International Jet Traders, Inc | Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Brokerage

• Company Name: International Jet Traders, Inc.
• Legal Name: International Jet Traders, Inc.
• Trading / Brand Name: International Jet Traders
• Primary PrivateJetia Category: Aircraft Sales & Brokerage
• Secondary Categories: Aircraft Acquisitions; Aviation Consulting
• Company Type: Privately held corporate brokerage firm
• Industry: Business Aviation Services (aircraft brokerage)
• Year Founded: 1991
• Founder(s): Marcelo Abello
• Headquarters: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
• Country: USA
• Geographic Markets Served: Global (focus on North & South America)
• Official Website: intljettraders.com
• Company Status: Active; Independent (no parent)
• Parent Company: N/A
• Subsidiaries / Related Companies: N/A (Family-owned)
• PrivateJetia Verification Status: Verified (information confirmed via official and industry sources)

Executive Company Overview

International Jet Traders (IJT) is a Florida-based private aviation brokerage firm specializing in the sale and acquisition of corporate aircraft, turboprops, and helicopters. Founded in 1991 by industry veteran Marcelo Abello, IJT offers personalized aircraft brokerage and consultancy services to a global client base. The firm’s core business is matching buyers and sellers of business jets worldwide, leveraging deep market knowledge and long-standing OEM relationships. Unlike full-service operators, IJT focuses exclusively on aircraft sales and acquisitions, providing market analysis, pricing evaluations, and deal negotiation on behalf of private owners, corporations, and operators.

IJT’s headquarters is in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with additional offices (e.g., Savannah, GA and São Paulo, Brazil) to serve regional markets. Over three decades, the company has handled hundreds of aircraft transactions, earning a reputation for integrity and customer-focused service in corporate aviation. Notably, IJT has acted as Gulfstream Aerospace’s sales agent in Brazil (since 2001) and is the exclusive Brazilian distributor for Viking Air’s Twin Otter Series 400, reflecting its strong OEM partnerships. IJT’s client list includes corporate flight departments, private aircraft owners, and other aviation stakeholders seeking tailored acquisition or sales strategies in the global business jet market.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Founded: 1991
• Headquarters: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
• Primary Business: Corporate aircraft sales & acquisition brokerage
• Markets Served: Worldwide (Americas focus)
• Employees: ~5 (estimated; company reports 4–5 personnel)
• Leadership: Marcelo Abello (President & Founder); Sonya Sheldon (Partner, joined 2024)
• Certifications: NAFA member (National Aircraft Finance Assoc.)
• Specialization: Corporate jet brokerage; Gulfstream (Brazil) & Twin Otter (Brazil) partnerships
• Website: intljettraders.com

Services & Capabilities

Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: IJT’s core service is acting as sales agent for aircraft owners. They market jets, turboprops, and helicopters to a global buyer network. Services include market price evaluation, creation of marketing materials and listings, advertising, networking with international buyers, coordinating showings and demo flights, negotiating offers and sales terms, and assisting through closing and delivery.

Aircraft Acquisitions: For buyers, IJT conducts comprehensive aircraft searches and evaluations. They provide mission/cost analysis, produce availability reports, coordinate pre-purchase inspections, assist with contract negotiation, conduct acceptance flights, and support procurement of necessary services (crew, insurance, etc.).

Specialized Capabilities:

• Global Search & Market Analysis: In-depth market research to identify aircraft matching client criteria worldwide.
• Pre-purchase Inspection Coordination: Management of detailed inspections to verify aircraft condition and maintenance history.
• Aircraft Valuation: Independent market price evaluations for sellers and buyers.
• Gulfstream & OEM Partnerships: Leverages exclusive OEM relationships (e.g., Gulfstream in Brazil) for insights and sourcing.
• Cross-Border Transactions: Expertise in international regulations and logistics, particularly in the Americas (e.g., Latin America entry).
• Contract Negotiation: Representation in deal structuring to protect client interests across global jurisdictions.

Industries & Client Types Served

IJT serves a range of aviation stakeholders, including:

• Private Aircraft Owners & Brokers: Individuals and brokers looking to buy or sell corporate jets, turboprops, or helicopters.
• Corporate Flight Departments: Companies seeking customized aircraft acquisition or disposition strategies to meet corporate travel needs.
• Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals & Family Offices: Wealthy clients needing confidential and tailored transaction services for business aircraft.
• Aircraft Operators: Charter or management companies acquiring or disposing of business aircraft.
• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): Partner relationships for OEMs seeking market distribution (e.g., Gulfstream in Brazil, Viking Air).
• Investors & Leasing Companies: Entities acquiring assets or raising capital through aircraft sales.

