CJI Aircraft Transactions Masterclass 2026
Tim Harris Managing Director, at Martyn Fiddler, attended the CJI Masterclass and commented:
A real highlight of the CJI Masterclass was watching Heather Gordon and Greta Kemper do what they do best: take one of the most misunderstood aspects of aircraft transactions and make it practical, engaging and enjoyable. The audience was even armed with kitchen utensils to wave in the air if things became too complicated, a fitting challenge given the topic was the joy of tax!
As Greta expertly explained, aircraft are highly mobile assets that regularly cross customs and tax jurisdictions, creating complexity and potential jeopardy. With 27 EU states and multiple customs territories including the EU, UK, Switzerland and CIS countries, the message was clear: take advice early and take advice often.
The session covered everything from UK VAT treatments and qualifying aircraft status through to export sales, customs warehousing, inward processing, returned goods relief and temporary admission. There were plenty of reminders that tax and customs planning can create significant commercial advantages when handled correctly, and significant problems when it is not.
One point that particularly resonated was the warning that “customs officers do not always wear a uniform.” Compliance obligations can arise in unexpected places, and assumptions can be expensive.
The discussion also highlighted the common pinch points that delay transactions, including VAT registration requirements, import VAT recovery challenges, customs status uncertainties, tax authority rulings, last minute changes and mandatory AML and compliance checks. In other words, many of the issues that can turn a straightforward transaction into a lengthy one.
Heather closed with perhaps the quote of the day
Don’t let the tax tail wag the transaction dog.
And another message that every aircraft owner, operator and adviser should remember:
Don’t use AI for tax advice or ask your pilot. When 20% of the value of the aircraft is at stake, get proper chartered tax advice.
What made the session so effective was not just the technical expertise on display, but the ability to translate complex tax and customs rules into practical guidance that helps clients make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Proud to see Heather and Greta representing the Martyn Fiddler team so brilliantly. And thank you also to Carsten Nesemann.
Expertise is one thing. Making complex subjects understandable, engaging and commercially relevant is another entirely.
