Private Jets for Sale | Pre-Owned Buyers Guide & Market Analysis
Aircraft sales & acquisition
Private Jets for Sale 2026: Pre-Owned Buyer’s Guide to Prices, Costs and Availability
What pre-owned business jets cost in 2026, what they cost to run, why supply is tight, and how to buy one safely, with figures from Jefferies, AMSTAT, IADA and published cost data, each dated.
Last reviewed 19 October 2026. Written by Safe Fly Aviation’s aircraft sales and acquisition team.
Quick answer
How Much Does a Pre-Owned Private Jet Cost in 2026?
Published reference prices run from about US$6 million for an early Phenom 300 to US$43 million to US$53 million for a Gulfstream G650-family jet. The purchase price is only part of the cost: running a jet adds fixed costs of roughly US$0.6 million to US$1.25 million a year for the three benchmark types in this guide.
In short
Supply of good pre-owned jets is tight, late-model aircraft sell fast, and prices have risen. Decide the mission first, compare the price and the all-in operating cost, insist on an independent pre-purchase inspection, and check records and maintenance programme status before you agree a price. Tax rules and import duties depend on where you are based.
Market
Why the Pre-Owned Market Is Tight in 2026
Jefferies, using AMSTAT data, counted 1,015 pre-owned business jets for sale in February 2026. That is 4% of the in-service fleet, down 12% year on year and 16% over six months, while average asking prices rose 7% year on year. Jets less than seven years out of production fell 36% year on year to 2.1% of the fleet, so the newest aircraft are the hardest to find.
Availability has eased slightly since then but remains below normal. AMSTAT puts business-jet inventory at 6.5% of the fleet at the end of June 2026, against an 8.1% long-run average, with transactions up 15.5% on Q2 2025 and median values up 5%. IADA dealer-members closed 746 aircraft deals in the first half of 2026, up 21% year on year. Our quarterly pre-owned market report tracks these figures as new data is published.
| Segment | Inventory, year on year (Feb 2026, Jefferies) | Transactions, year on year (Q2 2026, AMSTAT) | Median value, year on year (Q2 2026, AMSTAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light jets | −10% | +5.3% | +2% |
| Midsize (AMSTAT: medium) | −9% | +13.6% | +5% |
| Super-midsize | Not reported separately | About flat | +6% |
| Large-cabin / heavy | −21% | +43.8% | +13% |
Swipe sideways to see every column.
Jefferies and AMSTAT use different segment definitions and dates, so read each column on its own. AMSTAT also notes that average asking prices fell in several segments in Q2 as the mix of aircraft for sale changed, even though median values rose.
- 1,015jets for sale, February 2026 (Jefferies)
- 4%of the fleet for sale in February; 6.5% by end of June (AMSTAT)
- +7%average asking price, year on year, February 2026
- 746IADA dealer deals in H1 2026, up 21%
What is driving it
- New-aircraft lead times. Manufacturer order books are full. New Phenom 300E delivery positions were being quoted into 2028 as of mid-2025, which pushes buyers towards used aircraft they can fly sooner.
- Tax. For US taxpayers, 100% bonus depreciation is permanent for qualifying property acquired and placed in service after 19 January 2025, and used aircraft can qualify (BDO). It is a US rule, so it does not apply to every buyer.
- Off-market trading. Many late-model aircraft change hands through brokers and dealers without a public listing, so a public search only shows part of the market.
For a deeper read on pricing and timing, see our pre-owned aircraft market trends for 2026 and, for smaller budgets, the best pre-owned jets under US$15 million.
Benchmarks
Three Benchmark Models: Light, Super-Midsize and Ultra-Long-Range
Three types show how price, cabin and running cost scale from a light jet to an ultra-long-range flagship. They are reference points for comparison, not a shortlist: the right aircraft depends on your mission.
Light jet
Embraer Phenom 300 / 300E
US$12M–13.5M for 2020 and later
Published list price was about US$11.0 million in 2023. 2018 to 2020 Phenom 300Es have traded at US$9.5M–12M and 2010 to 2013 Phenom 300s at US$6M–8M (mid-2025). Read our Phenom 300 buyer’s guide.
Super-midsize
Challenger 350 / 3500
About US$22M average (3500)
The Challenger 3500 launched in 2021 at a US$26.7 million list price as an updated Challenger 350 with new seats, materials and avionics and the same engines, so pre-owned examples are relatively recent. A 2018 Challenger 350 was valued at about US$17 million in a 2021 report.