Geographic Coverage

• Headquarters Country: United States
• State/Province: Florida (FL)
• City: Fort Lauderdale
• Full Headquarters Address: 5525 NW 15th Avenue, Suite 303, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, USA
• Additional Offices: Savannah, Georgia, USA; São Paulo, Brazil (these offices support regional business and OEM partnerships).
• Countries Served: Worldwide – active markets include USA, Brazil, and various international regions (Latin America, Europe, Asia) as clients request.
• Regions Served: Primarily North and South America, with support for global acquisitions.
• Airports Served: (No operating base; as brokers, they facilitate deals at the location of the aircraft or client base – e.g., Fort Lauderdale (KFLL) in USA, São Paulo in Brazil).
• ICAO Codes: Not applicable (brokerage firm).
• IATA Codes: Not applicable.
• Operational Scope: Global – IJT brokers transactions internationally.

Aircraft Expertise

Categories: Business Jets (light, midsize, large cabin), Turboprops, and Turbine Helicopters. IJT’s advisory spans all classes of executive aircraft.

Manufacturers: The firm has worked extensively with Gulfstream Aerospace (notably acting as its Brazil agent), Embraer (common corporate jet manufacturer in Brazil), Textron/Cessna, Bombardier, Dassault, Pilatus, and other OEMs through its brokerage network. They also serve customers in Viking Air’s Twin Otter series via distribution rights in Brazil.

Models: Due to their broad brokerage focus, IJT handles various specific models. Documented engagements include Gulfstream G550/G650 (through Gulfstream Brazil representation) and Viking (Dornier) Twin Otter 400 turboprops. (No evidence of a permanent fleet – offerings vary per transaction.)

Fleet Information

International Jet Traders does not operate or manage a charter fleet. It is a brokerage firm without owned aircraft. Thus, Fleet Size: 0 owned/managed aircraft. All “available” aircraft are client-owned and listed for sale on a case-by-case basis. (All fleet details depend on clients’ offerings; none are officially owned by IJT.)

Company Statistics

Note: Most statistics (employees, deals) are company-reported or estimated. No independent public data on revenue, flight hours, or fleet exists (as IJT is a brokerage).

Certifications & Regulatory Status

International Jet Traders is a sales broker and does not operate aircraft; thus, it holds no FAA Air Operator (AOC), Part 135 charter, or maintenance approvals of its own. IJT maintains compliance as a U.S. business and is a verified member of the National Aircraft Finance Association. No safety or operational certifications (e.g., ARGUS, Wyvern, IS-BAO) are applicable because IJT does not provide flight services.

Industry Memberships

• NAFA (National Aircraft Finance Association): Active Member (feature on NAFA website and mailing address).
• Others: No evidence found of NBAA, GAMA, or similar memberships.

Leadership & Key Executives

• Marcelo Abello – President & Founder. Aviation entrepreneur since the 1980s, Abello founded IJT in 1991. He has personally brokered over 500 aircraft sales worldwide and established IJT’s OEM partnerships (e.g., Gulfstream in Brazil). Abello is a multi-engine jet pilot and former racing driver, emphasizing client relationships in aviation.
• Sonya Sheldon – Partner (since Jan 2024). Sheldon joined IJT as partner in 2024. She is a former Gulfstream Aerospace sales engineer and test pilot with 30+ years in business aviation. Her technical expertise in avionics (Gulfstream GIV/G450/G550) and sales engineering enhances IJT’s acquisition consulting services.
• Barbara Abello – Executive, Sales & Marketing. Daughter of the founder, Barbara has worked in sales, acquisitions, and international market development since the early 2000s. Fluent in multiple languages, she focuses on growth in foreign markets (Latin America, Europe) and contributed to partnerships (e.g., Viking Twin Otter in Brazil).
• Anne Brennan – Operations Manager. A founding team member from Ireland, Anne oversees daily operations, client inquiries, and market research. She manages administrative functions and customer service to ensure smooth transaction processes.
• Other: A small support staff (not publicly listed) handles administration and client liaison. No Board of Directors or external investors are disclosed.

Ownership & Corporate Structure

International Jet Traders, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned business. Founder Marcelo Abello is the principal shareholder; Barbara Abello also holds ownership. No public equity or venture capital investment. The company has no parent, and no known subsidiaries. IJT’s structure appears closely held, with Marcelo Abello as President and minimal staff. There are no known acquisitions or major corporate transactions; IJT remains an independent broker.

