In this episode of Hangar X, host John Ramstead sits down with Emily Deaton, CEO of Jet Aviva, to unpack the post-pandemic transformation of business aviation. From the surge in first-time buyers to the stabilization of demand, Emily shares insider insights into who’s buying aircraft today, what’s driving long-term ownership trends, and what market signals reveal about the broader health of aerospace.

They dive into how buyer behavior has evolved since COVID, why the traditional “charter-to-fractional-to-ownership” path is disappearing, and what first-time buyers should really focus on before purchasing an aircraft (hint: it’s not the airplane).

• Charter management: smart cost offset or risky assumption?
  
  

• Market signals from light jets to large-cabin aircraft
  
  

• Leadership lessons from navigating nonstop volatility
  
  

• How Angel Flight showcases the true purpose of business aviation
  
  

• Why aviation remains one of the most relationship-driven industries in the world

[00:04:18] – The First-Time Buyer Surge Post-Pandemic
Pre-pandemic, first-time buyers represented ~10% of transactions. After COVID, that jumped to 30% annually — a massive industry shift.

[00:07:32] – Did Those New Buyers Stay?
The percentage normalized back to 10–15%, but importantly, the buyers remained in the industry — a long-term win for business aviation.

[00:08:27] – The Traditional Ownership “Stepladder” Is Disappearing
Charter → Fractional → Whole ownership is no longer the default path. Buyers are making mission-based decisions from the start.

[00:10:26] – Chartering Your Aircraft to Offset Costs
Charter management can work — but only with realistic expectations and expert guidance. Emotional assumptions about revenue can lead to disappointment.

[00:12:46] – Why Jet Aviva Specializes by Aircraft Type
Rather than “selling anything,” Jet Aviva trains specialists in specific aircraft models to deliver deep expertise and superior client value.

[00:16:50] – Leading Through Volatility
Since becoming CEO, Emily has faced nonstop market shifts: pandemic surge, stabilization, election-year slowdown, and tariffs. The lesson? Stability must come from internal foundations, not external markets.

[00:22:24] – Owner-Flown vs. Crew-Flown Aircraft
Owner-flown aircraft remain common in light jets and turboprops, while first-time buyers are increasingly entering super-mid and large-cabin markets based purely on mission requirements.

Emily Deaton is the CEO of Jet Aviva, one of the world’s largest private jet sales organizations by annual transaction volume. She joined the company in 2019 as VP of Sales, became COO in 2020, and stepped into the CEO role in 2022 — leading the firm through unprecedented market growth and volatility.

Jet Aviva specializes in light jets and owner-flown aircraft, with a strong focus on deep model specialization and repeat client relationships.

Prior to Jet Aviva, Emily held leadership roles at Embraer Executive Jets and remains deeply involved in the aviation community. She serves on multiple industry boards, including Angel Flight West, where she champions charitable aviation initiatives providing free medical transportation.

Her leadership philosophy centers on building strong foundations that withstand market turbulence — in business and in life.

 About Jet Aviva

Jet Aviva is a leading global aircraft sales and acquisition firm specializing in business aviation. Known for its deep expertise and client-centric approach, Jet Aviva focuses on matching buyers and sellers with the right aircraft — from light jets and turboprops to midsize and large-cabin business jets. The company distinguishes itself through aircraft-specific specialization, ensuring each client works with advisors who possess detailed knowledge of the exact make and model under consideration. With a strong emphasis on long-term relationships, repeat clientele, and tailored solutions, Jet Aviva provides comprehensive support across the entire aircraft ownership lifecycle — from acquisition and financing to operations and resale. The firm is recognized for its integrity, market insight, and commitment to delivering exceptional value in every transaction.

“The pandemic didn’t just bring new buyers — it unlocked awareness of what business aviation truly enables.”

“We’ve learned that if you’re waiting for the market to stabilize before you feel in control, you’ll never feel in control.”

“Start with tax and entity structure before you fall in love with an airplane.”

“Business aviation isn’t just about luxury — it’s about enabling people to live and work better.”

“When someone uses their aircraft to help a family in need, that’s what this industry is really about.”

“In aviation, relationships still matter more than anything.”