Aircraft Sales Archives - FLYING Magazine https://cms.flyingmag.com/tag/aircraft-sales/ The world's most widely read aviation magazine Fri, 19 Jul 2024 19:09:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 Saudia, Lilium Sign Deal for 100 Electric Jets https://www.flyingmag.com/modern/saudia-lilium-sign-deal-for-100-electric-jets/ Fri, 19 Jul 2024 19:09:45 +0000 /?p=211812 The flag carrier of Saudi Arabia enters a binding agreement for 50 aircraft, with the option to purchase 50 more.

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Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jets are coming to the Middle East.

Lilium, manufacturer of the seven-seat Lilium Jet, on Thursday announced that Saudia Group—owner of Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia and one of the largest airlines in the region—signed a binding sales agreement for the purchase of 50 aircraft, with an option for 50 more. Saudia expects to receive its first jets in 2026.

The deal follows a 2022 memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the partners, with plans to establish an eVTOL network across Saudi Arabia.

“The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a very large and exciting market for electric, high-speed regional air mobility,” said Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe.

According to Lilium, the purchase agreement is the largest of its kind for the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region. Archer Aviation, an eVTOL air taxi manufacturer, earlier this year signed a nonbinding agreement with the United Arab Emirates’ Air Chateau for 100 aircraft.

The signing of Lilium’s deal with Saudia, which includes payment schedules, delivery timelines, performance guarantees, and provisions for maintenance, spare parts, and repairs, was attended by Michael Kindsgrab, Germany’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Saudia will operate the jets through its Saudia Private subsidiary, while Lilium will provide fleet maintenance and support through its recently launched customer service offering. The airline will also assist the manufacturer in certification efforts with Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

“The eVTOL jets are revolutionizing guest transportation,” said Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia. “Their unique vertical takeoff and landing capabilities open up entirely new routes. Imagine traveling up to [108 miles] at speeds of [155 miles] per hour, saving valuable time compared to traditional options. This technology also tackles traffic congestion head-on. Business travelers and exhibition attendees will benefit tremendously from the ease and speed of electric aircraft, allowing them to seamlessly attend and participate in events.”

Al-Omar said use cases for the aircraft will include tourism, sports, entertainment, business conferences, and events out of Saudia hubs in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

The companies said they may even ferry worshippers to Mecca during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, which attract millions every year but frequently result in deaths due to heat and crowd density. Lilium and Saudia expect the eVTOL jets will alleviate some of that congestion and reduce travel times by as much as 90 percent.

Other eVTOL manufacturers looking to fly in the country include Joby Aviation, Bristow Group, and Volocopter.

According to Lilium, the company’s order portfolio now includes more than 100 firm orders, 76 options, and hundreds of tentative orders under MOUs. Customers include ASL Group, PhilJets, and UrbanLink Air Mobility, a newly formed company that plans to fly the Lilium Jet in Florida, California, and the Caribbean.

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Electric Aircraft Manufacturer Electron Secures Orders From Air2E, Hopscotch https://www.flyingmag.com/electric-aircraft-manufacturer-electron-secures-orders-from-air2e-hopscotch/ Fri, 12 Apr 2024 17:25:31 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=200268 The Dutch company says the two ‘significant’ orders bring its sales pipeline to an estimated $213 million.

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A Dutch aircraft manufacturer is racking up orders for its battery-electric regional air mobility (RAM) design.

Electron Aerospace, the maker of the 100 percent electric Electron 5, on Thursday announced an undisclosed but “significant” number of aircraft orders from business aviation provider Air2E and private air taxi operator Hopscotch Air. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing to explicit payment schedules.

Air2E operates primarily in Germany, not far from Electron’s headquarters in the Netherlands. Hopscotch is licensed to fly in the U.S. and Canada. According to Electron, the fresh orders bring the company’s sales pipeline to an estimated $213 million.

“Securing orders from two pioneers in the regional air mobility sector like Air2E and Hopscotch Air affirms the market fit of our Electron 5 aircraft,” said Marc-Henry de Jong, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Electron.