Company History & Milestones

• 1984: Marcelo Abello earns his pilot’s license and begins trading light aircraft and turboprops (pre-IJT experience).
• 1991: IJT is founded in Florida by Marcelo Abello. Initial focus on U.S. and Latin American aircraft brokerage.
• 1990s: IJT builds expertise by brokering sales of jets and turbo-props globally. Notably, Abello partners with Brazilian TAM Airlines founder Rolim Amaro to import ~20 helicopters from Asia (1980s–90s).
• 2001: Gulfstream Aerospace appoints IJT as its official sales agent for all Gulfstream business jets in Brazil. This opens the South American market to Gulfstream and elevates IJT’s profile.
• 2016: Viking Air (builder of the Twin Otter Series 400) names International Jet Traders as its exclusive distributor in Brazil, granting IJT rights to market and sell the aircraft in the region.
• 2024: Sonya Sheldon (former Gulfstream engineer/executive) joins as Partner, bringing enhanced OEM and technical expertise to IJT’s advisory services.
• 2026 (ongoing): IJT continues to facilitate aircraft sales and acquisitions globally, maintaining steady operations. The company’s long track record (500+ deals) highlights its longevity in a specialized niche.

Major Partnerships & Relationships

• Gulfstream Aerospace (USA): IJT has served as Gulfstream’s exclusive sales agent for Brazil since 2001. Through this partnership, IJT introduced Gulfstream jets to the Brazilian market, selling many Gulfstreams to local customers when none existed prior.
• Viking Air / Series 400 (Canada): In 2016, Viking Air appointed IJT as its exclusive distributor for the Twin Otter Series 400 in Brazil, enabling IJT to sell and support this specialized amphibious turboprop in Latin America.
• TAM Airlines (Brazil): In the 1990s, IJT founder Marcelo Abello partnered with Rolim Amaro (founder of TAM) on helicopter imports from Asia, demonstrating early collaboration with a major Brazilian aviation group.
• Raytheon Aircraft / Beechcraft, Robinson Helicopter, Bell Helicopter: While not formal “partnerships,” team members (e.g., Barbara Abello) have worked with or sold these manufacturers’ products in African markets, adding to IJT’s international network.
• Aircraft Finance Lenders: As a NAFA member, IJT has connections with aircraft financing institutions, aiding clients in securing funding or lease arrangements during transactions.
• FBOs and Maintenance Providers: By virtue of its Fort Lauderdale base, IJT liaises with local FBOs (e.g., Signature Flight Support at KFLL) and MRO facilities to facilitate aircraft demos, inspections, and deliveries.

Key Differentiators

1. Specialized Experience: Over 30 years dedicated solely to aircraft sales and acquisitions, with founder-driven expertise and a history of 500+ transactions.
2. Global Reach with Local Insight: Deep presence in the Americas, especially Brazil, combined with worldwide sourcing capability.
3. OEM & Regional Partnerships: Exclusive distribution roles (Gulfstream in Brazil, Viking Twin Otter) provide insider access to OEM inventory and support.
4. Boutique, Client-Focused Service: A small, family-run team allows for highly personalized attention and confidentiality, aligning with client needs in UHNW and corporate sectors.
5. Integrity and Reputation: Long-standing commitment to ethical dealmaking and client interests, as evidenced by repeat business and industry referrals.
6. No-Conflict Model: IJT’s strict focus on brokerage (no charter or fleet to protect) ensures clients receive unbiased representation.

Contact & Digital Presence

• Main Telephone: +1 954-491-1941
• Email (General/Sales): [email protected]
• Business Development / OEM Inquiries: (contact via general email or reach Partner Sonya Sheldon at [email protected])
• Address: 5525 NW 15th Avenue, Suite 303, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, USA
• Website: www.intljettraders.com
• Contact Page: intljettraders.com/contact
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/international-jet-traders-inc (company profile page)
• Instagram: Not available
• YouTube: Not available
• Twitter (X): Not available

PrivateJetia Market Classification

• Primary Market: Business/Corporate Aviation Brokerage (Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions)
• Market Segment: Corporate Jet Sales Advisory Services
• Geographic Position: Global reach with strength in North & South American markets
• Company Scale: Boutique/Specialist (small team, global expertise)
• Primary Specialization: Corporate jet sales and acquisitions (non-operator brokerage)
• Typical Customer: Private jet owners, corporate flight departments, and aviation investors seeking acquisition or disposition services
• Business Model: Commission-based brokerage and consulting (earnings from sale/purchase transactions)
• Core Revenue Activities: Advisory, marketing, and negotiation of business aircraft sale/purchase transactions

PrivateJetia Taxonomy

• Primary Category: Aircraft Brokers & Dealers
• Secondary Categories: Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions; Aviation Consulting
• Country: United States
• Region: North America
• City: Fort Lauderdale (serving broader region)
• Airports: Fort Lauderdale (KFLL) – primary base for U.S. operations; São Paulo (SBGR) – Latin America liaison office
• Services: Aircraft Brokerage; Aircraft Acquisition Consulting; Market Analysis; Aircraft Valuation
• Aircraft Manufacturers: Gulfstream Aerospace; Viking Air (Twin Otter); Bombardier; Embraer; Dassault; Textron (Cessna) – based on brokerage history and OEM partnerships
• Aircraft Models: Gulfstream G650/G550 (corporate jets); Dornier/Viking Twin Otter Series 400; typical corporate turboprops and helicopters (varies by listing)
• Certifications: (Not applicable as operator; NAFA membership)
• Client Types: Corporate Flight Departments; Private Aircraft Owners; Aircraft Brokers; OEMs; Financial Institutions; Charter Operators

