Aftermarket support is a crucial factor in aircraft transactions, impacting price and potentially creating headaches in the future. David Caporali, Senior Vice President, Business Development – Americas for JSSI, recently spoke with AvBuyer about how buyers should ensure their aircraft has access to the support network it needs. We’ve summarized key JSSI commentary below; read the full article on AvBuyer.com – Issue 12, pages 54-60.

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Aftermarket support in business aviation refers to the full range of products and services required to maintain, repair, and enhance an aircraft after delivery: from spare parts and MRO services to technical knowledge and assistance. This support is essential to ensuring the aircraft’s safety, reliability, and longevity throughout its operational life, with providers delivering solutions that span from routine part replacements and inspection schedules to comprehensive maintenance programs.

Consider the Aftermarket Support Packages Carefully

Caporali says JSSI sees noticeable differences in how parts availability and support impact operational efficiency for business aircraft, even for aircraft that are still in production.

“This becomes even more evident with out-of-production aircraft, especially those with limited production volumes, which can make maintenance increasingly challenging for operators,” he says.

It’s important to understand that the aviation industry operates in a highly regulated environment, Caporali warns – one in which it is virtually impossible to find temporary or improvised solutions for parts or maintenance. If a part if not certified by the authorities for installation on a specific aircraft, it simply cannot be used.

“Certifying new supplies or replacement parts requires extensive engineering efforts and significant investment,” he highlights. “As a result, for aircraft models produced in small numbers, developing such solutions is often economically unviable, making them far more vulnerable to aftermarket support challenges.”

Questions to Ask About an Aircraft’s Aftermarket Support Situation

According to Caporali, it’s crucial that operators unfamiliar with the market rely on experienced professionals who can provide a comprehensive view of the aircraft’s long-term support outlook.

“Buyers should clearly understand how the aftermarket [environment] is positioned to support the aircraft they intend to purchase and assess current and future risks,” he notes. “A thorough analysis of upcoming maintenance requirements and real-world data on how similar models are performing in the market is essential to avoid costly surprises.”

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JSSI is always glad to be a resource to clients and colleagues across the industry by providing insights and consultation to help them understand and plan for future maintenance exposure and to make informed decisions. Contact our team by reaching out at requests@jetsupport.com.

JSSI is pleased to announce the addition of five new regional sales representatives to its Maintenance Programs and Parts & Leasing divisions. These strategic hires reflect JSSI’s continued focus on local talent, support, and client service.

Maintenance Programs

Bobby Jensen has been appointed director of business development for the Central Plains U.S., and Thomas Richardson joins as director of business development for the South-Central U.S.

Jensen brings nearly 20 years of experience in aviation, starting his career as a corporate pilot for SPS-Maine Aviation. Most recently, he served as the regional sales director for new aircraft at Textron. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Kansas State University.

With over 40 years’ experience in the industry, Richardson joins JSSI from Embraer, where he most recently served as their North America Fleet Manager. In this role he oversaw planning for all executive jet platforms and was responsible for support throughout the customer lifecycle. He holds a certificate in Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology from Atlanta Technical College.

David Caporali, SVP Business Development – Americas, emphasized JSSI’s commitment to investing in top tier-talent, believing that the people, along with their experience and insight, help deliver the organization’s greatest asset: trusted client relationships.

“We are committed to investing in top-tier talent and believe that our people – their experience and insight – and their ability to build trusted relationships are our greatest asset in delivering a superior level of service to highly sophisticated clients. Bobby and Thomas both bring an exceptional professional background, built over many years working with great aircraft manufacturers in the industry. They carry deep market knowledge, a mature understanding of our customers’ operational needs, and a strong reputation within their client bases,” said Caporali.

Parts & Leasing

Launched in 2014, JSSI Parts & Leasing was created to support clients, aircraft owners, operators, and MROs with smarter, faster access to parts and engines. Since then, the business has grown significantly, navigating global supply chain challenges on behalf of JSSI clients, while expanding its inventory position and capabilities. Joining the parts sales team are Ozge Dertli, Regional Sales Director for Middle East and Africa; Thiago Damasceno, Business Development Director for Latin America; and Cara King, Regional Sales Director for Northeast U.S.

Dertli brings 10+ years of industry experience to her role. Most recently, she served as the senior technical supply specialist for BE AERO. She holds a business administration degree from Bahcesehir University.

Before joining JSSI, Damasceno spent 13+ years at Líder Aviação, serving in a variety of roles from procurement manager to commercial director of the maintenance business department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Centro Universitário UNA.

