Amstat Q3 Data Shows Strong Preowned Biz Aircraft Market

Amstat’s latest analysis of the preowned business aircraft market indicates that resale activity remained strong through the third quarter, with overall transactions for jets and turboprops up 3% from the same period last year and 9.5% above the 10-year quarterly average. Year-to-date transactions are 8.7% higher than the first three quarters of 2024. Inventory expanded 2.2% year over year (YOY) and 9.6% since January, with 6.7% of the active fleet up for sale—still below the long-term average of 7.5%.

Preowned business jet transactions in the quarter increased 5.6% YOY and sit 12.4% above the decade average for the quarter. Jet inventory contracted 1.4% YOY, with 7.7% of the fleet available, below the 8.4% ten-year norm.

Turboprop transactions dipped 1.8% versus last year’s third quarter, but activity remains 7.5% higher than the long-term average. Turboprop inventory grew 11.5% YOY, with 5.3% of the fleet listed—still shy of the 6.1% decade average.

Heavy jets posted a 2.7% increase in transactions versus third-quarter 2024 and rose by 11.8% year to date, led by the Gulfstream G550, GIV-SP, and G650ER. Inventory in this segment increased 5.4% YOY. While average asking prices held stable, median values rose 8% between May and September.

Super-midsize jets saw an 8.9% decline in quarterly transactions but remain 9.6% ahead year to date. The Cessna Citation X and Sovereign, as well as Gulfstream G200, were the most traded models. Inventory in this category decreased 4.4% YOY. Average asking prices softened, but median values increased 6%.

Midsize jets experienced a 14.2% year-over-year increase in third-quarter transactions, driven by the Hawker 800XP, Citation Excel, and Citation XLS+. Inventory rose 7.5% year-to-date. Asking prices increased broadly, while median values rose 3% in Q3 but remain 6% lower year-to-date.

Light jets continued their momentum, with third-quarter transactions 8.2% higher than last year and 12.9% higher year to date. The Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet and Citation Mustang were the most active models. Inventory ended the quarter 4.7% above year-opening levels. Average asking prices fell 4%, and median values declined 5%.

Turboprops saw sales decline 1.5% YOY in the quarter, although year-to-date activity is up 3.5%. Inventory expansions continue as more aircraft enter the market. Pricing pressure is evident, with average asking prices down 2.6% and median values down 13% year-over-year.

Aircraft 10 years old or newer represent 20% of current listings, down from 22% in 2024, while aircraft older than 20 years now account for 52% of inventory. North America continues to dominate global resale availability with 70% of listings, while Western Europe increased its share to 37% of the remaining market.

Inventory share by manufacturer remained consistent, with modest gains for Cessna and Dassault and slight declines for Beechcraft and Pilatus. Piper expanded its share within the turboprop segment.

“The preowned market continues to demonstrate resilience and depth across most segments,” said Amstat general manager Andrew Young. He added that despite rising inventory, sustained activity and firm demand point to ongoing confidence heading into the fourth quarter.