While negotiations, contracts and closing cornerstones often take the spotlight, every successful aircraft transaction starts much earlier. Before any technical or contractual process can truly begin, the visual inspection plays a fundamental role.

Whether acting for a seller or a buyer, this stage is one of the most important milestones in the sales process. It is often our first opportunity to assess an aircraft in person and gather the information that will ultimately drive informed decisions.

For our exclusive listings, we coordinate every aspect of the visit: airport access, crew and CAMO coordination, aircraft presentation, logistics, and the complete viewing experience for prospective buyers. We supervise the visual inspection process, ensuring every visit is seamless, professional, and reflects the quality of the aircraft being presented.

On the acquisition side, we travel wherever the aircraft is located to attend and supervise the visual inspection on behalf of our clients. Throughout the process, we document every relevant observation, coordinate the collection of cosmetic and technical findings, and provide objective feedback to help buyers determine whether an aircraft deserves to move forward in the acquisition process.

Every completed transaction involves several visual inspections. They create transparency, build confidence between parties, and frequently determine whether a deal progresses to the next stage. In many ways, they are where successful aircraft transactions truly begin.

As we enter August, the business aviation market reaches the heart of Q3, a period that is often underestimated. While transaction activity tends to accelerate in Q4, Q3 is where the groundwork for those deals is laid.

With most aircraft transactions requiring on average two to four months from initial engagement to closing, sellers looking to maximise exposure and buyers seeking the widest selection should already be positioning themselves today. Starting a project during Q3 significantly increases the likelihood of completing a transaction during the year’s most dynamic market window, when activity, competition and pricing momentum are typically at their highest.

The global business aviation resale market remains highly active, with 3,228 aircraft currently available for sale worldwide: 1,723 jets (423 Heavy, 606 Mid-size and 694 Light), 867 turboprops and 638 helicopters. North America continues to dominate the available inventory (61%), followed by Europe (14.3%), South America (10.8%), Asia (7.9%), Africa & the Middle East (5.2%) and Oceania (3.2%). Since the beginning of 2026, 2,941 aircraft have changed hands globally: 1,416 jets (400 Heavy, 431 Mid-size and 585 Light), 735 turboprops and 790 helicopters.

Among manufacturers, Bombardier currently leads available inventory with 359 aircraft listed for sale, followed by Gulfstream (228) and Dassault (173). These three OEMs continue to dominate the large-cabin and long-range business jet market.

As the industry prepares for a busy final quarter, now is the ideal time for both buyers and sellers to position themselves strategically and take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

Published by Best of Yachting, the Official Guide to Monaco’s Ports brings together practical information on Port Hercule, Fontvieille and Cala del Forte, alongside useful contacts, port services and a curated selection of yachting professionals and local addresses.

Designed for yacht owners, captains and crews visiting the Principality, the guide offers a valuable overview of Monaco’s maritime environment. Boutsen Aviation is pleased to be featured in this latest edition and to present its aircraft sales and acquisition expertise to the international yachting community.

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