Electron’s flagship aircraft is the zero-emission Electron 5, designed for one pilot, four passengers, and their luggage. The firm anticipates first deliveries in 2028 following certification with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2027. Beyond passenger and cargo transport, Electron says the aircraft could be used for pilot training and medical evacuation.

Compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) aircraft, Electron 5’s twin-engine, battery-electric-drive system can slash operating costs by more than half, the company says. The propulsion system also limits noise to around 55 dB, quieter than a vacuum cleaner.

“The reduced operating costs of the Electron 5 will allow us to significantly broaden our customer base, providing more affordable and accessible air travel alternatives,” said Andrew Schmertz, CEO of Hopscotch.

Electron says its aircraft is optimized for “short intra-European hops.” With current battery technology, it has a maximum range of about 466 sm (405 nm) and top speed of 188 knots at 10,000 feet, making it ideal for regional flights, such as between New York City and Washington, D.C.

According to the company, aircraft with the same mission profile in the U.S. and EU typically have a range less than 311 sm (270 nm), more in line with Electron 5’s operating range of 310 sm.

An updated Electron 5 design, revealed in March, deploys some biomimicry and is inspired by the albatross, which is considered to be one of the most efficient flying animals on earth.

“Taking inspiration from the albatross, our Electron 5 features an aerodynamically efficient body, robust wings, and windows that mimic the bird’s vigilant eyes,” said Alexander Klatt, head of design at Electron.

One newly added feature is an easily accessible cargo door, which the company says is “unheard of” for an aircraft of Electron 5’s size. The cargo door allows the aircraft to accommodate up to four passengers or 1,100 pounds of cargo. In addition, the manufacturer claims Electron 5 has the largest windows in its class. These wrap around the aircraft to provide 180-degree views for the pilot and passengers.

Electron has stated Europe will serve as its primary market. So far, the firm has an agreement with the Netherlands’ Twente Airport (EHTW) to launch zero-emission flights in 2027. It claims it will be able to fly passengers from Twente to London, Paris, or Berlin within two hours.

Electron also has a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Mint Air, which placed an order for ten Electron 5 models and intends to become an operator and official reseller in the country.

With Hopscotch now getting in on the action, it appears North America will serve as another future market.

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IADA Reports Shift in Business Aircraft Market in Buyers’ Favor https://www.flyingmag.com/iada-reports-shift-in-business-aircraft-market-in-buyers-favor/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 21:00:27 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=176008 Aircraft dealer group sees inventories growing in used market, giving shoppers more choices.

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Inventories of used aircraft appear to be growing as the overall market returns to a state of balance in which sellers and buyers have roughly equal influence, according to the International Aircraft Dealers Association. This represents a significant shift from the past year or so.

In its second-quarter report released Tuesday, the IADA said market conditions and the near-term outlook for business aircraft sales, leasing, and financing have improved compared with the first quarter. Following “exceptionally tight” supply conditions spanning more than two years, the group said, market watchers anticipate a general, favorable loosening.

“Indications are that customer interest remains strong, with plentiful inquiries,” the IADA said in the report. “Macroeconomic and geopolitical factors aside, the current market and near-term sales outlook for business aircraft and related products and services is solid.”

For quarterly reports, the group surveys its more than 1,000 members, including dealers, brokers, OEMs, and providers of products and services. Members share their assessments of current and projected market conditions, and the results are aggregated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the best conditions ever and 1 reflecting the worst.

Respondents said their outlook regarding the business aircraft sales market improved to an average score of 3.8 compared with 3.7 during last year’s second quarter. Their projection for business aircraft sales over the next six months averaged 3.6, up from 3.3, and their forecast for the business aircraft financing and leasing market rose to 3.3 from 2.7. The group projected 3.3 for the business aircraft insurance market, a new measure not taken during the same period last year.

Overall, the message from IADA officials during a live presentation of the report was that buyers’ options have broadened, encouraging them to spend more time shopping for aircraft with the features they want while feeling somewhat less pressure to purchase whatever is available.

Zipporah Marmor, IADA’s chairperson, said aircraft shoppers clearly feel less harried than they did a year ago. As a result, Marmor said “deals are taking a little bit longer, but we are leaning toward that balanced market.”