Ultra-long-range
Gulfstream G650 / G650ER
US$43M–53M asking (Sept 2026)
GlobalAir recorded eight G650-family listings in mid-September 2026 averaging about US$48 million, with the G650ER near US$46 million, and 25 sales in the previous 12 months. See our G650 and G650ER market overview.
Prices are published reference points with the dates shown, not valuations or quotes. Asking and transaction prices differ, and age, hours, damage history and maintenance programme status move the price.
What protects value. Buyers pay more for aircraft with complete records, no damage history, current engine and APU maintenance-programme enrolment, up-to-date avionics and connectivity, and recent inspections. Their absence can discount an aircraft materially, so ask for an independent appraisal rather than relying on a rule of thumb.
Running costs
Operating Costs Compared: Phenom 300E, Challenger 3500 and G650ER
Fixed costs (crew, hangar, insurance, programme fees and similar) do not change with flying, so the cost per hour falls as you fly more. The table uses one consistent source, a widely used cost calculator, at 450 owner-operated hours a year and fuel at US$9.14 a gallon.
| Aircraft | Average pre-owned price | Variable cost per hour | Fixed cost per year | All-in per hour at 450 h | All-in per hour at 200 h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phenom 300E | US$11.45M | ~US$3,020 | US$619,381 | US$4,392 | ~US$6,110 |
| Challenger 3500 | US$22M | ~US$5,770 | US$885,193 | US$7,737 | ~US$10,200 |
| Gulfstream G650ER | US$43.18M | ~US$8,990 | US$1,249,151 | US$11,767 | ~US$15,240 |
Swipe sideways to see every column.
Prices, fixed costs and the 450-hour all-in figures are as published by aircraftcostcalculator.com in 2026. The variable cost per hour and the 200-hour figure are our arithmetic from the same inputs (variable = annual variable cost ÷ 450; 200-hour all-in = variable + fixed ÷ 200), rounded to the nearest US$10. Your own cost depends on crew, base, insurance and programme choices.
All-in cost per hour = variable cost per hour + (fixed cost per year ÷ hours flown)
For example, a Phenom 300E has about US$3,020 of variable cost per hour and US$619,381 of fixed cost a year. At 450 hours that is about US$4,390 an hour; at 200 hours it is about US$6,110. Ask for a budget built on your own mission and utilisation before you decide on a type.
Available now
Aircraft Currently Available Through Safe Fly Aviation
We currently have a Gulfstream G650ER, a Bombardier Global 6500, a Bombardier Global 6000, a Bombardier Challenger 350, a Bombardier Challenger 605 and a Beechcraft King Air 350 for sale. Year, hours, maintenance status, location and price are shared on request, and availability changes quickly. Photos show the aircraft type, not the specific aircraft offered.
Ultra-long-range
Gulfstream G650ER
The ultra-long-range flagship of the previous Gulfstream generation. Gulfstream inventory was only 1.5% of its in-service fleet in February 2026 (Jefferies), so good examples are scarce and buyers need to move quickly.
Large-cabin, long-range
Bombardier Global 6500
A large-cabin long-range jet from the Global family. See our Global 6500 guide for specifications and how it compares with the G650ER.
Large-cabin, long-range
Bombardier Global 6000
The earlier Global that the Global 6500 builds on. Pre-owned age and hours vary widely, so records and maintenance status matter.
Super-midsize
Bombardier Challenger 350
A super-midsize jet and the model that the Challenger 3500 updates. A common choice for owners and charter operators who want a wide cabin at a lower cost than a large-cabin jet.
Large-cabin, Challenger 600 series
Bombardier Challenger 605
A later development of the Challenger 604 in the 600 series. The photo shows a 604/605-family aircraft.
Twin turboprop
Beechcraft King Air 350 (B350)
Not a jet: a twin-turboprop that suits shorter sectors and smaller airfields. Listed here because buyers often compare it with a light jet.
We confirm specification and records against the aircraft’s documents before sharing details. Some aircraft are offered off-market. If you do not see your type, tell us your mission and budget and we will search for it. Our acquisition and brokerage service covers the full process.
Due diligence
Pre-Purchase Checklist for a Used Jet
An independent pre-purchase inspection is paid for by the buyer and should be done by a facility with no ties to the seller and experience on the type. Skipping or rushing it is one of the costliest mistakes in aircraft acquisition. Use this list to structure the process.
- 1. Define the mission first. Passengers, range, runway performance and annual hours. Match the aircraft to your real routes, not to brochure figures.
- 2. Audit the logbooks and records. Check continuity, missing entries, damage history and compliance with airworthiness directives.
- 3. Confirm maintenance-programme status. Engine and APU programme enrolment (for example JSSI or the engine maker’s programme) and whether it transfers to you.
