Starlink is becoming a non-negotiable feature for aviation customers, who will refuse to fly without it and will abandon airlines that fail to install it [11, 17].
The private aviation market is experiencing unprecedented demand, evidenced by multi-year waitlists, a surge in cash purchases, and the unusual appreciation of aircraft values [4, 13, 15].
Current U.S. tax law, specifically the 100% bonus depreciation rule, is a significant financial incentive and a primary driver of private aircraft purchases by businesses [2, 5].
There is a substantial untapped market for aircraft financing, as the vast majority (70%) of private jets are currently purchased with cash, which his new company Radar aims to address [1, 4].
The established ARGUS safety rating system for private aviation is a 'pay-for-play' model, suggesting its credibility as an objective measure of safety is questionable, particularly at the Gold rating level [14].
Circa 5 years prior to podcast
According to Slotowitz, San Francisco was not among the top 10 busiest airports for his charter business, Kraft [21].
2017
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act introduced a bonus depreciation rule, allowing businesses to expense the full value of a new aircraft in the year of acquisition, a key market driver Slotowitz frequently cites [5].
Present
Slotowitz launches a new company, Radar, to provide non-recourse, asset-backed loans for aircraft purchases, aiming to service a market where 70% of transactions are cash-based [1, 4].
Present
San Francisco has emerged as a major market for his charter company, Kraft, highlighting a significant geographical shift in demand [21].
Present
The private aviation market is experiencing extreme demand, with waitlists for fractional programs at two to three years and new Bombardier orders being scheduled for 2030 delivery [13, 15].
▶Private Aviation Market DynamicsJun 2026
Slotowitz portrays a market characterized by unprecedented demand, where 70% of aircraft are bought with cash and waitlists for new jets and fractional programs extend for years. This demand is so strong that for the first time, high-end aircraft are appreciating in value, contrary to their typical nature as depreciating equipment.
Investors should consider the pre-owned aircraft market as a key area of opportunity, as the multi-year backlog for new jets from manufacturers like Bombardier will likely drive up valuations and transaction volume for existing assets.
▶Financial Incentives and Costs of Jet OwnershipJun 2026
A core theme is the financial structure of private jet ownership, driven by significant tax advantages like the 100% bonus depreciation. Slotowitz contrasts these incentives with the substantial operational costs, which he estimates at $2-4 million annually, and the high purchase price, such as $75 million for a new Bombardier Global 8000.
The current tax benefits are a critical demand driver. Analysts should model the potential impact of changes to these tax laws, as a reduction in bonus depreciation could significantly cool the market and affect the viability of new financing ventures like Radar.
▶Technological Disruption via StarlinkJun 2026
Slotowitz identifies high-speed satellite internet, specifically Starlink, as a disruptive and now essential technology in aviation. He claims major airlines like United and American are adopting it fleet-wide and that private jet customers will refuse to fly on aircraft without it, predicting that airlines failing to adopt it, like Delta, will lose customers.
The adoption of Starlink is creating a new, non-negotiable standard for in-flight experience. This presents a significant risk for legacy in-flight connectivity providers and an opportunity for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities that specialize in the $300,000 installation.
▶Aviation Industry Operations and StandardsJun 2026
Slotowitz provides an insider's view on the operational side of private aviation, from his own charter company (Kraft) providing supplemental lift for giants like NetJets to his critique of industry standards. He notably describes the ARGUS safety rating system as a 'pay-for-play' model, questioning its credibility at certain levels.
Slotowitz's critique of the ARGUS rating system suggests a potential market for more transparent and credible safety verification services, which could be a valuable ancillary service for finance or charter brokerage firms.