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Prepare to Sell Your Aircraft By Tapping Local Resources https://www.flyingmag.com/prepare-to-sell-your-aircraft-by-tapping-local-resources/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 21:18:33 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=174540 Word of mouth can be particularly effective in the general aviation market.

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When shopping for an aircraft, pilots typically analyze costs and benefits, and run through numerous checklists to determine which models best suit their needs. Some even consider the resale value of the airplane they plan to buy, especially if they expect to use it for building time toward advanced ratings or as a stepping stone to higher-performance models.

Many of us, however, do not give resale a whole lot of thought when negotiating the best possible purchase agreement. Often we are so excited by the thought of having our own aircraft and no longer having to share with fellow students or flying club members that we forget the day could come when we want to sell.

When that day arrives, we need to think about how to approach the sale and how to use our personal networks and other resources to attract potential buyers. I mentioned personal networks first because I believe they are the best resources many of us have. While advertising your aircraft on aviation sales websites with good photos and a thoughtful, honest description is a good way to get nationwide attention, there also are advantages to marketing locally.

Over the years, I have looked at dozens of aircraft for sale at my home airport and at others nearby. When I was a student, my instructor often would say, “Let’s walk over to the hangars.There’s an airplane for sale that you should see.”

When I began shopping, I asked him, other pilots and local mechanics a lot of questions about different models they had owned or maintained. They were happy to talk and frequently recommended other people with opinions worth considering. And, of course, many knew of airplanes that were for sale, officially and unofficially, and would tell me which ones they thought were “good ones” and which were “dogs.” Typically, they also had the seller’s phone number handy.

I considered several of these aircraft, and while it took me a long time to find the right one, the local search was illuminating. One day my instructor showed me a Mooney M20 that belonged to another former student. She was moving across the country and wanted to sell. The airplane was beautiful, with newer paint and interior. Sitting in it for 10 minutes, however, confirmed that the seating position would not work for me.

With that visit I was able to remove Mooney’s from my wish list, which seemed efficient. The owner eventually changed her mind, took the airplane out west with her, and still was flying it the last time I checked. The other candidates found buyers fairly quickly.

I think that, deep down, pilots want to believe their first airplane can be their last if they do well in the selection process. If you find a high-performance piston single that is much faster than the trainer you flew previously, with enough useful load to carry your family and baggage and sufficient range to reach your favorite vacation spot, what more could you want?

I can think of a few things, like more speed and greater range, to reach that new favorite vacation spot you and your family discovered while flying frequently in your new airplane. How about pressurization, so you can fly higher, faster, and make the most of your recently acquired instrument rating.

We bought our Commander, Annie, from a partnership of three pilots, two of whom were switching to Cirrus SR22s. For a few years, Annie had been fast enough—but not anymore. I spoke with one of the sellers last week and asked him how he liked the Cirrus. He said he misses the Commander’s comfort and handling—which is a polite thing to say—but loves the SR22’s speed. “Now those 500 nm trips seem to go by in no time,” he said. Annie still takes a while to go that far.

We found our airplane online but within a 25-mile search area. If we were to sell it, we would focus again on the local market and try to get it done by word of mouth. But we are not selling, though we understand why many do. Temptation is everywhere.

My wife, sons, and I have been traveling together in Annie for less than six months, and already we cannot stop talking about turboprops. Our airplane is a perfect fit for us, but every time we land at a new destination, without fail, there is a gleaming TBM, Piper M600, or other turbine single on the ramp.

Next come the questions like, “How fast will that one go?”

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A Look Ahead at EBACE 2023 https://www.flyingmag.com/a-look-ahead-at-ebace-2023/ Fri, 19 May 2023 14:19:58 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=172270 A few big announcements and more on sustainability are in store for the expo in Geneva opening May 23.

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On the shores of Lac Léman in Geneva, Switzerland, the latest edition of the European Business Aviation Conference and Expo (EBACE) kicks off officially on Tuesday—but the announcements will begin a couple of days prior to that, as major players such as Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardier, Embraer, and Textron Aviation jockey for attention at the event hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA)—the European Union wing of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

At Palexpo and the Geneva International Airport (LSGG) on Monday, the show opens for the media—and FLYING already has the scoop on a few key tidbits. We can’t say anything more, but watch this space.

