Aircraft Management Selection & Placement:
Unbiased Approach
As an independent advisory, The Jet Merchants provides unbiased
recommendations for aircraft management solutions. With 2,000+ management
companies in the US, selecting the right partner can be overwhelming.
Whether your priority is maximizing charter revenue, accessing cost-effective
maintenance, or securing preferential rates on a complete interior
refurbishment, we'll identify the ideal operator and program for your needs.
We'll work closely with you to craft a management agreement with terms and
conditions tailored to your specific requirements.
Innovative Solutions
We also work with select operators to offer "triple net lease" programs where owners have zero exposure to fixed or variable expenses, instead receive guaranteed annual payments that cash-flow the operation of the aircraft and provide discounted rates for personal travel. This may be a great option for new aircraft owners without a significant travel need but interested in taking advantage of potential tax benefits.
More InfoComprehensive Management Services:
Professional management companies provide a wide range of services that support owners, including:
- Operations: Flight scheduling, crew management, dispatch, and regulatory compliance.
- Maintenance: Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, and record-keeping.
- Training: Crew training and recurrent training programs.
- Safety: Implementing and maintaining robust safety programs.
- Charter: Managing charter operations and revenue generation.
Our Selection Criteria:
When recommending a management company, we consider numerous factors, including:
- Company history, financial stability, and reputation
- Experience with your aircraft make and model
- Operational capabilities and safety record
- Charter management expertise and sales network
- Commitment to owner satisfaction and transparency
Our Approach:
- Needs Assessment: We'll conduct a thorough assessment of your needs, considering factors such as aircraft type, usage patterns, budget, and desired level of involvement.
- Market Expertise: We'll leverage our industry knowledge to identify management companies that align with your specific requirements (Local, Regional, Nationwide)
- Objective Evaluation: We'll provide unbiased recommendations based on each company's strengths, weaknesses, and track record.
- Negotiation Support: We'll assist in negotiating favorable management agreements and ensure your interests are protected.
Selecting the Right Management Company
- Operational Analysis: We'll assess your aircraft usage, maintenance needs, operational, and financial requirements to determine the best fit.
- RFP Development & Distribution: We'll create a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) and distribute it to a targeted selection of qualified management companies.
- Proposal Evaluation: We'll analyze proposals, comparing key factors like safety audits standards, management fees, maintenance programs, and infrastructure.
- Due Diligence: We'll conduct thorough due diligence on shortlisted companies, including on-site visits and background/experience of dispatch service teams.
- Contract Negotiation: We'll assist in negotiating the management contract, ensuring favorable terms and protecting your interests.
- Ongoing Support: We'll provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your relationship with the management company.
Identifying the Right Aircraft Management Partner
Before we start evaluating potential aircraft management companies, it's essential to define your goals and priorities as an aircraft owner. These will serve as your guiding principles in the selection process.
Key Questions to Consider:
Travel Needs:
- What is your estimated annual flight time?
- Do you typically plan trips in advance, or are they more spontaneous?
- Are your destinations primarily domestic, international, or a mix of both?
- For domestic travel, are your flights mostly regional or cross-country?
- Who will you be flying on your plane?
- Will there be business travel, personal travel, or both?
Aircraft Basing:
- Where will your aircraft be based?
Desired Services:
- What level of service do you expect from a management company?
- Are there specific tasks you prefer to handle yourself (e.g., pilot hiring, taxes, hangar)?
- What is your expected response time for support requests?
Communication Preferences:
- How often do you want to communicate with the management company?
- Are there specific tasks you prefer to handle yourself (e.g., pilot hiring, taxes, hangar)?What are your preferred communication channels and style?
Management Style:
- How involved do you want to be in the day-to-day management of your aircraft?
- Do you prefer a hands-off approach, or do you want direct interaction with crew and other personnel?
Charter Operations:
- Do you want to make your aircraft available for charter?
- If so, what are your revenue expectations and requirements for approving charter trips? [Note: Most management companies will have clear structures on how they want to operate regarding owners making their planes available and your desire to be more hands on will likely impact the management fee structure]
Honest Self-Assessment
A clear understanding of your goals and preferences will increase your
chances of finding an aircraft management company that aligns perfectly
with your needs and expectations.