Short answer: To sell a used business jet, get a comparable-backed valuation, organise the records, price the aircraft to the current market rather than to the last sale, market it confidentially to qualified buyers and brokers, sign a letter of intent (LOI) with a deposit in escrow, complete the buyer's pre-purchase inspection, and close through an escrow agent with a bill of sale and registration transfer. A correctly priced large-cabin jet sells far faster than the segment average of around 165 days on market.
1. Establish what the aircraft is actually worth
Asking prices on listing sites are not sale prices. A defensible valuation starts from recent closed transactions for the same model, then adjusts for year, total time and cycles, engine and APU program enrolment, avionics status, interior condition, damage history and time to the next major inspection. See how aircraft valuation works.
2. Prepare the records before you market
Buyers and their technical advisors will ask for complete logbooks, the maintenance tracking report (for example CAMP), engine program statements, the damage history file and recent inspection work orders. Missing or disorganised records lengthen negotiations and invite price reductions at pre-buy.
3. Price to the market, not to the past
The most common reason a jet sits is an asking price set against an older market. In our experience, buyers in the large-cabin segment shortlist on price, program coverage and inspection status — in that order. Read why a jet isn't selling.
4. Market confidentially to qualified buyers
Most large-cabin owners prefer discretion: no tail number or serial number in public material, buyers qualified for proof of funds before receiving the specification, and outreach to buyer-side brokers who already hold active mandates.
5. LOI, deposit and pre-buy
The buyer signs an LOI, places a refundable deposit with an escrow agent and selects an inspection facility. The pre-buy is where most transactions are renegotiated or fail, so agree in the LOI who pays for which category of discrepancies.
6. Closing
After the buyer accepts the aircraft, funds move through escrow, the bill of sale is delivered and the registration is transferred or the aircraft is exported. See registration transfer and deregistration.
Seller checklist
- Comparable-backed valuation
- Complete logbooks and maintenance tracking report
- Engine and APU program statements
- Damage history file (or a statement of no damage history)
- Recent photos and a specification sheet without registration details
- Escrow agent and inspection facility shortlist
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to sell a used business jet?
Segment-wide, pre-owned large-cabin jets average around 165 days on market. Correctly priced aircraft with clean records and engine program coverage typically move in roughly half that time.
Should I use a broker to sell my jet?
A seller-side broker handles valuation, confidential marketing, buyer qualification and pre-buy negotiation. Choose one who represents only the seller in your transaction and is paid a pre-agreed fee.
Who pays for the pre-purchase inspection?
The buyer normally pays for the inspection itself. The seller normally pays to correct airworthiness discrepancies found; cosmetic items are negotiated. This should be written into the LOI.
Can I sell my jet without making it public?
Yes. Off-market and confidential sales are common in the large-cabin segment. The aircraft is offered directly to qualified buyers and buyer-side brokers without public listings.
Considering a sale? Request a preliminary valuation or read how seller representation works. See our recent transactions.
Thinking of Selling?
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