For the opening session on Tuesday morning, be prepared to race into action with keynotes from the Formula 1 racing world: Susie Wolff, of F1 Academy, and Toto Wolff, team principal of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, will talk about how pressure drives innovation in the sport. There’s a definite corollary between F1 and business aviation in that response to a challenge.

And the challenges remain as the show opens—coming as the industry continues to make its own drive toward net-zero emissions. The race is on, indeed. At EBACE, the Sustainability Summit will focus on that commitment to achieve the  International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) long-range goal by 2050.

Many exhibitors have taken the sustainability pledge—managing their practices not just in manufacturing and service facilities but also at the show itself. Look for natural materials, water conservation, and energy management as a theme.

But really, you want to see the airplanes, right? In addition to new aircraft on display, look for the recently redesigned Dassault Falcon 10X mock-up, which will make you truly feel like you’re in the real thing. FLYING had a sneak peak of the modular design before it traveled to the show when we visited the company’s facilities at Le Bourget, France, last month.

Sustainability highlights the ramp action too, with VoltAero’s Cassio 330 hybrid-electric demonstrator there to explore—one of several examples of advanced air mobility that proposes to transform the short-haul mission.

The show runs through May 25, and there’s still time to register.

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Cirrus Aircraft Begins Work On New Dallas Facility https://www.flyingmag.com/cirrus-aircraft-begins-work-on-new-dallas-facility/ Thu, 04 May 2023 22:14:58 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=171319 The planned sales and service hub will cover 45,000 square feet and include customer amenities.

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Cirrus Aircraft said it broke ground for a new facility at McKinney National Airport (KTKI) in Dallas. The company said it plans to use the expanded space for aircraft sales, flight training, factory service, and aircraft management.  

Cirrus said it plans to invest $13 million in the new facility, which will have a total of 45,000 square feet of space, including a 15,000-square-foot service hangar, 15,000-square-foot storage hangar, a flight simulation space, eight shade canopies, a retail store, and a lounge for customers.

“The Dallas Metroplex is a central location for many of our SR Series and Vision Jet owners,” said Todd Simmons, president of customer experience at Cirrus. “With this new expansion at Cirrus McKinney, we are excited to continue enhancing the aircraft ownership experience for our current owners and also create an environment to introduce more people to the benefits of personal aviation.”

Currently the Cirrus McKinney operation employs more than 50 people, Cirrus said, adding that it “plans to continue adding more career opportunities in the future.” Cirrus has long been a leader in customer experience among general aviation manufacturers. In March the company launched an app to help shoppers configure their aircraft, and last month Cirrus marked the sale of its 9,000th SR series aircraft. 

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Embraer Reports 38 Percent Sales Increase For Ipanema 203 Aircraft https://www.flyingmag.com/embraer-reports-38-percent-sales-increase-for-ipanema-203-aircraft/ Mon, 01 May 2023 18:14:49 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=170978 The agricultural airplane has a distinguished history with Brazilian farmers and pilots.

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Embraer said it sold 33 Ipanema 203 aerial application aircraft during the recent first quarter, marking an upward sales trend in this market segment. The company said sales of the aircraft, a design that has evolved over decades, rose 38 percent compared with the previous year.

The Brazilian manufacturer said its agricultural aircraft unit expects sales for the full year to be “similar to or better than 2022,” when it sold 66 aircraft. The company also said that given a backlog of orders over the past 12 months, it is scheduling new orders for production and delivery next year.

In terms of deliveries, Embraer said it expects to deliver 65 of the Ipanema airplanes this year, compared with 55 in 2022 and 42 in 2021. The company noted that delivery volume is highest during the second half of the year due to the market segment’s seasonality.

“We have experienced three consecutive years of growth in the volume of aircraft delivered, which highlights the very high confidence that our customers and operators have in the Ipanema 203,” said Sany Onofre, Embraer’s Ipanema program manager. “By combining high technology and tradition, the Ipanema 203 remains a benchmark of high productivity and low operating costs.” 

