How to Become a Private Jet Broker?

When we think of private aviation, certain words come to our mind- luxury, exclusivity, and convenience. Many who seep private jets want the comfort that comes with it. As a result, the job of a private jet broker has become essential in this industry. As a private jet broker, you can work with high-net individuals, celebrities, and business executives while building a fascinating career path. If your eyes are set on the path, you might have wondered how to become a private jet broker. Let's dive into it.

What is a Private Jet Broker?

Before jumping to how to become a jet broker, let's look at what a private jet broker is. Private jet brokers act as intermediaries between clients seeking private flights and service providers in the private aviation industry. But it is not just about connecting your client with a service provider. As a jet broker, you will leverage your extensive industry knowledge, technical expertise, and professional network to identify the best aircraft that suits your clients' needs. The goal is to provide a sublime travel experience where all their specific demands are met.

Becoming a jet broker also involves providing expert guidance and support throughout the aircraft chartering process. Private jet brokers must stay updated with the latest industry trends, regulations, and safety standards to provide the client with the highest quality of service.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Jet Broker

If you are wondering how to become a private jet charter broker, we have broken down the process into several steps.

1. Education and Training

No specific degree is required when thinking about how to become a private jet broker. However, many private aviation brokerage firms value a background in an aviation-related field. You can pursue a bachelor's degree in business, aviation management, or marketing. Even if you don't have a degree in the field mentioned above, courses on sales, negotiations, and customer service courses can prove helpful.

The same is true for training as well. There are no formal training requirements since you will get on-the-job training at the charter company where you are hired. However, you must learn to use charter marketplace platforms such as Avinode, JetNet, or ARGUS. Alternatively, you can take up training programs offered by companies and associations.

2. License and Certification

No government-approved licenses are required when one is thinking about how to become a jet broker. However, credibility is key to success in the private aviation industry. As a private charter broker working in a company, consider joining associations like the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), ARGUS Certified Broker, and Wyvern Broker Certification. These can add credibility to your profile and help your clients know their demands will be met professionally.

The rules differ if you consider becoming a jet broker and eventually opening a private charter company. Such companies require a private jet broker license to run their operations. For instance, private charter companies in the US must obtain operating certificates or licenses from the FAA. Similarly, in the UK, private players need an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate legally. In India, private charter companies must obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

3. Networking

When considering how to become a private jet charter broker, you should prioritize networking. Networking is essential because, as a private jet broker, you don't own jets. You have to source them from operators or other brokers. A strong network will give you real-time access to such jets, even those not publicly listed. The better your relationship, the more likely service providers will prioritize your request.

To build their networks, private jet brokers must attend industry events and aviation expos. They should also consider joining aviation forums and business aviation communities and partnering with aircraft operators, Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), concierge services, and luxury travel agencies.

Must-Have Skills to Become a Private Jet Broker

An awareness of what you have to study, the licenses you might require, and the networks you have to build will help solve the dilemma of how to become a private jet broker. But what does it take to excel in this field? Some of the most successful private jet brokers pride themselves on the ability to provide seamless, personalized journeys to their clients.

1. Knowledge of Private Aviation and Aircraft Types

You can't offer the best to your client if you don't know the best. A key skill when thinking about how to become a jet broker is the ability to source the perfect private jet that meets your client's requirements. You must constantly be educated on the new things happening in private aviation. Your knowledge about different aircraft types and the operators who have them will help you save time when you are sourcing private jets. Knowing aircraft types is knowing their size, range, passenger capacity, and cabin amenities.

You also need to know where the handling and FBOs are located and which airports are the best to recommend to your clientele for their journey. Let's say your client wants a Citation CJ4 to fly to Courchevel, France, for a skiing trip. If you thoroughly understand private aviation, you will know that Citation Jet cannot land in Courchevel due to its short sloped runway. This is the awareness you need when considering becoming a jet broker.

2. Superior Sales and Customer Service Skills

Sales, negotiation, and customer service skills are the core of what makes a successful private jet broker. When thinking about how to become a jet broker, remember that private jet brokers must be ready for any unforeseen situation. For instance, your client might require a last-minute private jet to fly 10 people to a remote island. This is where your negotiation skills come into play. You must quickly evaluate the available aircraft types to recommend the perfect fit.

Exceptional customer service will also be key in this scenario. You'll need to provide personalized, attentive, and responsive service to ensure the client's experience is seamless from the initial inquiry to the post-flight follow-up.

3. Dedication to Professional Development

Aviation is continuously evolving. This means that even after your hard work in becoming a jet broker, you will need to learn and stay informed about the landscape constantly. When thinking about how to become a private jet charter broker, it is essential to remember that your dedication to ongoing professional development will help you keep your skills relevant.

One way to do this is to regularly read trade publications, follow reputable news sources, and subscribe to private aviation newsletters. As a private jet broker, you must thoroughly know about aircraft types, compliance, and regulatory standards in different countries.

4. Communication and Problem-Solving Abilities

When considering how to become a private jet broker, a key aspect is your ability to communicate effectively and solve problems that may surface. As a private jet broker, you are in constant contact with clients, aircraft service providers, and other brokers, and communication skills can help you convey information clearly and effectively.

Your problem-solving abilities will come in handy many times in this career. Private aviation involves many complex and sensitive challenges. You will be required to think quickly and act. You might be tasked with finding last-minute replacement aircraft owing to changes in your client's preference. Your resourcefulness will help you deliver an exceptional travel experience.

5. Maintaining a Professional Network

We discussed the necessity of networking earlier. When considering how to become a jet broker, the power of maintaining a professional network cannot be stressed enough.

Networking, however, does not end with the initial introduction. You have to keep the line of communication open. Keep in touch with your contacts through regular communication, such as emails, phone calls, or social media interactions.  But how do you build such a network in the first place? One can start by identifying the leading players in the private aviation industry, such as aircraft operators, management companies, maintenance providers, and fellow brokers. You can attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to meet these individuals face-to-face and establish connections.

How Much Do Private Jet Brokers Earn?

If you are looking at how to become a private jet broker, the salary one gets after becoming a jet broker will be vital for you. Private jet brokers typically earn a commission. This is the aircraft's sale price percentage or a flat fee for every flight booked.

You can also examine your country's industry standards for private jet broker pay scales. In the US, for instance, private jet brokers can earn between $72,491 and $82,428 per year, with some top earners making significantly more. Similarly, private jet brokers in the UK make around £48,845 ($63,921.11) per year, with £10,942 ($14,319.27) in tips, commissions, and bonuses.

Conclusion

As a private jet broker, you have an exciting opportunity to significantly impact the private aviation industry. There is an increased demand for luxury travel experiences, increasing the demand for charter sales jobs. If you have the right skills, now is the time to make a career in private jet brokering. And if the landscape of private aviation interests you, you can also consider becoming a private jet pilot if you have the technical expertise and the required education.