Owning an Airplane Might Be Closer Than You Think

Good morning! Apologies for the delay in this week’s email—I just got back from NBAA in Las Vegas and have been flat-out busy trying to sell airplanes ever since.

It was my first time at NBAA and there was plenty to take in. I expected to see a few $100 million jets on display—but I didn’t expect to see $100,000 pillows for sale to go inside them. That’s a story for another time.

Two major highlights from the show: seeing the mockup of Otto Aerospace’s Phantom 3500 in person—with an invite to do a full Flybuyer review on it soon—and meeting Steve Varsano of The Jet Business in person, who also extended an invitation for a Flybuyer review on his business aviation showroom in London. 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• What It Really Costs to Own an Airplane

• Around the Skies: Archer secures Lilium’s patent powerhouse, BOND revealed as Bombardier’s secret buyer, Honeywell predicts record business jet boom, Boeing, Leonardo to modernize Army training, Global 8000 hits mach 0.95 milestone

• PilotTube: Just Some MiG 17s Flying to Oshkosh…

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

From Dream to Reality: Making Aircraft Ownership Happen

For many pilots, owning an aircraft symbolizes independence and control—the freedom to fly when and where you choose, explore new horizons and make the journey as meaningful as the destination. While it may seem out of reach, owning an airplane is often more attainable than most think. The key is understanding your mission, setting realistic expectations and aligning your finances with an aircraft that fits your goals. Before running the numbers, it is worth considering how you plan to fly. Are you looking for weekend getaways, business trips or cross-country adventures? The answer will determine which type of aircraft makes sense for both your lifestyle and your budget.

For many first-time buyers, single-engine airplanes offer the most accessible path to ownership. Models such as the Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee provide reliability, simplicity and lower operating costs while still offering solid performance for family trips or solo flying. Pilots who need greater range, speed or comfort may consider moving up to a pressurized single or light twin like the Piper Malibu or Cessna 340. These aircraft offer more capability but come with higher costs for insurance, fuel, maintenance and training. It is important to find the balance between what you want and what you can comfortably afford to own and operate.

The cost of ownership extends far beyond the purchase price. Annual inspections, insurance, hangar rent, maintenance and fuel all add up quickly. As a general guideline, owners should plan to spend at least 10 to 15 percent of the aircraft’s value each year on upkeep and operations. Financing can make ownership more manageable, with lenders typically requiring 15 to 20 percent down and loan terms ranging from 15 to 20 years. Insurance costs vary based on experience and aircraft type, ranging from around $2,000 per year for basic piston singles to more than $10,000 for complex or pressurized models. Regular maintenance and careful record-keeping are essential for keeping long-term costs under control.

Fortunately, today’s buyers have access to better tools and resources than ever before. Online aircraft finance calculators and ownership planning tools can help determine the true cost of ownership by factoring in financing, fuel, insurance and maintenance. Lenders will look for financial stability, a manageable debt-to-income ratio and proof of reliable income before offering favorable terms. With smart financial planning and a clear understanding of your mission, owning an airplane can shift from a distant dream to a realistic and rewarding goal. For pilots who prepare carefully, the freedom to fly on their own terms is well within reach.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ Archer Aviation has acquired Lilium GmbH’s 300-patent portfolio for €18 million, boosting its global holdings to over 1,000 eVTOL assets. The deal adds cutting-edge technologies in ducted fans, high-voltage systems and advanced flight controls—strengthening Archer’s edge in the race toward next-generation electric aviation.

🛩️ Bombardier announced at NBAA-BACE that BOND is the customer behind its $1.7 billion June order for 50 Challenger 3500 and Global 6500 jets, one of the largest in the company’s history. Backed by KKR, BOND’s new “Fractional 2.0” model will feature a fully super-midsize and large-cabin fleet with just ten owners per aircraft and full-time flight attendants. Deliveries begin in 2027, with options for 70 more aircraft that could raise the deal’s value to over $4 billion.

🛩️ Honeywell projects record growth in business jet deliveries, forecasting 8,500 new aircraft worth $283 billion over the next decade. The surge is driven by economic strength, rising fractional ownership demand and advancing technology. North America will lead the market with about 70 percent of new deliveries, while manufacturers ramp up to meet sustained demand..

🛩️ Boeing and Leonardo have partnered to modernize U.S. Army flight training using the AW119T helicopter under a new contractor-owned, contractor-operated model. The program will integrate real-world flight, advanced simulators and cloud-based tracking to boost pilot proficiency and efficiency.

🛩️ Bombardier’s Global 8000 has officially claimed the title of the world’s fastest business jet, now reaching a top speed of Mach 0.95. The ultra-long-range aircraft, with an 8,000-nautical-mile range and a luxurious four-zone cabin, is expected to be certified by year’s end. NetJets will be the launch customer, planning a fleet of 24.

PilotTube

This video takes a twist on the classic “Bonanzas to Oshkosh” tradition — but with fighter jets. Here we get an inside look at the real-world flight planning, coordination and precision required to bring high-performance military aircraft safely into the busiest airspace in the world.

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