As a broker it is frustrating when clients won't charter anything less than 5years old, especially when the quibble about price so much aswell! We all know that there is not a direct correlation between age of an aircraft and safety and all we can do is try to educate the client. Although, they are sometimes like dogs with bones (excuse the bad analogy) and they get it between their teeth and won't let go. We do try our best though!!
Monkeyboy I agree with what you are saying, a good broker should know the aircraft that they are chartering, however after many years in this industry I have never sold a Challenger 604 because it has winglets or slightly different wings and tail/engine midifications etc....all the client wants to know is that it is safe, cost effective and comfortable and the job of a broker is to find the most suitable aircraft at the best price and advise them of the pro's and con's of different aircraft to best suit their needs. Knowing all the ins and out may make you a good spotter, not necessarily a good broker.