With decades of aircraft transaction experience, High West Jets has guided clients through both new and pre-owned business aircraft acquisitions. The decision of whether to purchase a new or pre-owned aircraft is not always clear-cut. The following is a look at the advantages of each.

 Advantages of Purchasing a New Business Aircraft:

• Current Technology: New business aircraft are equipped with the latest avionics, engines, and equipment. 

• Improved fuel efficiency: Weight reduction, improved aerodynamic, and more efficient engines all contribute to overall improvement in fuel efficiency found on newer model aircraft. 

• Customization: Buying new allows you to customize the aircraft according to your preferences and needs, from interior amenities to seating configuration.

• Warranty: Manufacturers provide warranties for new aircraft, ensuring that maintenance and repairs are covered for a certain period, reducing the risk of unexpected costs.

• Health and Well-Being: Many new aircraft come with noticeably quieter cabins, significantly improved air filtration systems, and lower in-flight cabin altitudes, greatly reducing fatigue.

• First Owner: Being the first owner eliminates any questions regarding previous owner utilization and maintenance history.

Advantages of Purchasing a Pre-Owned Business Aircraft:

• Cost Savings: Pre-owned aircraft are generally considerably less expensive than new ones. This can free up capital for other investments or future operational costs. 

• Upgrading Avionics: While not all avionics advancements are available for older aircraft, most are. Both aircraft manufacturers and airframe modification centers offer from simple upgrades to complex full avionics suite replacements. 

• New Paint and Interior: While your pre-owned aircraft is not new, it can absolutely look new through new paint and refreshed interior soft goods.

• Faster Acquisition: You don't have to wait for production and delivery, which can take a significant amount of time for a new aircraft. 

• Ability to limit risk through a pre-purchase inspection: Through a thorough pre-purchase inspection and records review, you can be confident your pre-owned aircraft is in airworthy condition, and have the seller cover the cost if items need attention prior to ownership transfer.  

• Depreciation: The initial rapid depreciation that occurs with new aircraft may have already taken place, potentially leading to a slower rate of depreciation for a pre-owned aircraft.

Both new and pre-owned business aircraft have their advantages. It's essential to consult with an experienced broker when assessing acquisition cost, annual budgets, taxes, depreciation, utilization, mission fit, and model selection. 

 Michael Parker is the owner of High West Jets, a business aircraft brokerage company specializing in acquisition services, sales, and consulting. Michael can be reached at parker@highwestjets.com and www.highwestjet.com.