The 6-Step Acquisition Process

Every aircraft purchase we manage follows a proven six-step process. This structured approach protects your investment, minimises risk, and ensures you acquire the right aircraft at the right price.

Step 1: Needs Analysis

Before we look at a single aircraft, we need to understand your mission. This is the most important step in the process — get it right, and everything else follows logically. Get it wrong, and you risk buying an aircraft that does not serve your actual needs.

During the needs analysis, we explore:

• Typical routes: Where do you fly most often? What are your longest regular missions? Do you need non-stop capability for specific city pairs?
• Passenger load: How many people typically travel with you? Do you need to accommodate staff, security, or family members?
• Cabin requirements: Do you need a bedroom for long flights? A conference table for work? An entertainment system for family travel?
• Budget: What is your acquisition budget? What are you comfortable spending annually on operations, maintenance, and management?
• Operational base: Where will the aircraft be hangared? This affects registration options, maintenance access, and crew availability.
• Usage frequency: How many hours per year do you expect to fly? Below 200–300 hours annually, charter or fractional ownership may be more cost-effective than full ownership.

Based on this analysis, we recommend specific aircraft types that fit your profile. Often, clients come to us with a specific model in mind and leave with a different recommendation that better serves their actual needs.

Step 2: Market Search

With target aircraft types identified, we conduct a comprehensive global market search. Our sources include:

• Industry listing platforms (Controller, AvBuyer, JetNet, AMSTAT)
• Manufacturer resale programmes and pre-owned inventories
• Off-market aircraft available through our private broker network
• Distressed sales, estate liquidations, and bank repossessions
• Trade-in opportunities where upgrading owners are motivated sellers

A significant percentage of the best aircraft opportunities never appear on public listings. Our network of operator contacts, management companies, and fellow brokers across 49 countries gives us access to these hidden opportunities.

Step 3: Shortlisting and Evaluation

Not every aircraft that matches your type preference is worth pursuing. We evaluate each candidate against a comprehensive set of criteria:

• Maintenance status: Where is the aircraft in its major inspection cycles? Are upcoming events priced into the asking price? Is the maintenance programme current and well-documented?
• Total time and cycles: Airframe hours and landing cycles relative to the aircraft's age. Low-time aircraft are not always better — an aircraft that has been sitting idle may have corrosion and systems degradation issues.
• Pedigree: Ownership history, operational use (charter vs. private), geographic location (corrosive environments), and accident/incident history.
• Avionics and modifications: Are the avionics current and mandate-compliant? Have beneficial modifications (winglets, engine upgrades, interior refreshes) been installed?
• Compliance: Is the aircraft compliant with current Airworthiness Directives, Service Bulletins, and regional mandates (ADS-B Out, 8.33 kHz, RVSM)?

You receive a shortlist of 3–5 aircraft with our professional assessment, enabling an informed decision on which to pursue.

Step 4: Pre-Purchase Inspection

Once you select a preferred aircraft, we coordinate a pre-purchase inspection at a manufacturer-authorised service centre. This is a comprehensive examination that typically takes 2–4 weeks and covers airframe structure, engines (including borescope), landing gear, avionics, interior condition, and a complete records audit. See our dedicated Pre-Purchase Inspection page for full details.

Step 5: Negotiation

Armed with the inspection report and current market data, we negotiate on your behalf. Our approach is firm but fair — we aim for a price that reflects the aircraft's true condition and market position. Negotiation points typically include:

• Purchase price adjustment based on inspection findings
• Seller's responsibility for rectification work identified during inspection
• Maintenance programme enrolment and transfer
• Warranty provisions on recent work
• Delivery conditions (fuel, consumables, cosmetic items)
• Closing timeline and escrow arrangements

Step 6: Closing and Delivery

The closing process involves multiple parallel workstreams that must be coordinated precisely:

• Title search to confirm clear ownership and no liens
• Escrow account setup and fund transfer
• Bill of sale execution
• De-registration from the seller's registry and re-registration in your name
• Export certificate of airworthiness (if changing jurisdiction)
• Import customs clearance and duty payment (where applicable)
• Insurance placement effective from title transfer
• Ferry flight to your chosen base with a delivery acceptance inspection

Plane Selection manages every element of closing, coordinating with your legal counsel, aviation authority, insurance broker, and management company to ensure a smooth, on-time transfer.

Begin Your Aircraft Search

The best time to start looking is before you need the aircraft. A well-planned acquisition — with adequate time for market search, inspection, and negotiation — consistently produces better outcomes than a rushed purchase driven by deadline pressure.

Contact Plane Selection today for a confidential discussion about your acquisition plans. We will assess your requirements, outline the process, and provide a realistic timeline and budget framework. There is no obligation and no upfront fee.