NAFA member SOLJETS releases their latest article on why September is the right time to begin a year-end aircraft acquisition.
Every December, the pressure starts to build in the business aircraft market. A buyer has found a promising aircraft. The tax strategy makes sense. Everyone wants to close before year-end.
Then the pre-purchase inspection uncovers corrosion, the inspection facility does not have availability, or the aircraft is not ready in time to complete the required business flight before year-end.
December did not create the problem. The calendar simply exposed it.
For buyers who want to own and begin using an aircraft by year-end, September is often the practical starting point. It is early enough to make a disciplined decision, yet close enough to year-end for tax planning, capital budgets, and travel requirements to be reasonably clear. More importantly, it leaves room for the parts of an aircraft transaction that cannot be rushed without adding risk.
Start With the Mission, Not the Deadline
A December 31 target can focus a transaction. It should not dictate which aircraft you buy.
The first question is still operational: What does the aircraft need to do? That means looking honestly at passenger count, typical stage length, runway requirements, baggage needs, preferred cabin, annual utilization, crew model, and operating budget. An aircraft that looks attractive in a listing may be the wrong fit once real missions and ownership costs are considered.
Beginning in September gives the acquisition team time to compare models and individual aircraft on more than asking price. Maintenance status, engine and auxiliary power unit programs, upcoming inspections, damage history, avionics, connectivity, cabin condition, and resale position can materially change the economics of two otherwise similar airplanes.
This is where market knowledge matters. A strong acquisition process should answer three separate questions: Is this the right model? Is this the right aircraft? Is this the right deal? Those answers are related, but they are not interchangeable.
This article was originally published by SOLJETS on September 13, 2026.