AFTER TAKING A BLACK EYE DURING THE RECESSION, THE JET SET READIES FOR A REBOUND

While the bargain-basement deals have gone, now is still a good time for corporations to go shopping, including for used jets,” said Jamie

Spears, president and owner of J.A. Spears & Associates Ltd., a Toronto-based jet consulting and broker firm.  

For instance, a five year-old Dassault Falcon 2000EX could be purchased last fall for between $21 million and $29 million, depending on the plane’s condition and features.  Prices in recent weeks for jets that are 10 years old or newer have strengthened, Mr. Spears said.  

“If you want to come to the party now, bring more money for the newer jets.  Prices for jets more than 20 years old remain depressed” he said.  

On the go executives often need quick access to remote sites, Mr. Spears said, emphasizing that private jets are able to take advantage of an array of airports. There is greater flexibility in determining where to take off and land in a business jet, relieving managers from the hassles and crowds in flying commercial, renting a car and having to drive two or three hours to a remote site, he said.

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2009

THE GLOBE AND MAIL REPORT ON BUSINESS

BY BRENT JANG

Bombardier has faith in future of private jets

The continued economic weakness and the perception of private jets as perks have eroded demand, said Jamie Spears, president and owner of J.A. Spears & Associates Ltd,. a Toronto based jet consulting and brokerage firm. 
Earlier this year, plane maker Hawker Beechcraft Corp. accused the media and politicians of promoting a “negative stereotype” of corporate jets as symbols of excess.  Mr. Spears said the sector may be down, but it’s far from out, and there should be a gradual recovery.
“You cannot have an executive who has time constraints go on a Boeing with 200 college students to Florida and then switch planes to go to Atlanta,” Mr. Spears said in an interview.  “Not all charter jet companies are dying on the vine.”
He argued that with low interest rates and a wide selection of planes, now would be a shrewd time for executives to obtain the jet of their dreams. 

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2009

THE GLOBE AND MAIL REPORT ON BUSINESS

BY BRENT JANG

In response to the negative media surrounding private corporate jet ownership

‘Jamie Spears of J.A. Spears & Associates Ltd., a Toronto based jet consulting and brokerage firm states: “Most of our clients have an excellent and valid reason to employ these planes,” who argues that top executives value the privacy on jets, and also can’t afford to be wasting time in airport security line ups scheduled for flights.’