Production of the initial version of the aircraft began in 1969, and last year the Ipanema series reached the milestone of 1,500 aircraft delivered. Embraer developed an ethanol-powered version of the aircraft in 2004 after customers began experimenting with the fuel, which is widely available in Brazil.

In 2021, Embraer flew an electric-powered version of the 203 as part of a larger project to develop electric power for future aircraft.

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Most Aviation Businesses Aren’t Worried About a Recession, for Now https://www.flyingmag.com/most-aviation-businesses-arent-worried-about-a-recession-for-now/ Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:01:48 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=160291 Despite forecasts of a recession in the coming year, segments of the aviation industry are keeping a positive outlook.

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The airline industry has experienced a trying year. Surges in passenger demand, staff shortages, and bad weather created flight delays and cancellations during peak travel times. 

American Airlines had its share of these challenges yet still reported profitable quarters. In fact, during the company’s third-quarter earnings call on October 20, American’s CEO Robert Isom eagerly cited a third-quarter net income of $483 million from record quarterly revenue of $13.5 billion. Isom claims this sets a new record for any quarter in the company’s history.

Despite talks of an impending recession, the airline continues to execute its plan to pay down approximately $15 billion of total debt by the end of 2025. It also opted to make key investments, such as its October 31 announcement to form a new partnership with Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. This collaboration provides cadets a career pathway resulting in an aviation degree and restricted airline transport pilot (R-ATP) certificate at 1,250 flight hours. On October 24, American also announced a new partnership with Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) that provides aspiring aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) with a direct career path to the airline.

Brokers Don’t See Buyer’s Remorse

When it comes to how aircraft charter and brokerage businesses are faring, data compiled from industry organizations, such as the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), provide some indications. At the 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), IADA Chair Zipporah Marmor expressed optimism after publicly releasing their third quarter numbers.

“The collective sentiment of IADA members is that traditionally heavy fourth-quarter volume will be driven by the phase-out of 100-percent bonus depreciation in the U.S., airline cutbacks to smaller cities spurring first-time buyers, and cash available for most aircraft purchases,” she said.

Pointing to the organization’s 2022 Third Quarter Market Report, IADA’s executive director Wayne Starling reiterated the membership’s optimism despite what’s happening with key financial triggers. “Our buyers and sellers are somewhat immune to current increases in interest rates. Over 60 percent of our transactions are paid in cash,’’ he noted in the IADA report.

Factors outside the U.S. could slow down this buying activity, according to Marmor. “Obviously, from the international perspective, stability in Europe and Asia are wildcards for the future. However, used aircraft sales were strong in the third quarter, and the fourth quarter outlook is encouraging,” she said.

Aircraft transactions maintain their momentum despite talks of a recession. [Courtesy: International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA)]

Paul Cardarelli, vice president of sales at JetNet, echoed IADA’s view of a solid buying momentum. “Inventory of business aircraft has gone up 4 percent with extremely limited quantity,’’ he told FLYING.   

JetNet reports 10,800 light jets in service, with 520 of them for sale. Medium and large jets have 263 and 321 on the market, respectively. Cardarelli said the fourth quarter is historically busy, as buyers take advantage of bonus depreciation. “The fourth quarter will be pretty robust again,“ he noted.  

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many first-time buyers looking for options outside of airline travel, Cardarelli said. “Some of that demand has been satiated,” as airlines are beginning to restore their operations to somewhat near normal levels, he said. Cardarelli added that “demand will continue to be strong” but will not exceed what we saw in 2021, once OEMs begin to catch up on new aircraft deliveries. 

An Entrepreneur’s Perspective

Small business entrepreneurs face different potential economic stresses, according to Alfredo Diez, founder and CEO of Global Atlantis Group, and who also runs Atlantis Flight Academy and SkyJet Elite, a Part 135 jet charter operator.

Flight training is strong, thanks to demand from the airlines. [Courtesy: Global Atlantis Group]

The charter market continues to grow, according to Diez. “One of the signs of growth is percent of inventory,” he said. “The pre-pandemic ratio was about 30 percent of inventory. Now, it’s between 2 and 3 percent. Demand is not a problem; it’s more about finding the right inventory to operate our flights.” 

