Jets Bournemouth of the UK has appointed Duncan Aviation to identify and acquire at least six “project” aircraft for refurbishment.
The aircraft will ideally have overdue maintenance or need extensive cosmetic improvements. Jets plans to then bring them to a beautiful, modern and airworthy condition. “We are in the business of fixing aircraft and with the increased demand of entry-level charter to our customers, we see a real opportunity for a competent Part 145 organisation such as Jets to give these older, unloved aircraft a full refurbishment and new lease on life,” said Dan Rogers, CEO of Jets.
Rogers previously worked with Tim Barber, aircraft sales and acquisitions consultant for Duncan Aviation, on a Hawker project in late 2021. On that occasion, Barber was working for the seller and Jets was able to perform swiftly to secure the aircraft. “I was impressed with the speed with which Dan and his team were able to respond,” said Barber. “In the current market, that’s absolutely paramount.”
The aircraft sought are Hawkers, early Challengers and Phenoms, although Lears will also be considered.
The aircraft that was secured late in 2021 has been retained by Jets and put into operation with Gainjet in Ireland. Going forward, the first three acquisitions will be retained and placed into charter operations with Jets customers, but Rogers is keeping an open mind.
“As a maintenance organisation, we are acutely aware of the challenges faced by operators in managing the cost of keeping their aircraft flying, so we have come up with a unique solution,” said Rogers. “Once refurbished, these aircraft will be available to charter operators on a fully maintained basis, removing the common complaint of keeping an older aircraft flying and forecasting the cost of doing so. We believe there is real value for operators in having a reliable, cost-effective aircraft with the guarantee that the maintenance is all covered for one fixed price. On the back of strong demand for our existing Hawker, we have engaged the services of market-leader Duncan Aviation to help us acquire aircraft to grow our fleet.”
“One of the things I enjoyed about working with Jets was the simplicity,” said Barber. “They reviewed the aircraft, made an offer, we negotiated a deal within a day or so, and then undertook the evaluation of the aircraft. A purchase agreement was in place over the weekend. On that occasion, I was retained by the seller. Moving forward, I am confident that Jets will be equally responsive with the aircraft we identify.”
Barber has recorded nine aircraft transactions in the last nine months, with a tenth thought to be likely to conclude within days. “My contact list casts a wide net, so if we find an aircraft that Jets doesn’t choose to pursue, I am certain I will be able to locate another buyer,” said Barber.
Jets has recently been purchased by GulfJet Aviation and is seeking to “aggressively” grow its own fleet of aircraft. Having been in business for 18 years, the company is a fully authorised Embraer service centre offering base and line maintenance for the Phenom family, as well as turnkey maintenance solutions for Challenger and Hawker aircraft.
Founded in 1956 as a business aircraft sales organisation, Duncan Aviation has been locating, buying and selling business aircraft for customers worldwide for more than 65 years. Its aircraft sales consultants and market analysts have the experience of more than 3,000 aircraft transactions. They can also call on the technical knowledge and expertise of Duncan Aviation’s 2,500 team members.
As well as pre-owned aircraft sales and acquisitions, Duncan Aviation’s other services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit avionics systems, full paint and interior services, engineering and certification services and fabrication and manufacturing services. The company also has international aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365. Complete service facilities are located in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. The company also has dozens of other facilities throughout the USA to provide scheduled regional support and swift response to avionics, engine and airframe AOG situations.
