, the Middle East, CIS, Africa, and Asia, we reach buyers that local brokers cannot access. A significant percentage of our sales involve cross-border transactions where buyer and seller are on different continents.
- Professional marketing: Every listing receives a comprehensive marketing package — professional photography, detailed specification sheets, maintenance programme summaries, and targeted exposure on industry platforms and through our private network.
- Transaction expertise: From initial valuation through buyer qualification, inspection management, negotiation, and closing — we handle the complexity so you do not have to.
The Selling Process
1. Valuation
Every successful sale starts with an accurate valuation. We assess your aircraft using current market data, comparable recent transactions, the aircraft's specific condition and maintenance status, and our knowledge of buyer demand for the type. The valuation determines the listing price — aggressive enough to attract serious interest, realistic enough to close within your target timeframe.
Our valuation considers factors that generic online tools miss: upcoming maintenance events, avionics mandate compliance, specific modification history, and regional demand patterns. See our Aircraft Valuation page for details on our methodology.
2. Preparation
Before going to market, we ensure your aircraft presents at its best:
- Professional exterior and interior photography
- Detailed specification sheet with performance data, interior layout, and equipment list
- Maintenance summary highlighting programme enrolments, recent inspections, and engine status
- Records review to identify and address any documentation gaps
- Cosmetic recommendations where minor investments (detail cleaning, seat touch-ups) can meaningfully improve buyer perception
3. Marketing
We deploy a multi-channel marketing strategy tailored to your aircraft type and target buyer profile:
- Industry platforms: Controller, AvBuyer, JetNet, and regional listing services
- Private network: Direct outreach to qualified buyers, operators, and brokers in our database
- Targeted campaigns: Email campaigns to specific buyer segments most likely to be interested in your aircraft type
- Trade shows and events: Representation at NBAA-BACE, EBACE, MEBAA, and regional aviation events
- Discreet marketing: For clients requiring confidentiality, we market the aircraft without revealing ownership details, using blind specifications and controlled enquiry processes
4. Buyer Qualification
Not every inquiry deserves your time. We qualify all interested parties before arranging inspections or sharing detailed information:
- Financial capability verification (proof of funds or financing pre-approval)
- Buyer's intended use and operational capability
- Timeline and decision-making process
- Representation status (principal or broker acting for a client)
This filtering saves weeks of wasted time with window-shoppers and ensures that every showing is to a serious, capable buyer.
5. Negotiation
When a qualified buyer submits a letter of intent (LOI), we negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best terms. Our negotiation covers price, inspection scope and location, timeline, deposit structure, and any conditions or contingencies. We draw on current market data and recent comparable transactions to justify the asking price and resist unreasonable discount requests.
6. Inspection and Closing
The buyer conducts a pre-purchase inspection (typically at a manufacturer-authorised centre). We coordinate the inspection logistics, represent your interests during the process, and negotiate any discrepancy findings. Once inspection items are resolved, we manage closing — escrow, bill of sale, title transfer, de-registration, and handover — ensuring a clean, complete transaction.
Confidentiality
Many aircraft owners require absolute discretion when selling. Business competitors, investors, media, and the general public should not know you are selling your jet. Plane Selection offers a fully confidential sales process:
- Blind listings without identifying the owner or operator
- NDA requirements before sharing detailed specifications
- Controlled viewing and inspection access
- Anonymous communication channels through our office
- Closing structures that minimise public record exposure
Your privacy is protected at every stage, from listing to handover.
Market Timing
When to sell matters. Aircraft values fluctuate based on fuel prices, economic conditions, manufacturer announcements, and seasonal demand. Our market intelligence helps you choose the optimal time to list:
- Pre-owned inventory levels relative to historical averages
- Days-on-market trends for your aircraft type
- New-build delivery delays (which drive pre-owned demand)
- Regional economic conditions in key buyer markets
- Upcoming maintenance events that affect your aircraft's value
Sometimes the best advice is to wait three months. We will tell you honestly.
What Sellers Typically Ask
How long will it take to sell?
The global average days-on-market for pre-owned business jets is approximately 6–12 months, but this varies significantly by aircraft type, condition, and pricing. Well-priced, well-maintained aircraft in high-demand categories (large-cabin, late-model) can sell in weeks. Niche types or overpriced listings may take longer. We set realistic expectations during the valuation stage.
What does brokerage cost?
We work on a success-fee basis — you pay only when the aircraft sells. Our commission is a percentage of the sale price, agreed upfront in the listing agreement. There are no monthly retainers, no marketing fees, and no hidden charges. Our interests are fully aligned with yours: the higher the sale price, the better for both of us.
Should I complete upcoming maintenance before selling?
It depends. In some cases, completing a major inspection before listing increases the aircraft's marketability and net value. In others, selling "as is" and adjusting the price is more cost-effective. We analyse the specific situation — the cost of the inspection, the impact on buyer perception, and the effect on pricing — and advise accordingly.
Ready to Sell?
If you are considering selling your aircraft, start with a no-obligation valuation. We will assess your aircraft's current market position, recommend a listing strategy, and give you an honest timeline. Whether you are selling to upgrade, to exit ownership, or to consolidate a fleet, Plane Selection makes the process professional, efficient, and confidential.


