true true 0 <b>What do charter fliers need to know about the current market?</b> In short, there is no better time to be chartering an aircraft. Supply is up, demand is down, fuel prices are off their historic high and more charter operators are willing to negotiate with good (i.e., creditworthy) clients. As people fly their own aircraft less, the supply on the charter market increases, bringing hourly prices down in some areas. In the United States in particular, where asset capitalization costs have never been factored into market rates, chartering is an incredibly attractive alternative to ownership, from a purely financial perspective. Of course there will always be the hidden costs of charter—questionable availability, operational control and aircraft condition. <b>How is the used jet market holding up?</b> In almost every segment, from large down to super-midsize and light jets, it is a buyer’s market. This is likely to continue for some time. Inventories have been climbing in recent months, and that trend is likely to continue. If the fundamental drivers of your travel patterns dictate a private aviation solution, that is, if you require a flexible schedule and travel to destinations not served well by commercial air routes, then the market has actually gotten better for you. _Ask a Jet Expert is a regular column from Craig Bowers, president of JetForward Aviation, an executive aviation search and acquisition firm based in San Jose, Calif. Craig’s unique background combines an extensive aviation career with an accomplished sales track record. As a former military test pilot, commercial airline captain and general aviation pilot, he is able to provide clients with first-hand knowledge of the aviation business to achieve a safe, cost-effective solution focused on an individual’s unique travel requirements. Got a question for the Jet Expert? Email us at editor@halogenguides.com._ 2008-12-10T22:21:46Z 0 true 1625 false false 2008-12-15T22:20:00Z true false ask-a-jet-expert-booking-a-charter-in-a-down-economy false 0

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