The Power Behind the Deal: How Market Intelligence Drives Smarter Aircraft Transactions

In today’s dynamic business aviation marketplace, knowledge is more than power, it’s protection. It helps buyers and sellers avoid costly financial and operational missteps, both in the moment and over the long term.

Aircraft are inherently complex assets to manufacture, operate, maintain, and ultimately transact. For aircraft owners and high-net-worth individuals navigating the purchase or sale of a private jet, access to accurate, timely, and well-interpreted market intelligence can significantly influence both outcomes and confidence in the process.

At Duncan Aviation, that intelligence is driven by a dedicated Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Market Research Team led by Rebekah Williams, with analyst Kirsten Ehrenfried playing a key role in transforming raw data into actionable perspective.

Duncan Aviation maintains one of the most comprehensive aircraft market research databases in the industry. Backed by more than 70 years of proprietary data and coverage across over 150 business jet models, the team tracks activity spanning business jets, turboprops, piston aircraft, and select jet airliners. In 2025 alone, the team monitored more than 100 aircraft markets and analyzed thousands of on-market, off-market, and completed transactions, providing clients with a clear, current, and well-rounded view of market conditions.   

But the volume of data alone isn’t what drives value.

“Our goal is to reduce as much uncertainty as possible and serve as a trusted partner by delivering high-quality research and thoughtful, strategic guidance that helps our clients make informed decisions aligned with their goals,” says Williams. “Two aircraft can appear very similar on paper, but when you examine maintenance history, ownership, or market perception, the differences can be significant, and those details matter.”

The real advantage lies in how that information is interpreted and applied. Rebekah and Kirsten focus on turning data into context, helping clients understand not just what is happening in the market, but what it means for their specific situation. Whether advising a first-time buyer or a seasoned aircraft owner, the team ensures that every decision is grounded in real-world market dynamics.

“We’re not just tracking numbers—we’re telling the story behind them,” adds Ehrenfried. “That perspective is what allows our clients to make truly informed decisions.”

For buyers, this translates into clarity in an often-opaque market. Insight into pricing trends, inventory levels, and aircraft performance histories helps identify fair market value and supports confident negotiation. It also ensures alignment between mission requirements and available aircraft, reducing the risk of costly surprises and securing assets that truly fit their needs.

For sellers, the advantage is equally significant. Proper market positioning, particularly pricing strategy and timing, is critical to attracting qualified buyers and maximizing asset value. Using detailed market analytics, Duncan Aviation helps sellers approach the market with a clear and informed strategy.

“Pricing an aircraft in line with the current market conditions, while establishing and managing expectations early is one of the most important factors in a successful sale,” Williams explains. “We consider the full market, the individual story of the aircraft, and the seller’s goals—because each plays a meaningful role in the outcome.”

Beyond pricing and positioning, research also plays a vital role in risk mitigation. The private aviation sector is influenced by shifting economic conditions, regulatory changes, and global events. The Duncan Aviation team continuously monitors these factors, providing clients with forward-looking insight that supports proactive decision-making.

“Market conditions can shift quickly,” says Ehrenfried. “Having real-time insight and expertise helps our clients stay ahead rather than react after the fact.”

As a founding member and Accredited Dealer of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), Duncan Aviation combines its data-driven approach with industry-leading ethics and global connectivity. Clients benefit not only from proprietary research, but also from access to an extensive network of buyers, sellers, and technical experts. This integration of data, relationships, and experience—spanning more than six decades of transactions—creates a powerful advantage in every deal.

Ultimately, the Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Market Research Team serves as both navigator and advocate. In a market defined by complexity and high stakes, Williams and Ehrenfried ensure that Duncan Aviation clients are never relying on assumptions or outdated information. Instead, they move forward with clarity, confidence, and a strategic edge.

For those investing in business aviation, that level of insight isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.

To learn more about the services offered by Duncan Aviation’s Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Department, visit www.DuncanAviation.aero/aircraftsales.