Owning a private jet is the ultimate luxury in private aviation. Imagine being able to soar wherever you want, whenever you want on a moment’s notice. It all begins with a search for private jets for sale.

But how does one buy a private aircraft? Here are four of the best places to find a private jet for sale.

1. Through an Aircraft Dealer

Whether you’re buying your first or your fifth aircraft, it’s important to work with a dealer that you trust. The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) is a great place to start.

The only aircraft dealer accreditation program in the world, the IADA has a long list of reputable dealers. While most of the accredited dealers are based in the United States, the IADA also has dealers in:

  • Canada
  • The United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • South Africa
  • Mexico
  • Hong Kong
  • And more

The IADA’s global reach makes it easy to find a reputable dealer in your area.

2. At an Online Marketplace or Auction

Just as people sell vehicles and homes over the Internet, online marketplaces for private aircraft have rapidly grown in popularity. There are countless marketplaces on the web where dealers and private sellers list their aircraft for sale. Some of the top sites to find private planes and business jets for sale include:

While virtual marketplaces have become the standard, there are still aircraft auctions for those looking for private jets for sale, such as government-run auctions.

These include:

  • General Service Administration (GSA) auctions: A great place to find government-owned aircraft and parts and military equipment
  • U.S. Treasury auctions: Aircraft forfeited by owners in violation of Treasury law
  • U.S. Marshals Service auctions: Aircraft seized by the Department of Justice or other federal agencies

3. With Your Broker

Your jet broker likely does more than just offer on-demand jet charter services.

Before you start the search for a private jet for sale, reach out to your preferred broker for suggestions and lean on their experience and network. Depending on your broker, they may be able to connect you with a reputable dealer. Some brokers, like us at Stratos, even offer aircraft sales and acquisition services.

4. Stratos Jet Charters, Inc.

With so many auctions, websites, and marketplaces to choose from, it can be difficult and time-consuming to find the right private jets for sale at the right prices. That’s where we come in.

Since we opened our doors in 2006, we’ve worked with the best aircraft carriers and operators in the business. Our vast network built on strong relationships with industry leaders puts us in the perfect position to help you purchase a private jet.

Whether you’re selling an aircraft and need help reaching a vast pool of potential buyers or are looking to reap the benefits of owning your own aircraft, our team is here to help ensure a seamless transaction.

A private jet sits on the tarmac with the doors open against a backdrop of a beautiful summer sunset.

Luxury Private Jets for Sale: FAQs

Is it smart to buy a private jet?

It depends on you and your needs. Most private travelers will be better served by on-demand jet charters.

For businesses and individuals who fly often and need to have access to an aircraft on a moment’s notice, purchasing a private jet can be a wise decision.

Before you invest in a private jet, ask yourself how you will use it. Do you often fly alone or with a colleague within your state or region? Then you may be able to find small private jets for sale that meet your needs. If you fly across the country or the ocean, expect to spend more on long-range jets and your operating costs.

Regardless of the aircraft you choose to purchase, we can help you offset the cost of ownership by using your jet for charter flights.

How much does it cost to buy a private plane?

According to Investopedia, the cost to purchase and maintain a private plane ranges from around $2 million to over $100 million, with maintenance and operating costs of up to $1 million every year.

For example, the Cessna Citation CJ1 offers a starting price of around $5 million. However, for those seeking a more luxurious option, the Bombardier Challenger 604 jumps to a cool $30 million.

When you’re the sole owner, you have two choices: run your own flight department or hire an aircraft management company.

Due to the high costs associated with ownership, only those who make frequent use of private aviation should consider purchasing a private jet.

What are the disadvantages of owning a plane?

Beyond the additional costs, ownership also brings a lack of flexibility. When you book a private charter, you have your choice of aircraft that you can tailor to your flight-specific needs. Owners typically fly the same routes, but when plans change and you need to travel elsewhere, such as to a small airport with a short runway or across the Atlantic, you’ll likely still turn to an on-demand jet charter despite having an aircraft of your own.

What is the cheapest private jet for sale?

If you’re hunting for a new private jet for sale, the Cirrus Vision Jet is one of the most affordable private jets on the market.

Selling for just over $2.5 million on average, the Vision Jet is a beautifully designed single-engine aircraft. A very light jet, it is capable of flying seven passengers just over 1,000 nautical miles—roughly the distance from New York City to Miami. This combination of comfort and performance makes the Cirrus Vision Jet a great option for businesses with frequent domestic flights.

How much does a used small jet cost?

If you’re looking for used private jets for sale, you may be able to find business jets from the 1970s for around $300,000. If you’re shopping used, do your due diligence and ensure all the aircraft has been well maintained.

Is it easy to buy a private jet?

Like any major purchase, buying a private jet is often a lesson in patience. From understanding FAA regulations to studying the terminology and researching maintenance and operating costs, finding new private planes for sale and making the decision to buy should not be done lightly.

When you are ready to search for a private jet for sale, reach out to our team to learn more about the aircraft acquisition process. Whether you’re searching for small private planes for sale or used private planes for sale, we love putting our aviation experience to work to help you find the right aircraft for your needs and your budget.

Is it cheaper to rent or own a plane?

It’s always cheaper to rent a private jet than invest in private planes for sale. When you book an on-demand charter, you fly with no upfront costs, annual maintenance fees, or crew training and retention required.

So, is owning a plane worth it? With the high initial costs and steep annual maintenance fees, owning a private plane just isn’t worth it for most people. Instead, simply pay as you go and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that private jet charters provide.

Want to learn more about buying an aircraft or on-demand jet charters? Give us a call at (888)593-9066 to get started.