King brings over a decade of aviation sales and business leadership experience to her new role. She spent time with both XOJET and Jet Linx while also operating as a pilot, and most recently she was a pilot in command for Fidelity National Financial.

“We’re thrilled to have Ozge, Thiago, and Cara join our team. Each brings proven experience, deep market understanding, and the focus that will further strengthen JPL’s global presence while reinforcing our sales and partnerships worldwide,” said Philipe Figueiredo, Global VP for JSSI Parts & Leasing.

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“Our most recent hires represent how we aspire to engage with the market: seasoned, respected, technically strong professionals who are relentlessly solution oriented. With a great team on board, we strengthen our ability to listen, understand, and anticipate operator needs, creating an even more qualified entry point for presenting the full value of JSSI’s solutions,” added Caporali.

Please join us in welcoming our newest sales directors to the JSSI team!

Phillip Dickerson, VP – Business Development, Eastern U.S. for JSSI, and Chris Charnley, VP – Business Development, Western U.S. and Canada for JSSI, recently spoke with AvBuyer about maintenance programs and what drives the cost of service. Read the full article on AvBuyer.

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Engine maintenance programs are a common element of business aircraft ownership, helping ensure the systems remain in peak operating condition at a predictable price. But what goes into determining the price aircraft owners pay?

Digital Capabilities

Dickerson highlights common factors such as age, usage and geographic location, but notes that broader market dynamics like material costs, labor availability and supply chain pressures are influencing the cost of maintenance. 

“As modern engines have become more complex, so too has the expertise required to maintain them, and costs have increased,” he notes. 

Offering a comprehensive suite of Hourly Cost Maintenance programs, JSSI supports virtually every make and model of business aircraft with coverage options ranging from engine-only to full Tip-to-Tail protection — including airframe, engines, APU and avionics. 

Across programs, clients benefit from a dedicated global team of technical advisors, 24/7 AOG support, access to JSSI’s global parts and lease engine pool, and independent oversight across more than 10,000 maintenance events annually. 

Dickerson highlights there has been a notable shift in how engine maintenance programs are viewed, and in some ways, this was triggered by the 2008 financial crisis which led to an increase in program adoption for financial security. 

“Once considered a ‘bonus’, programs are now often expected, especially by lenders, who generally require an engine program in their loan or lease terms,” he says. “Aircraft not enrolled in a program often face valuation deductions at time of transaction.”

Early Engagement is Vital

According to Charnley, owners ought to develop a deeper understanding of factors related to their specific aircraft make and model, such as engine corrosion susceptibility and part life limits.

JSSI always recommends engaging early – ideally at the time of aircraft acquisition – and exploring all of the available program options and upgrades in order to make an informed decision.

“Ensuring coverage from the start and throughout the ownership cycle can enhance the overall experience and reduce transactional risk in the future or at time of resale,” he says. “Owners should avoid making decisions in isolation and instead consult with professionals who can conduct proper due diligence and evaluate the full range of available options.”

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Read the full article now.

Corporate Jet Investor recently stepped “out of office” with Lou Seno, JSSI Chairman Emeritus and International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) Executive Director, to explore how his lifelong passion for aviation shaped his remarkable business career. This past July, Lou marked an extraordinary milestone: his 70th consecutive visit to EAA AirVenture, the world’s largest aviation gathering.

Read the full story in Corporate Jet Investor H2 | 25.

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Lou’s dedication to aviation has not only enriched his personal journey but also helped lay the foundation for JSSI’s success. As a co-founder, mentor, and leader, his vision continues to inspire our team and the industry at large.

We celebrate Lou’s achievement and thank him for the enduring impact he has made on JSSI and the aviation community.

CHICAGO (Nov. 18, 2025) – Tyler Kleinsasser, a student at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the JSSI Aviation Innovation Grant in partnership with the IADA Foundation. Jet Support Services Inc. (JSSI) is a leading independent provider of maintenance support and financial tools for the business aviation industry.

The $5,000 grant recognizes outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship among college students pursuing ideas that could inspire the future of business aviation. Launched earlier this year, the program reflects JSSI’s and the IADA Foundation’s shared commitment to fostering new talent and advancing creative solutions in the aviation industry.

Kleinsasser was selected for his concept of a performance analytics platform tailored to smaller aviation businesses such as charter operators, FBOs and MROs. His notion aims to close a critical gap in the industry by providing accessible, aviation-specific business intelligence tools that enhance operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making in enterprises of all sizes.

