Aircraft Valuation
    October 3, 20262 min readMadison Wade

    How Aircraft Valuation Works for Pre-Owned Business Jets

    Short answer: A pre-owned business jet is valued by starting from recent closed sales of the same model, then adjusting for airframe hours and cycles, engine and APU program enrolment, time to the next major inspections, avionics and connectivity status, interior and paint condition, damage history and records quality. Asking prices are a weak guide; closed transaction data is the anchor. You can get a preliminary range online in a few minutes.

    The valuation inputs

    InputWhy it matters
    Closed comparablesThe baseline — what buyers actually paid recently
    Hours and cyclesAbove-average utilisation lowers value; very low time can also raise questions
    Engine programCovered engines transfer maintenance liability away from the buyer
    Inspection statusUpcoming heavy inspections are deducted almost dollar for dollar
    AvionicsMandate compliance and upgrades (e.g. connectivity)
    Interior and paintAge and condition of refurbishment
    Damage historySeverity and quality of repair documentation
    RecordsCompleteness and continuity

    Desktop vs full appraisal

    A desktop valuation uses specification and records summaries to produce a range. A full appraisal adds physical inspection and records review, and is typically required by lenders.

    Common valuation mistakes

    • Using asking prices as comparables
    • Ignoring program buy-in costs
    • Treating all damage history as equal
    • Valuing upgrades at what they cost rather than what buyers will pay

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How accurate is an online jet valuation?

    An online valuation gives a preliminary range based on model, year, hours and programs. A broker's comparable-backed valuation narrows that range using recent closed transactions.

    Who can value a large-cabin aircraft before I decide to sell?

    An independent broker or certified appraiser. MyVIP Aviation provides confidential, comparable-backed valuations for Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault and Embraer large-cabin jets, without obligation to list.

    How much is my jet worth?

    Start with the preliminary valuation tool, then compare with current asking ranges by model in the market report.


    Considering a sale? Request a preliminary valuation or read how seller representation works. See our recent transactions.

    Thinking of Selling?

    Get a comparable-backed valuation of your aircraft — confidential and free of obligation.

    Tags:
    Valuation
    Selling
    Buying

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