Private aviation brokerage is one of the respected fields in private aviation and accounts for reselling, purchasing and acting as a bridge between jet sellers and purchasers. Private aviation is a source of luxury, exclusivity and convenience to its clients.
Rich peeps, TV actors, businessmen, celebrities of all types, executives and statesmen require a middle man to secure private jet deals. This is the very reason, private jet broker’s job has become more important than ever.
A private jet broker can work with individuals of high-net category and earn handsome commission while still pursuing an incredible career path. Moreover, other major responsibilities and the scope of work of jet brokers include the fact that they can act as intermediaries between clients seeking flights and the flight services providers. The deals you make will earn you anywhere between tens of thousands to million United States dollars.
If earning a decent amount is your concern, which should be at some point of your career, but for starters, learning the dynamics of a private jets brokerage is key. Read the blog post to find out how you can become a private broker in the aviation industry.
Top 3 Types of Private Jet Brokers
There can be several types of private jet brokers but following are the most highly rated professions in the aviation brokerage industry:
- Charter Aviation Brokers: They are the most specialized in arranging on-demand private air vehicles, luxury jets and/or book tickets for executives, billionaires, etc.
- Sales Aviation Brokers: They act as an intermediary and handle transactions in millions related to selling or buying private, luxury or charter jets.
- 24/7Full-Time Brokers: Private aviation brokers of this type offer both the charter as well as private jet sales services.
Please, acknowledge the fact that individual brokers can be of several types, so are the private aviation brokerage companies which can be specialized in every aspect of private aviation, from purchasing a luxury jet, outsourcing one to selling an on-off flight to their clients.
Easy Guide to Become a Private Jet Broker
Relevant Aviation Training & Education
It is important to mention in the start that you do not need a specific bachelors degree to work as a chartered jet broker but many aviation firms look for individuals with prior work experiences or relevant education in the aviation sector.
People with high schooling degrees can start with courses on sales, customer services or negotiations that will prove handy during your interviews at aviation firms. In the similar fashion, you will get a OJT (on the job training) at the charter company of your liking or when they hire you.
Always remember that something is better than nothing. For your own sake, do some research and always learn to use the charter marketplace platforms, for instance, NetJets, Argus etc. Moreover, you can try out training programs that are being offered by various aviation certified companies or associations.
You Need Certification and Aviation License
If you are thinking about doing a certification and the government approved licensing then you should. It will add credibility which is key, particularly in the private aviation industry. For that particular reason, you can start your career while collaborating or simply joining aviation associations like Wyvern Broker Certification, National Business Association or Argus Broker.
This will act as a strong credential for your jet brokerage journey and ensure that clients think of you as a professional private jet broker.
If you are planning about opening a charter jet company of your own then you will require a private jet broker license. You will need to obtain operation certification from the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA in the United States.
Jet brokers in the UK require an AOC (Air Operation Certificate) from the Civil Aviation Authority. Therefore, always approach a relevant authority in your country to do it legally and avoid any discrepancies in future.
Network With Professionals of Aviation Industry
Networking is the simplest yet an effective way to stay connected with the people of your relevant industry. As a private jet broker you need to understand a couple of things, companies sell jets, clients who can afford purchase, and you have to source them from operators to another broker.
The more you sit with the service providers, the more you will get a chance to access a jet which is even not yet listed publicly and will prioritize you over other brokers.
In case of a private aviation brokerage, you can either reach them via professional platforms , for instance, by joining aviation forums and/or partnering with air vehicle operators, concierge services providers and luxury travel agents.
Relevant Experience With Private Jet Brokers
While we already established the fact that you can join the aviation industry without prior education, licensing or courses. However, you can still join private jet broker companies that will expose you more towards real-time industry insights and add credibility to your brokerage resume.
Miscellaneous Haves to Help You in Aviation Brokerage
Regardless of what you have or not. Various things you must consider and not limit yourself to that one particular skill and keep improving yourself from the word go, specifically the under listed ones:
Familiarity with the Private Aviation and Air Vehicle Categories
It is practically impossible that you will be able to execute something with a little knowledge. The same goes for private aviation. A prior knowledge of the brokerage, aircraft types, its operators will not only save your time but also assist your clients in finding and securing a best possible deal.
The range, passenger capacity, cabin amenities knowledge is another plus to impress the clients or aviation brokers companies you intend to join. Moreover, you must know FBOs, their handlers, locations of airports to recommend clients for their intended journeys.
For instance, if your client wants to travel all the way from France to the Bahamas Islands, you need to ensure where your client jets will land or which airport will be the best, considering the location as well the runway.
Customer Services & Sales Skills
We already discussed the biggest plus you can have under your belt when intending to join a private brokerage. However, as a private jet broker you need to learn about sales and work on negotiation and customer services skills.
Any unforeseen situation that requires addressing, needs to be communicated to your client and/or jet operators or services providers. In a similar way, sales is another skill that will help you excel well in private brokerage.
Direct Communication to Your Client
Your client is stuck in the Bahamas due to hurricane warnings and your jet flights need to be cancelled. As a broker, you must convey to the client that you won’t be able to arrange a flight for a couple of days, keeping in mind the weather forecast by federal meteorological agencies.
Continuously Evolve Yourself
If you do not evolve with ever changing dynamics of the private jet brokerage. You will either be ignored or simply replaced. Therefore, work on professional developments, stay informed and ready to upgrade yourself.
One way to evolve yourself is by reading the regular trade publications, reputable news resources available on online and offline markets and subscribe to private aviation newsletter.
FAQs
Can I join the private aviation brokerage without a BS Degree in Aviation or related field?
Yes, you do not need a relevant bachelors degree to start your career as a private jet broker, however, few aviation firms value people with aviation backgrounds for such roles.
Who is the biggest private jet broker in the world?
NetJets has the world’s biggest, largest and diverse private jet fleet. However, few other big names in this field are FlexJets, Vista and Airshare etc.
What does a private jet broker do?
A private jet broker does not own a private jet yet it is one of the most respected professions in the aviation industry. Private jet brokers are responsible for a number of things, including acting as a bridge between jet operators and clients. They link passengers with the operators and arrange or book tickets for the clients.
How much do private jet brokers make in a year?
They make around $100K to max $130K when working in a private jet brokerage. However, if they work independently, then the commission on each jet sale can be massive. The regular jet broker makes around $55K to $60K in a year.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a private jet broker can be the next big decision in your life but bear in mind that you do not need a relevant degree to qualify as a broker who just started out. However, having a relevant degree will add value and credibility and your clients will trust you more with bookings.
For private jets brokerage, and acting as an independent broker, you need relevant certifications from aviation departmental heads, however, brokers working for broker companies may not need it.
There is always a good way to learn skills like, sales, negotiation and improve the communication and customer services skills in the aviation industry to be the best in the business.