The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) awarded JSSI’s APAC team “Best Technical and Aircraft Services” at the Icons of Aviation event in Macau on November 8: a true testament to the team’s dedication, customer-focus, and service mindset.

“It is something special to be recognized by your peers within the industry and I humbly thank the AsBAA members for this honor,” said Trevor Merszei, VP of business development – APAC.  “I have the privilege of working with some of the best people in the business and this award is an attestation to the APAC team’s persistent and unwavering dedication to bring world class service and support to our customers in the region each and every day.”

This is the fourth award the JSSI APAC team has received at this event since 2018. Previous recognitions include:

• 2024: Best Technical and Aircraft Services
• 2023: Best Business Service Provider
• 2018: Best Business Support Services

“Service is ultimately what we sell, and this is a testament to our team in the APAC region to be recognized for their brilliant work ethic and dedication to our customers,” said Fabrice Roger, EVP of Business Development – EMEA and APAC. “We are honored to be a recipient of the Icons of Aviation once again and are excited to continuing delivering top service in the region.”

Hennessy brings proven expertise in aviation technology transformation and operational efficiency to advance JSSI’s tech stack, client portals, and data-driven tools.

CHICAGO, Nov. 11, 2025 – Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), today announced the executive appointment of Molly Hennessy as Chief Product & Technology Officer, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in technology, AI, and data-driven solutions for the business aviation industry.

JSSI supports more than 5,000 assets through its hourly cost maintenance programs, overseeing thousands of maintenance events each year. Beyond maintenance programs, JSSI offers a comprehensive suite of digital solutions, including Traxxall for maintenance tracking; Conklin & de Decker for objective aircraft operating cost and performance comparisons; and PartsHub for streamlined online parts procurement. Additionally, JSSI recently introduced an asset-based financing product line under JSSI Aviation Capital.

Hennessy will lead efforts to advance JSSI’s technology stack, enhance client portals, and optimize internal and external tools that drive efficiency and information transparency for aircraft operators worldwide.

Hennessy joins JSSI after more than nine years at United Airlines, where she most recently served as Managing Director, Crew & Catering Technology. In this role, Hennessy spearheaded the transformation of crew scheduling tools from legacy mainframe systems to a modern technology stack, fostering collaboration between pilot and flight attendant organizations to deliver significant time and cost savings. Her proven ability to align technology strategy with operational excellence will be instrumental as JSSI accelerates innovation and prepares for new and exciting investments in digital solutions.

“I’m thrilled to join JSSI at such an exciting time,” said Hennessy. “My priority will be ensuring our technology strategy delivers products that are not only cutting-edge but also deeply impactful for our customers and to set a new standard for performance, reliability, and value in the market. I look forward to building on JSSI’s strong foundation and help drive the next wave of innovation alongside this great team.”

“Molly is a dynamic leader and executive that has a track record of delivering superior results and positive change throughout her career. This role is critical to our future success and underscores our commitment to talent and technology as a cornerstone of JSSI’s future,” said Neil Book, Chairman, President, and CEO of JSSI.

How can aircraft owners ensure they are properly prepared for a Hot-Section Inspection on their aircraft? Tim Ferrell, SVP – Technical Services for JSSI, recently spoke with AvBuyer as part of a polled selection of MRO specialists, engine manufacturers and other industry experts to obtain their insight. Read the full article on AvBuyer.

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A private jet engine Hot-Section Inspection (HSI) covers the parts of an engine that are exposed to extreme temperatures. It focuses on such areas as turbine blades, combustion chamber, turbine disks, vane rings, etc., with the aim of finding problems before they can mushroom into serious issues.

Avoiding the Surprises of a Hot Section Inspection

Ferrell warns that HSI inspections in the current supply chain environment can take weeks, sometimes months, while loaner engines are often in short supply, depending on the engine model.

“It is crucial to commit engine work to your chosen maintenance provider as early as possible,” he says. “This allows the technical support team to pre-order 100% replacement parts and other high-consumption materials, ensuring a smoother and more efficient inspection process.”

What surprises could be in store for aircraft owners? Many are not fully prepared for the costs involved with HSIs, says Ferrell. Components like turbine blades, turbine stators and combustion liners are all accessed during an HSI and carry significant price tags, even when commercially supported by an OEM.

