When Gulfstream started selling the G650 in 2008, it added strong anti-speculation clauses designed to discourage people from placing orders for aircraft that they do not wish to own (or flipping G650s). These now apply to all Gulfstream aircraft.
Gulfstream contracts state that if a customer who has ordered an aircraft is found to be trying to sell it before delivery, the manufacturer has the right to withdraw warranties from the aircraft. This would reduce the value of an aircraft by millions.
Once an aircraft is delivered, the owner is welcome to sell it. But Gulfstream does not want owners selling aircraft whilst they are still being built. The OEM watches its backlog carefully (and the pre-owned business jet market is a small one) so marketing an aircraft before delivery is extremely risky. This also means that the original buyer needs to decide on the aircraft’s interior and other options which affect the aircraft’s resale value.
Gulfstream also does not allow customers to swap delivery slots. The order of deliveries are based on deposit wire transfer times and if a customer pulls out all of the order book moves up by one. It does not sell earlier spots for a premium.
But the main thing that discourages speculators is the size of the non-refundable deposit. If you wish to order a $64.5 million G650 you need to put down more than $5 million. As well as the deposit buyers also need to make construction or pre-delivery payments before the aircraft is delivered. It is a significant commitment in a cyclical market. Whilst Ecclestone made a profit (and he paid less than $64.5 million) there is no knowing how the market will look in four years’ time.