A recession likely won’t result in a significant decrease in his charter business revenue, he said.

On the flight training side, the Spanish-born entrepreneur  also expressed confidence that this segment will maintain an unprecedented pace, thanks to the ongoing pilot shortage.

“The airlines keep hiring at record levels, and Boeing’s commercial outlook supports a steady stream of new hires for the next eight to 10 years,” Diez noted. He added that many countries affected by the pandemic are opening up again, and this is allowing him to grow his large base of international flight cadets.

Diez recognizes that while the U.S. aviation market is solid for the time being, a strong dollar means a greater financial strain on those living in other countries and wishing to train here. 

“We depend on resources primarily from family members supporting their aspiring son or daughter,” he said. “This will adversely affect them, so we’re always looking for ways to help finance their career dreams.”

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What a Type Club Can Do For You https://www.flyingmag.com/what-a-type-club-can-do-for-you/ Wed, 03 Aug 2022 10:54:01 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=150196 Knowledgeable groups known as type clubs can provide a plethora of information about specific types of aircraft.

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Q: When I was at AirVenture last week I noticed a lot of 1940s era airplanes. One I saw a lot of was the Aeronca Champ. My mother learned to fly in a 1946 Aeronca Champ and I would like to have one of my own, but don’t know the first thing about them—how can I get educated before I make a purchase like this? All I have flown are “Spam cans” and I don’t know anything about vintage designs.

A: You are in luck, vintage aircraft like the Aeronca Champ have very knowledgeable groups—known as type clubs—that can provide a plethora of information. At EAA AirVenture they occupy the hangar at the entrance to Vintage Aircraft Parking. Each club takes a table (or two) and volunteers are there to answer questions about the designs they represent.

Away from AirVenture you will find many of these clubs online: do a search for “aircraft type clubs” and find the design you seek. They often have very knowledgeable individuals who can answer questions about what to look for in (insert name of aircraft desired here), challenges with maintenance, where to get spare parts, how to care for the aircraft, who can provide transition training, insurance questions, who provides tailwheel training (if appropriate) in that design, quirks of the aircraft handling, who is selling one, who is buying one, etc.  Good luck!

Do you have a question about aviation that’s been bugging you? Ask us anything you’ve ever wanted to know about aviation. Our experts in general aviation, training, aircraft, avionics, and more may attempt to answer your question in a future article.

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IADA: Market Returning to Pre-COVID Conditions https://www.flyingmag.com/iada-market-returning-to-pre-covid-conditions/ Thu, 21 Jul 2022 16:01:31 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=148688 The 134 new second quarter customer acquisition agreements represented 40 percent less activity than during the first quarter, which saw 223 deals.

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The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) presented its second-quarter market report this week. The overall sentiment throughout was that, even though demand for business aircraft remained strong, the market was returning slowly to pre-COVID-19 conditions.

IADA is the global collective of the world’s only accredited dealers and certified brokers, all major OEMs, and 75 industry-leading products and services providers, whose members buy and sell more aircraft by dollar volume than the rest of the world’s dealers combined, according to the association. IADA’s executive director, Wayne Starling, pointed out during the company’s market update this week that although IADA dealers make up 15 percent of all the dealers worldwide, they complete 46 percent of all sales of used aircraft. In fact, IADA’s dealers and brokers average more than 1,100 transactions or $10 billion in volume per year.

In the report, Starling celebrated the expansion the business aviation market experienced as the pandemic encouraged customers to pursue alternatives to airline travel. While during the first quarter, IADA members closed 35 percent more deals than the same period in 2021, Starling said deal activity in the second quarter is slowing down across all metrics.

Return to Normal for BA Sales?

For instance, the 134 new second quarter customer acquisition agreements represented 40 percent less activity than during the first quarter, which saw 223 deals. Moreover, sellers were now three times more willing to lower the sales price of their aircraft compared to the leverage they had in the first part of the year. It’s a stark contrast from what IADA member Paul Kirby said in April during the first quarter report, that customers were being asked to pay up to 45 percent above market value to secure an aircraft. 

