Cerretani Aviation

Nicholas Cerretani, President

A History of Highly Successful Transactions

A successful aircraft transaction is not a stand alone event. Rather, it is a product of a well planned strategy, professionally implemented, and based on a thorough understanding of market conditions and trends, knowledge of the aircraft, and alternative air transportation methods.

In the case of an aircraft acquisition, the necessary analysis includes not only the specific aircraft, but also the accurate estimation of cost of ownership, major expenses anticipated during the projected term of ownership, proper operating agreements, realistic charter expectations, anticipated fluctuations in value over time, and strategies of maximizing the preservation of the capital investment.

When selling an aircraft, it is essential to understand the dynamics of the market, not only for the aircraft being sold, but also for competitive models within the same category. An effectively planned strategy will include a value analysis to properly price the aircraft, creation and placement of high quality advertising, direct contact with potential buyers, positive collaboration with other dealers and brokers, and efficient management of customer inquiries.

Our experience in these areas is extensive, and includes virtually all major areas of general aviation, including fractional ownership. From initial market analysis to pre-purchase inspections and contract analysis, it is unlikely you will encounter a scenario we have not successfully navigated in the past. We welcome the opportunity to put this experience to work for you.

Professional Biography of Nicholas Cerretani

Nick Cerretani has been involved in the General Aviation industry for nearly 30 years. His aviation career began in 1975 when, at the age of 24, he co-founded a part time flight school in Binghamton, NY called Miller Aviation.

Recognizing the importance of aircraft sales, Miller Aviation quickly obtained Cessna Dealership status, selling and servicing progressively more complex aircraft, and attaining Cessna’s highest level of dealership by 1981. By 1985, the company was the largest selling dealer of Cessna Propjets in the world, and had expanded into charter, maintenance, parts, and FBO operations.

As Cessna Aircraft Company discontinued the manufacture of propeller driven aircraft, Miller Aviation shifted its focus to the pre-owned jet market, becoming a major dealer/broker for these aircraft worldwide. Mr. Cerretani established a very successful sales office in Munich, Germany, resulting in a high number of import/export aircraft transactions and extensive international contacts, which he maintains today.

In 1998, Miller Aviation merged with Corporate Wings of Cleveland, OH, and the combined company formed Flight Options. As an employed stockholder, Mr. Cerretani held the title of Executive Vice President, and was responsible for the purchase and refurbishment of over 80 jet aircraft, ranging from Citation II to Gulfstream IV, during the first 2 years of operations. Flight Options went on to be acquired by Raytheon, and is now the second largest fractional jet ownership company in the world.

In late 2001, Mr. Cerretani elected to return to the aircraft sales industry and subsequently started his own company, Cerretani Aviation, LLC. Since that time, he has been involved in numerous transactions, both sales and acquisition, ranging from King Airs to Gulfstreams. He has also provided consulting services to banks, law firms, owners of fractional jet shares, media companies, and individual aircraft owners.

Mr. Cerretani’s range of experience, which includes sales, maintenance, management and flight operations of a wide variety of aircraft, both in whole and fractional ownership scenarios, is unique in the industry. He has been a member of the National Aircraft Resale Association since 1995, served on its executive committee since 1997, was its president in 1998-1999, and Chairman in 2000. He holds an Airline Transport License with a Citation Type Rating, has over 5000 hours flight time, and continues to fly regularly.