So, you want to buy a plane?
Buying a plane can be a stressful process for many soon-to-be aircraft owners, but it doesn’t have to be. At Omni Aircraft Sales, we pride ourselves on taking the stress out of purchasing an aircraft. Since 1983, we have made it our mission to provide a streamlined aircraft purchasing process that meets the unique needs of every buyer, whether they are first-time purchasers or seasoned business fleet professionals. We provide an expert level of care for aircraft buyers and sellers alike, and firmly believe in full transparency when it comes to the aircraft acquisition process. Our expert knowledge of the aircraft market gives you an edge in any aircraft transaction you take part in, be that buying, selling, or even trading in.
There are many significant factors to consider when looking into aircraft ownership. While the purchase price is certainly an important aspect to consider, simply focusing on, “How much does it cost to buy an airplane?” can lead to missed opportunities, lost value and unhappy aircraft owners.
In addition to our Code of Ethics, which is adhered to during every aircraft transaction, we also have an established procedure that we follow to help you reach the point of aircraft ownership as smoothly as possible.
Ready to purchase your next aircraft? Here is the process we follow to help you have the smoothest aircraft purchasing experience possible.
1. Needs Assessment
Just like an aircraft, there are a lot of moving pieces to aircraft transactions. An important opening step is to ascertain your ideal aircraft. Knowing your budget is integral, so too is understanding operational costs versus fixed costs. We like to start off the acquisition process by asking questions like: What type of passenger loads will your new aircraft be handling? What travel range will your plane require? Do you really need the latest avionics package? These ancillary considerations add up quickly and they may not be on your radar if you initially begin the process of purchasing an aircraft alone. Relying on our encyclopaedic-like knowledge of the aviation industry keeps you a step ahead of inclement financial weather and overshooting your anticipated budget.
We believe this client-centric approach helps to significantly narrow down the list of potential aircraft you are searching for. This step also helps us to hone in on the specific details of your future aircraft that truly matter to you. By starting with this detailed needs assessment process, we are ensuring that the following steps are smooth and comfortable for you because we now know exactly what kind of aircraft meets your needs.
2. Aircraft Search
Because an aircraft is such a specialized purchase, you shouldn’t have to settle for buying an aircraft that does not check all of your boxes. That’s where Omi Aircraft Sales comes in. With over 35 years operating in the aviation industry, we have become well-versed in navigating the aircraft acquisition marketplace.
We have countless contacts in the industry who keep us informed on what aircraft are currently on the market. Often times they help connect us with aircraft that are not readily found with a simple internet search. We have off-market resources we can set in motion to find the plane that is right for you. We made a name for ourselves finding planes most people cannot.
We also pride ourselves on getting you the optimal aircraft for your needs. There’s no greater joy than finding the plane you’ve always dreamed of. That’s why we make it our mission to ensure you receive the aircraft that fits you perfectly, so you never have to settle. Whether you are buying your first airplane or your twelfth, we look forward to utilizing our industry knowledge to help you make the best purchase.
3. Purchase Offer
Aircraft acquisition is a tough market, not totally dissimilar to the housing market.
Like the housing market, there are two prices in the aircraft purchasing market: estimated (best-educated guess) versus actual (what the airplane finally sells for). Our purchase offer step includes determining optimum acquisition pricing for identified aircraft targets. Because we have a long history of positive interactions with sellers across the nation, we know how to approach a seller in a way that is most likely to result in the acquisition of the aircraft you want.
With Omni Aircraft Sales, airplane buyers can purchase comfortably, knowing we are putting our industry expertise to work for them, so they can acquire the aircraft they want at a price that won’t break their budget. On top of that, we know the formal offer language fluently and can handle the complex escrow and title process on behalf of our clients.
4. Pre-buy inspection
This is the step that requires the most patience and is frequently the most rushed. You have done the research, found the plane, submitted the Offer to Purchase for the aircraft and now here comes the wait. Sometimes the pre-buy inspection takes longer than you want but “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” The Omni Aircraft Sales Director of Maintenance reviews maintenance history and upcoming scheduled maintenance and incorporates significant inspections coming due into the Pre-Purchase Inspection to maximize the value for the buyer. Any discrepancies of an airworthy nature that are discovered are corrected, at the seller’s expense.
This step also includes a detailed inspection of all the aircraft documents. Aircraft, Engine and APU logbooks are all reviewed for accurate and complete entries, airworthiness directives (AD), Service Bulletin status, etc.
This process will reap the most benefits to an almost microscopic level of detail. In that light, we understand it can be a hard step to wait for completion. Don’t be afraid to contact us regarding this all-too-important step. Chances are, we are just as excited as you. We love “new plane day!”
5. Aircraft acceptance
Aircraft acceptance is the culmination of our meticulous inspection process. What this means is that any and all discrepancies that emerged during the pre-buy inspection process have been satisfied. At times, it can be a juggling act to keep the inspection process chugging along, so it helps to have Omni Aircraft Sales on your side through this, in order to make sure all the inspection requirements have been met.
This is a huge hurdle to clear because after this step, your aircraft acquisition can proceed to closing.
There are only a few steps remaining.
6. Pre-closing
Congratulations! It is paperwork time!
This part of the airplane acquisition process requires FAA filings and the transfer of ownership. This will be coordinated through escrow and provides a final opportunity for your lender (if applicable) to make sure all your lending paperwork is in order. A final insurance binder will also be confirmed to make sure coverage is seamless.
7. Delivery
This final step is mostly handled between Omni Aircraft Sales and any agent that may represent the seller. At delivery, we submit a Delivery Certificate to the seller. We coordinate the pick-up or delivery of the aircraft being purchased. This might include determining aircrew logistics as well. This step is closely coordinated with final distribution of all escrow funds and final FAA filings.
Surprisingly, you are not receiving ownership of “just the plane.” If there are any engine program transfers or any avionics program transfers, Omni Aircraft sales will assist with the transfer. Finally, we also coordinate any ancillary ownership support services or operational support that might be required to complete the transfer of your new plane successfully.
We know this multifaceted process can seem like an insurmountable mountain of tedious steps. One of the advantages of having Omni Aircraft Sales in your corner is our familiarity with this process. We have negotiated the purchase of a multitude of aircraft and each one presents unique challenges. Our ability to deal with these unexpected challenges along the way sets us apart from other aircraft purchasing agents. The sheer volume of experience we have with pricing evaluation, searching, inspections and closings makes us a safer choice than others because we can anticipate the unexpected and be there if the unexpected happens. We pride ourselves on facilitating smooth airplane transactions and supporting our customers should negotiations turn stormy. Our experience helps you prepare for either occurrence with equal confidence.
If we can do anything to make your next airplane purchase more pleasant, we encourage you to see the Omni Aircraft Sales difference for yourself.
Send us an email here and let’s start finding your next dream plane.