There’s a sense now that the first quarter was when the market reached its service ceiling. In this report, Kirby commented that “pricing has stabilized in most markets with all but a handful of markets having ‘peaked’ in value late in the first quarter.”

Kirby explained that uncertainty in the market—particularly with talks of a recession (the result in part of high inflation)—was causing buyers to be more conscientious. Some now are in a wait-and-see mode.

“The macroeconomic uncertainty, combined with rapidly rising inflation and stock market volatility, has created a sense amongst buyers of a looming market correction. This sense is also starting to impact interest levels as buyers believe waiting will result in more favorable pricing,” Kirby said.

As a general market condition, IADA said that after an unprecedented 2021, member sentiment during this quarter was trending back to what it was in 2020.

Low Aircraft Inventory

It would be reasonable, then, to expect that the decreasing demand would mean that there was more inventory to go around, but that hasn’t been the case.

“While the market is still very robust, we see signs of it becoming more manageable. For example, instead of six offers on a listing, we are seeing two or three,” Starling said in the report. “Inventory is showing signs of improvement but still has a way to go before it is back to normal.”

However, in his comments, Kirby put it another way. “Limited inventory continues to constrain transaction volume in all market segments,” he said.

This is consistent with what Aero Asset, a Canadian Helicopter brokerage firm, said in its half-year helicopter market trends report last week—that a dwindling supply of used single-engine turbine helicopter inventory caused aircraft sales volume to shrink. 

“We have hit a part of the market cycle where things have leveled off, a plateau of sorts.”

Kyle Wagman, director of aircraft transaction and consulting at Leading Edge Aviation Solutions

In the report, Mike Francis, an IADA products and services member, said that might not be a bad thing.

“Even if demand falls off a bit, I’d in some ways prefer that,” Francis said in the report. “It’ll help the market get back to its normal equilibrium. I’m seeing a lot of potential buyers get turned off to the prospect of buying a jet due to the premium they need to pay and/or the lack of inventory.”

What’s Ahead? Members Weigh-in

Is the market slowing down? In the report, Kyle Wagman, director of aircraft transaction and consulting at Leading Edge Aviation Solutions, said he thinks it is.

“We have hit a part of the market cycle where things have leveled off, a plateau of sorts,” Wagman said. “With interest rates rising and buyers who are wary of getting their toes wet in this market, I sense a cooldown till [the] fourth quarter.”

IADA surveyed 900 members to get a sense of where they thought the market would be over the next six months. Respondents included IADA accredited dealers and their certified brokers and IADA products and services members, with the overwhelming responses coming from dealers and brokers, followed by financiers or lease providers. They were asked to rate sentiments on a scale of one to five, with one meaning “worst ever” and five meaning “best ever.” 

Across all measures, the sentiment was worse than last year’s sentiment when buyers elevated sales. Members rated the current business aircraft sales market more negatively than last year’s (2021) second quarter.

They also projected that the business aircraft sales market would shrink six months from now and that the financing market would be less pleasant than the growth it experienced last year. Finally, members thought the aircraft leasing market would be much worse over the next six months, a far cry from the upbeat tone they had going into the second half of 2021.

Strong Finish Ahead

For his part, Starling remained upbeat and said the backlog that aircraft OEMs needed to work through for the rest of the year was still sizable and was a positive indicator that business transactions would remain robust for the rest of the year and into 2023. IADA said the six-month outlook was that there’d be increased demand for all sectors of the used aircraft sales market—turboprop, light, medium, and large/ultralong-range jets. It also said that inventory deficiencies (supply shortfalls) could drive higher prices.

There could be two reasons for that, especially when framed against one positive signal from the report, which is that customers are closing deals faster than last year. On the one hand, this can be attributed to them moving more quickly to secure financing as banks are becoming more meticulous about lending. On the other hand, buyers also want to leverage the bonus depreciation tax break before the end of this year, which allows businesses to immediately deduct up to 100 percent of the purchase price of eligible assets. 

The post IADA: Market Returning to Pre-COVID Conditions appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

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