Related Company Opportunities

(Types of companies for “Related Companies” section)

• Aircraft Sales & Acquisition Brokers: e.g., Jetcraft (global aircraft sales); Meridian Aircraft Sales.
• Business Jet Consulting Firms: Companies offering aviation advisory (market analysis, valuations).
• Private Jet Charter Operators: Firms like VistaJet or NetJets (provide context as alternate business models).
• Corporate Aircraft Management Companies: e.g., Gama Aviation, for contrast in full-service vs brokerage.
• Aircraft OEM Distributors: Other official distributors of business aircraft (e.g., Gulfstream Brazil office, Bombardier dealer).
• Aircraft Maintenance & Completion: Luxury jet completions specialists (e.g., AMAC, Textron Aviation Completion Center) – related services in corporate aviation.
• Aircraft Appraisal & Finance Firms: Firms providing valuation and financing (e.g., Conklin & de Decker, JetNet LLC).
• FBO / Fixed-Base Operators: Major FBO networks at Fort Lauderdale (Signature, Jet Aviation).
• Wealth/Asset Managers: Firms advising on alternative asset (like private jets), e.g., Cresco Capital (related for financing context).
• Potential Comparable Companies: (if known) – perhaps “Jet International Company, LLC” (mentioned in a LinkedIn query but verify before listing) or “Avia Sales” (if similar focus).

Sources & Verification

• IntlJetTraders Website (official) – Company profile, services, leadership: Website for International Jet Traders, Inc. (Official company site, Florida address, service descriptions). Type: Official (Company) – Last accessed: 2026-09-03.
• LinkedIn Company Page – Overview of IJT, specialties, Gulfstream Brazil mention: International Jet Traders, Inc (LinkedIn). Type: Social/Company – Updated: (LinkedIn shows founded 1990, but site says 1991).
• NAFA (Industry Association) – NAFA member listing for IJT: confirms address, phone, website, key staff. Type: Industry Publication – Published: 2024 – Accessed: 2026-09-03.
• AIN Online (Aviation News) – Report on Viking/Twin Otter Brazil distributor: IJT named exclusive Brazilian distributor. Type: News – Date: Sept 6, 2016 – Accessed: 2026-09-03.
• PrivateJetia (GlobalAir Directory) – Business directory listing at Fort Lauderdale (verifies name and nature of business). Type: Directory – Updated: 2026 – Accessed: 2026-09-03.
• Team Biographies (Company website) – Executive bios (Marcelo Abello, Sonya Sheldon, Barbara Abello, Anne Brennan). Type: Official (Company) – Updated: 2024 – Accessed: 2026-09-03.
• Company’s About Page – Company overview and founding details. Type: Official (Company) – Updated: 2024 – Accessed: 2026-09-03.
• Aviation Databases (FAA, AircraftOne) – Confirms company address and registration (e.g., FAA registered dealer name). Type: Regulatory – Accessed: 2026-09-03. (Address confirmed via NAFA).
• Associated Press/News – No major news coverage found; information supplemented by LinkedIn and industry websites.

Data Confidence & Gaps

• Verified: Company name, year founded, services, location, leadership names; OEM partnerships (Gulfstream, Viking); NAFA membership.
• Company Reported: Number of transactions (500+ aircraft sold); global client base; number of employees (approximate).
• Third-Party Reported: Viking Twin Otter distribution deal; NAFA address and phone.
• Estimated: Employee count (~5).
• Not Publicly Disclosed: Financial figures (revenue, profit), exact employee roster beyond key executives, formal certifications (no AOC or Part 135).
• Requires Verification: Gulfstream “exclusive distributor” claim (LinkedIn vs team page calls IJT “agent”); specifics of Savannah office (address not found).
• Data Gaps: Exact roles/titles for Barbara Abello and others; number of aircraft currently listed; revenue or volume of sales. No conflicts detected between sources.

Information Last Verified: 2026-09-03
Research Confidence: High (data primarily from official company and reputable industry sources)
Important Data Gaps: No independent data on revenues, employee count, or certifications (brokerage firms typically have minimal public filings). The Savannah office exists per contact page, but no address or separate entity found. Other than NAFA and LinkedIn, IJT’s claims are mostly supported by company publications. No evidence of third-party safety certifications was found (none expected for a brokerage).