In this article, based on my years of experience, I’ll explain what a jet charter broker does and why you may need them.

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Let’s get one thing out of the way: a jet broker is NOT a consultant. By definition, a consultant is hired either for a fixed fee or for an hourly rate to provide an expert opinion on a specific problem. When you act as an air charter broker, you don’t get paid unless you close a deal. Even though clients ask you for advice, you earn nothing unless an agreement is reached and a flight is booked. 

Why do you need a charter broker in your life? 

There are two distinct situations in which you may need an air charter broker. The first one is when you are in the very early stages of a private jet journey. You are not sure who is a reliable supplier, what kind of aircraft is best suited for the trip, how the payment works, and whether you really want to pay anyone before a flight. Brokers cut through this smoke and handhold you through this entire process. 

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A private jet broker can: 

1. Help you understand that you don’t need a Global 7500 to do a flight with 3 passengers from Paris to London;
2. Explain that a Citation Sovereign cannot carry 50 pieces of medium-sized suitcases;
3. Inform you that internal flights within a country are considered cabotage and, therefore, cannot be done with aircraft that are not registered in that country;
4. Warn that it is dangerous and illegal to fly and pay for an aircraft registered under Part 91 “for private use only.”

The situation is different when your organization needs to make multiple trips a month for various clients or if you're an agency handling numerous client requests. A broker makes life easier by being a single point of contact for various demands. Thus, everyone can focus on their individual tasks — the company and the agency on increasing efficiency, and the broker on finding the best offers and solutions. 

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Charter brokering is a great solution when:

1. your boss gets a last-minute urgent and important meeting. An experienced broker is  here to come through with the “right” option. 
2. your customer’s top client needs to make a multi-sector trip that keeps changing. The broker helps to negotiate and get the best price, while the coordinator is there to manage the changes. 

Benefits of working with an air charter broker 

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At first, working with an air charter broker means convenience and expertise. These companies handle all the details and find the best aircraft to ensure safety standards are met. More so, private jet brokers provide personalized service tailored to your needs and can often secure better rates thanks to their vast network. They save your time by managing all the logistics and providing 24/7 support for a stress-free travel experience.

Why and when do you not need a jet broker?

While jet brokers provide valuable services, there are specific scenarios where you might not need one. For example, when your requirements have narrowed down to a single aircraft,  a broker may not be necessary. In this case, the client is very comfortable with the aircraft type, knows the pricing of the trips, and is keenly aware of the operators.

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It is worth noting that private aviation is a relationship business, and sometimes, your direct connection with an operator might surpass what a broker can offer. If you have built a strong relationship with an operator and are satisfied with their service, you may not need a broker to close the deal.

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What makes a good charter broker? 

A good jet charter broker is someone who has your interest at heart. If you are on the lookout for a great broker, below are some of the key traits to consider.

1. Brokers should always be ready to answer calls and eager to help, putting customers first.
2. They know their aircraft very well and decide which one is suitable for a particular mission. 
3. As problem solvers, they don’t shy away from issues — from loss of aircraft availability to mechanical failure on the day of the flight. 
4. A good broker always keeps you informed — whether the news is good or bad, they are never afraid to tell you the truth.
5. Jet brokers know how to balance the relationship between the operator and the client — they never put pressure on or treat anyone disrespectfully. 
6. They foresee a problem a mile away and already have a solution.

Once we have identified a good broker, let’s discuss some signs of a bad broker that you should avoid as soon as you notice them.

1. Ego — if you feel even a hint of this, run away. An egotistical broker is unable to cope with a refusal, does not take “no” for an answer, and is always looking for an opportunity to say, “I told you so.” 
2. Unwilling to give you the name of the aircraft operator — such brokers are paranoid that you might go directly to the operator and book the charter with them.
3. No photos of the actual airplane — the broker has not provided you with photos of the actual airplane.
4. No documentation for the aircraft — the broker isn’t willing to provide you with documentation for the aircraft, such as the insurance or AOC.

Conclusion

Look for an expert who can take care of all the details and arrange a trip so you can relax and enjoy it. Explore different options available online, as by collaborating with a trusted luxury company, each component of your flight will be performed at the highest level. So, the next time you decide to order services of charter broker, be sure that you find just the right option.

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