How to Value Your Aircraft Realistically (Before the Broker Calls)

Setting the right asking price for an aircraft is both an art and a science. Too high, and genuine buyers never engage; too low, and you risk leaving significant value on the table. Most importantly, unrealistic pricing can damage credibility, both for the asset and the seller.

At Bespoke Aero, we support owners in determining fair, evidence-based aircraft values before the aircraft ever reaches the market. By combining operational insight, financial logic, and independent analysis, we help owners price strategically rather than emotionally.

1. Why a “Broker’s Estimate” Isn’t the Whole Picture

When an owner signals intent to sell, many brokers respond quickly with informal value estimates, sometimes optimistic, sometimes vague. While such input can be useful, it’s rarely independent.

Some brokers (not all) can price to secure a listing, not to deliver an accurate valuation. Inflated figures may appear attractive at first but can lead to months of inactivity followed by reductions that erode buyer confidence.

Bespoke Aero Insight: A credible value starts with data, not opinion.

2. Understanding the True Value Driver

Every aircraft has its own story, and its value reflects more than age or total time. To determine a realistic number, we evaluate:

• Maintenance status: Upcoming inspections, engine programs, and component life.

• Avionics and modifications: Compliance with current regulations and market expectations.

• Cosmetic condition: Interior and paint significantly affect first impressions.

• Operational history: Accident-free records and stable ownership boost confidence.

• Market comparables: Recent sales, not just current listings, form the benchmark.

Bespoke Aero Insight: Two aircraft of identical age can differ in value significantly due to maintenance and presentation alone.

3. The Role of Market Data and Its Limitations

Published valuation guides (like Aircraft Bluebook, Vref, and others) provide useful baselines, but they’re only part of the story. They rely on historical averages and can lag behind fast-changing market dynamics.

Recent months have seen fluctuations driven by supply chain constraints, regional demand spikes, and currency shifts. Independent advisors contextualise these variables, identifying where guide data may over or understate true value.

Bespoke Aero Insight: Market data without context can mislead. Interpretation creates value.

4. Independent Appraisal: Evidence Over Emotion

Formal appraisals prepared by accredited professionals provide defensible valuations for financing, insurance, or estate purposes. However, for remarketing decisions, a lighter independent review can be equally effective.

Bespoke Aero conducts Market Value Assessments, combining:

• Aircraft inspection findings (or recent maintenance data)

• Market comparables

• Trend analysis of listing duration vs. achieved price

The result is a practical, data-backed figure that reflects what the market will realistically pay, not just what sellers hope to achieve.

5. Managing Expectation and Strategy

Valuation is not a static number; it’s a strategy. Setting a price slightly above market can work in rising conditions but risks stalling a sale if sentiment shifts. Conversely, positioning slightly below market can generate competitive tension and shorten time-to-sale.

The optimal strategy depends on your priorities: speed, discretion, or maximising return. Bespoke Aero helps define that balance using both data and experience.

Bespoke Aero Insight: Price credibility attracts serious buyers faster than optimism ever will.

6. Presentation Enhances Perceived Value

An aircraft’s physical condition and documentation completeness directly influence how buyers interpret value. Well presented aircraft often achieve sale prices above comparable but poorly presented examples.

High-resolution photography, accurate specifications, and a clean maintenance record package can materially increase interest and perceived worth.

Bespoke Aero Insight: Presentation is the bridge between intrinsic and realised value.

Conclusion: Realism is the Foundation of Trust

A well-priced aircraft sends a clear message: this is a credible, motivated seller who understands the market. That credibility accelerates negotiations and supports stronger closing positions.

At Bespoke Aero, we help owners define that value with precision and objectivity, ensuring every decision is backed by data, insight, and transparency. Because in aircraft sales, realism isn’t caution, it’s strategy.

Contact our team today to determine the true market value of your aircraft.