2026 Mid-Year Market Update

The first half of 2026 has reinforced a trend that began late last year: the pre-owned business aircraft market remains constrained by limited supply despite healthy buyer demand. While inventory had been steadily recovering from the record lows experienced during the post-pandemic years, that recovery stalled in November 2025 and has yet to resume.

New aircraft entering the market each month has remained well below historical norms throughout 2026. Transaction activity was slower than expected during the first quarter before rebounding during the second quarter. June delivered particularly strong closing volume as many buyers completed transactions ahead of the traditional summer slowdown, when travel schedules often delay inspections, deliveries, and closings. As is typical, market activity is expected to accelerate again following Labor Day as buyers work toward year-end acquisitions.

One trend that continues to shape today’s market is the extended transaction timeline. Deal cycle times remain significantly longer than historical averages, driven in large part by pre-purchase inspections that uncover maintenance items requiring parts that remain difficult to source. Return-to-service delays can add weeks, or even months, to the closing process. Buyers hoping to take delivery before the Thanksgiving or holiday travel season should already be in the market, as the time required to identify, inspect, and close on the right aircraft continues to expand.

As supply continues to lag demand, market behavior is evolving. More sellers are choosing to market aircraft privately, often at premium pricing, while buyers increasingly compete for a limited pool of desirable aircraft. This growing off-market activity has become one of the defining characteristics of today’s environment.

Pricing trends continue to reflect these supply dynamics. Well-equipped, newer, and in-production aircraft remain in exceptionally high demand and continue to command strong values, while older aircraft are seeing renewed buyer interest as limited availability pushes demand deeper into the market. Although pricing varies by aircraft type and vintage, values across much of the market remain historically resilient, supported by constrained supply and sustained buyer demand.

Perhaps most notably, the buyer base continues to expand. The influx of first-time buyers that entered private aviation during the pandemic has proven durable, with many now upgrading into larger or newer aircraft while benefiting from stronger-than-expected residual values. At the same time, new buyers continue to enter the market, supported by ongoing wealth creation, favorable tax policy, and the enduring appeal of private aviation.

Looking ahead, the industry appears well positioned for a strong finish to 2026. Acquisition demand continues to outpace available supply, broker activity remains robust, and competition for quality aircraft is intensifying. Assuming OEM production remains constrained by supply chain limitations and manufacturers continue to protect order backlogs and pricing discipline, current market conditions are likely to remain favorable through the remainder of 2026 and well into 2027.