Demand From International Markets Expected To Help Reduce Select Inventories

There is clear evidence of a return to a more stable pricing environment for long range and large business jets, according to business aircraft broker Jetcraft Corporation.  Jahid Fazal-Karim, Co-Owner and Board Member, says there has been a significant reduction in the gap between buyer and seller price expectations, due in part to the reduction of distressed assets that flooded the market in late 2008. "Additionally," he said, "original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) now have stronger order backlogs, which has reduced the pressure to discount prices on new aircraft. The current recovery is being driven by emerging markets, including China, India, Russia and Africa, where long range aircraft are typically the models of choice."

Fazal-Karim says that after a significant price drop across all categories beginning in late 2008, there is now an increase in prices of larger, longer range, higher-end business aircraft. "Thus, we believe that the window of opportunity for discount buyers is now closing," he said. "In terms of risk, political and economic instability could jeopardize price recovery in some emerging markets. As for the mid-size and light business jet market segments, prices are stable but still low. However, shrinking inventories due to increased demand and economic recovery in North America, Europe and Latin America should stimulate values over the next 18 to 24 months."

"Given our global presence, volume of transactions and pricing of transactions, Jetcraft is seeing the tangible results of a recovery in the business jet market," continues Chad Anderson, President, Jetcraft Corporation. "Thanks to the considerable efforts or our team and a corporate culture of thorough analysis and rapid action, we have worked very hard to pursue opportunities worldwide. We believe we are seeing the beginning of a sustained recovery that will stimulate activity across the business aviation sector. We are very pleased with Jetcraft's performance so far this year and we look forward to announcing successful sales figures at the European Business Aviation Conference and Expo (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland on May 17," Anderson said.

RMI: www.jetcraft.com