Preowned Jet Values Rise In Face of Transaction Declines

Preowned business jet transactions declined 11.4% year over year (YOY) in the first quarter but remained 9.1% above the 10-year average as constrained inventory continued to support aircraft values, according to market intelligence firm Amstat.

Total preowned business aircraft transactions declined 10.5% in the first quarter compared versus a year ago. However, activity exceeded the 10-year first-quarter average by 4% and surpassed transaction levels seen in the first three months of both 2023 and 2024.

“While headline transaction numbers were lower year over year, the broader context is critical,” said Amstat general manager Andrew Young. “When viewed against historical trends, the market remains healthy, with strong demand and tightening inventory continuing to support values.”

Preowned inventory stood at 5.9% of the active fleet at the end of March, well below the 10-year average of 7.3%. Although inventory declined only 2.8% year over year, it contracted 11% since October.

Business jet inventory tightened significantly, with only 6.6% of the active fleet available for sale compared to an 8.2% historical average. Median jet values rose 3% between the fourth and first quarter, following stabilization through much of 2025 after softening between 2023 and 2024.

Heavy jets led the market, with first-quarter transactions ranking as the second-highest first-quarter total on record despite an 8.3% year-over-year decline. Activity exceeded the 10-year average by 27.9%. Heavy-jet inventory remained particularly constrained at 5.5% of the fleet. Asking prices rose 4% quarter over quarter, while median values increased 11% since mid-2025.

Super-midsize jets saw a 12.8% transaction decline year over year but remained well above historical averages, with median values rising 8% amid tightening supply. Medium jets underperformed relative to other segments, with transactions down more than 20% versus both first-quarter 2025 and the 10-year average. Average asking prices slid 13.7% year over year. Light jets continued to show resilience, with transactions exceeding historical averages despite a year-over-year decline, though pricing trends were mixed.

Preowned turboprop transactions declined 8.9% year over year and fell slightly below the 10-year average. Unlike the jet market, turboprop inventory had been increasing since early 2024 before contracting modestly in the most recent first quarter. While median values have trended downward since mid-2023, recent data suggests price declines may be stabilizing, with asking prices remaining largely steady throughout 2025 and showing a modest increase entering 2026.

“The key story remains unchanged: inventory is tight and demand is holding,” said Amstat director of sales Chris Skurat. “These dynamics continue to underpin a fundamentally strong market, even as transaction volumes normalize from recent peaks.”