By Matt Walter and Gabriel Bastos, Managing Partners, Guardian Jet
A family office representative recently contacted us about their client, a high-net-worth individual drawn to what looked like the “perfect aircraft.”
The listing appeared flawless. The photos showed fresh paint, a beautiful interior and an ideal cabin layout. And it was in the right price range.
On the surface, it seemed like an easy decision.
Yet, our analysis revealed a different picture. Several systems were aging and major inspections were approaching. The aircraft would have spent more time grounded than flying during its first year—and it would have been costly.
Situations like this arise often in our world, where the real risk usually hides behind the brochure. These themes—and the insight our Guardian Jet team delivers—guided our recent conversation on the On Pointe podcast. We spoke with Element Pointe’s David Savir and Carlos Dominguez about these challenges.
When a prospective buyer contacts us at Guardian Jet, our first role is to understand how aviation supports their broader goals.
We start by building a clear picture of their mission—not a list of aircraft models. That mission shapes every recommendation because the “right” airplane depends entirely on how the principal and their family members plan to fly.
Among other things, we evaluate several key factors:
Once the mission is clear, the best ownership models will become obvious. This clarity protects aircraft owners from costly misalignment later.
Two jets can feel similar to passengers but perform very differently financially. As consultants, our role is to help the owner understand the long-term financial picture.
When we support a family office, we model several things, including:
Sourcing the aircraft isn’t the largest task. It’s usually the smallest one. The real exposure sits in the details hidden beneath the surface.
Business jets contain thousands of components. As aircraft age, several things change. For example, parts become harder to find, maintenance costs rise and downtime increases.
Additionally, post-pandemic supply chains have created additional challenges. Sometimes, the issue comes from a supplier behind the main supplier where one missing component can ground an aircraft for weeks.
This is why we study:
Recent major inspections
Upcoming heavy maintenance
Known model-specific issues
Avionics or systems nearing obsolescence
Owners rarely mind planned expenses, but they strongly dislike costly surprises. Predictability matters.
Family office representatives often worry that owning a jet will feel like running a second company. Pilots, maintenance oversight, trip planning and compliance can feel overwhelming. A strong management company changes that dynamic.
We help families put together the right aviation-focused team:
Large institutional operators
Smaller boutique operators
Technical representatives
Aviation tax advisors
Specialized aviation legal counsel
Lenders and insurance partners
With the right ecosystem, ownership becomes smooth and predictable—and no longer feels like a burden.
The private aviation market is stable and healthy. Thankfully, demand has cooled from the post-COVID peak and remains high.
Key trends:
Most pre-owned aircraft transactions take 6–12 weeks, so it’s best to assemble the team well before you select the right aircraft.
Artificial intelligence is beginning to influence both aircraft operations and ownership decisions in meaningful ways. Manufacturers now use AI to predict component failures before they occur, and fleets are monitored for early-warning patterns that help operators reduce downtime and avoid missed trips.
We also use AI-driven models inside our Vault platform. These tools surface valuation trends, market movement and performance patterns that families might not see on their own. AI will never replace expert guidance, but it gives owners a stronger foundation for informed and proactive decision-making.
For Family Office representatives and high-net-worth aircraft owners, there are three simple takeaways from the podcast:
A private aircraft is both a privilege and a responsibility, and the right team with the right analysis makes all the difference.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo9VA7i5BiU
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mTkgVFUlAU8jNzNjwrcaW
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-private-aviation-playbook-charter-fractional-or/id1828453489?i=1000738429384
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