Today’s aviation marketplace extends far beyond geographic borders. International aircraft sales connect buyers and sellers around the world, with aircraft routinely moving between countries and continents as ownership changes.
A private jet based in California might be purchased by a buyer in Kenya, Switzerland, or the Middle East. Making that transition successful requires much more than finding the right aircraft. Cross-border transactions can involve import and export requirements, registration changes, inspections, escrow, taxes, customs considerations, and multiple aviation authorities.
At Tern Jet Sales, we help clients navigate global aircraft sales and acquisitions with the market knowledge, operational experience, and transaction oversight needed to buy and sell aircraft confidently across borders.
The Growing Market for International Aircraft Sales
The demand for quality pre-owned aircraft has created a dynamic international market. Buyers are searching worldwide for the right aircraft, driven by differences in model availability, exchange rates, and market valuations. A U.S.-registered Citation M2 might appeal to a European buyer seeking reliability and value, while a business owner in the Middle East might target a U.S.-based Phenom 300 with low hours and a strong maintenance pedigree.
As experts in international aircraft sales, the Tern Jet Sales team anticipates these opportunities and connects global buyers and sellers through deep market knowledge, operational expertise, and trusted relationships across continents.
Navigating Cross-Border Aircraft Transactions
Cross-border aircraft transactions require a level of precision that few firms can match. Every country has unique aviation regulations, registration standards, and export procedures. Differences in taxes, inspections, and documentation can make international deals daunting, particularly in regions with complex regulatory frameworks.
For example, in Latin America, aviation authorities such as ANAC (Brazil), DGAC (Mexico), and AAC (Chile) require strict adherence to aircraft registration protocols, airworthiness certifications, and import/export documentation. In some cases, foreign-registered aircraft must undergo a full inspection and verification process before approval for local operation, including proof of maintenance history and compliance with environmental and noise regulations.
Tern Jet Sales helps coordinate each phase of the transaction, from pre-buy inspections and escrow arrangements to aircraft registration transfers, export documentation, and delivery. Whether you’re a U.S. owner selling abroad or an international buyer acquiring an aircraft in the U.S., our team works alongside the appropriate aviation, legal, tax, customs, and regulatory professionals to help keep the transaction moving efficiently and protect your interests throughout the process.
International Aircraft Brokerage Expertise
With decades of combined experience, our team brings a uniquely global perspective to aircraft brokerage. Sho Kassam’s aviation career began in East Africa and expanded internationally through his work as a pilot and operations leader. Julian Tonsmeire’s extensive background in both aircraft sales and flight operations allows him to anticipate challenges and streamline every step of a transaction — from negotiation to delivery.
Together, their international experience and network enable Tern Jet Sales to match the right aircraft with the right buyer anywhere in the world, bridging gaps between markets with professionalism, expertise, and transparency.
The Spirit of Global Aviation
Our name, inspired by the Arctic Tern — the world’s farthest-traveling bird — reflects our global reach and enduring commitment to exploration. Like the Arctic Tern, we navigate vast distances with precision, connecting aircraft owners and operators across continents.
At Tern Jet Sales, our mission goes beyond buying and selling aircraft. We create connections, simplify complex transactions, and deliver exceptional service to every client — whether your aircraft’s journey begins in Alaska, Africa, Latin America, or anywhere in between.
Buying or selling an aircraft across borders requires careful planning and the right team.
If you’re considering an international aircraft sale or acquisition, contact Tern Jet Sales at sale@ternjetsales.com to discuss your transaction.
Read other blogs from Tern Jet Sales at www.ternjetsales.com/blog.