“Enrolling in an hourly cost maintenance program helps to fund these events over the life of the engine, avoiding unexpected budget spikes. By spreading the cost over time, operators can better manage their finances and ensure they’re prepared for what could be found during the inspection, as well as receive expert technical oversight during the inspection,” said Ferrell.

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Read the full article here.

Francisco Zozaya, Chief Commercial Officer at JSSI, recently spoke with Corporate Jet Investor (CJI) on the maintenance bottleneck business aviation sees in Q4, what gives rise to it, and how business aircraft owners and operators can beat the backlog. 

Read the full article in Corporate Jet Investor’s H2 | 25 Magazine.

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Background

Beating the autumn bottleneck for business jet maintenance takes planning and decisive action, according to experts. CJI sought advice from JSSI, Desert Jet, Elevate, and Jet Access.

Once a seasonal inconvenience, post-Covid pandemic, the Q4 maintenance bottleneck has become increasingly severe, driven by an ageing fleet, higher utilization, a lack of staff, and a constrained supply chain.

These problems arise all year round, but by the time Q4 arrives, owners and operators find themselves competing for shop space, staff, and high demand for parts – all while under the pressure of year-end deadlines such as such bonus depreciation.

Supply Chain Crunch

Although improved since the dark days of the Covid pandemic, the year-end supply chain crunch is still far from resolved, according to Zozaya.

The industry continues to face shortages of critical parts, which is still causing some maintenance events to take three to five times longer than pre-pandemic. This delay also affects rental engine availability: engines remain on-wing longer, reducing the pool of lease assets and, in some cases, forcing operators to ground aircraft.

JSSI offers a range of maintenance services including hourly cost maintenance (HCM) programs which offer event oversight, planning, and MRO scheduling. Zozaya says JSSI programs support the “most diverse fleet” in the business aviation industry, covering engines, auxiliary power units (APUS), airframes, and ‘Tip-to-Tail^®’ solutions.

The company also offers Traxxall for maintenance tracking, inventory, and MRO management, as well as parts sales and exchange services, and a large portfolio of rental engines and APUs.

According to Zozaya, aircraft and engine models that are no longer in production are experiencing the longest lead times for parts. In some cases, manufacturers have ceased support for these platforms, and certain components are no longer being produced. “This can create situations where no rental options are available, further complicating maintenance planning,” he says.

So how can owners and operators mitigate the delays? First and foremost, avoid unnecessary maintenance, says Zozaya. “Avoiding optional or elective inspections like PPIs or full borescope inspections can help prevent unexpected findings that might ground the aircraft for extended periods.”

Scheduling maintenance events as far in advance as possible is also critical. While collaborating closely with a maintenance program provider allows for proactive solutions, including securing parts and maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) slots add of time, adds Zozaya.

The fourth quarter rush typically saturates the ecosystem. With the reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation in the U.S., JSSI expects an increase of buyers aiming to close deals before year-end, which can further strain turnaround times. Strategies to alleviate this strain include advance planning and scheduling, avoiding heavy discretionary PPIs in the fourth quarter, and leveraging maintenance programs.

By taking advantage of these programs, in particular, owners and operators can reduce the need for invasive checks at time of transaction, as the program provider assumes risk rather than the new buyer, Zozaya explains. Exploring alternatives, such as component exchanges instead of full overhauls, by working with partners that offer access to rotable pools, can also offer a solution, he adds.

CJI Conclusion

From operations in California to Indianapolis to global maintenance and parts programs, the message is clear – capacity, in parts, people, and shop space, is being outstripped by demand.

With supply chain constraint set to continue, OEMS delivering more aircraft later in the year and incentives such as bonus depreciation boosting transaction levels, the bottleneck is set to stay and could grow tighter. Creating an environment resembling the year end rush for most of the year in some regions.

Yet there is also consensus on the solutions. Planning ahead and getting it done early, from six months to a full year in advance, remains the most effective tool. Scheduling major inspections in summer or early autumn, prebuying long-lead parts, and aligning downtime with periods of lower utilizations can also help.

While predictive tracking can forecast inspection needs months ahead, maintenance programs can protect buyers and sellers from some of the transactional disruption that drives Q4 congestion.

The problem is one shared by all, so the solution has to be too. Operators who adapt their planning habits, providers who expand capacity creatively and an industry investing in its workforce all have a role to play. The seasonal maintenance bottleneck looks set to worsen, but it offers an opportunity to build more resilience.

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Read the full article in Corporate Jet Investor’s H2 | 25 Magazine.