- 4. Commission an independent pre-purchase inspection. Scope normally includes corrosion checks, borescope inspections, landing gear, avionics and functional tests. Get a written scope and quote first.
- 5. Check avionics and connectivity compliance. Confirm ADS-B Out, FANS 1/A and CPDLC where your routes need them, and the state of the satellite connectivity installation. Retrofits can be significant, so get a quote.
- 6. Run a title and lien search. Search the International Registry of Mobile Assets and the national register, and use an escrow agent to confirm clean title and no hidden encumbrances.
Time matters. Aircraft facing heavy inspections or long periods out of service can lose value disproportionately, and good aircraft move fast in a tight market. Line up your inspection facility and financing before you make an offer. Our guide on how to buy an aircraft in 2026 walks through the full sequence, and our aircraft asset inspection article covers inspections in more detail.
Cross-border
Buying a Private Jet From India: Price, Duty and Approvals
For an Indian buyer, the price of the aircraft is the starting point, not the total. Import duty and tax are added, and the aircraft needs approvals before it can be imported and registered in India.
| Use | Basic customs duty | Surcharge | IGST | Cess |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private use | 3% | 10% of the duty | 28% | 3% compensation cess |
| Non-scheduled operator (charter) | 2.5% | 10% of the duty | 5% | Not reported |
Swipe sideways to see every column.
Rates as reported by GlobalAir in 2026. Our own earlier articles quote broader ranges, so confirm current rates, exemptions and your own structure with Indian aviation counsel and a tax adviser before you commit.
- Approvals. DGCA approval is needed to import an aircraft, and for private-use aircraft the DGCA procedure has also required security clearance and a DGFT import licence. Check the current rules for your case.
- Registration. Indian-registered aircraft are registered with DGCA. GIFT City is used to structure aircraft leasing; it is not an aircraft registry.
- Export paperwork. The seller’s country will normally need an export certificate of airworthiness and deregistration, which should be planned into the closing timeline.
Because duties are charged on the aircraft’s value, a lower-cost pre-owned jet can change the total considerably. Use the figures above to compare a few candidate aircraft before you shortlist, and ask us for a landed-cost estimate for a specific aircraft.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Pre-Owned Private Jet
How much does a pre-owned private jet cost?
It depends on the type, age and hours. Published reference points run from about US$6 million to US$8 million for 2010 to 2013 Embraer Phenom 300s, US$12 million to US$13.5 million for Phenom 300Es built from 2020, and asking prices of US$43 million to US$53 million for Gulfstream G650-family jets in September 2026. Asking prices and sale prices differ, so treat any figure as a reference point and ask for a current valuation before you make an offer.
Is it better to buy a new or a pre-owned private jet in 2026?
Pre-owned is often the faster route. For the Phenom 300E, the published list price was about US$11.0 million in 2023, but open new-delivery positions were being quoted above US$14 million by mid-2025 with slots running into 2028, while 2020-and-later used aircraft were trading around US$12 million to US$13.5 million. A used aircraft can be flying in months, but it carries more inspection and records risk, so the pre-purchase inspection matters.
What does it cost to operate a pre-owned private jet?
One widely used cost calculator, at 450 owner-operated hours a year and fuel at about US$9.14 a gallon, puts the all-in cost at about US$4,392 an hour for a Phenom 300E, US$7,737 for a Challenger 3500 and US$11,767 for a Gulfstream G650ER. Fixed costs, which run to US$619,000, US$885,000 and US$1.25 million a year for those three, are spread over fewer hours if you fly less, so the hourly cost rises. Request a mission-specific budget before you buy.
What is a pre-purchase inspection and is it necessary?
A pre-purchase inspection is an independent check of the aircraft and its records before you commit to buy. The buyer normally pays for it, and it should be carried out by a facility with no tie to the seller and experience on that type. We recommend it on every purchase, because it is the main protection against undisclosed damage, records gaps and inspections that are due soon.
Does 100% bonus depreciation apply to used private jets?
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 100% bonus depreciation is permanent for qualifying property that is both acquired and placed in service after 19 January 2025, and used property can qualify if conditions are met, for example that neither the taxpayer nor a predecessor used it before acquisition. It is a US federal tax rule and aircraft also need to meet business-use requirements. It does not apply to buyers outside the US tax system, so take advice from a tax professional before you rely on it.
What taxes and approvals apply when importing a private jet into India?
Reported 2026 rates for private-use aircraft are 3% basic customs duty with a 10% surcharge on that duty, 28% IGST and 3% compensation cess, while non-scheduled operator aircraft are reported at 2.5% duty, the 10% surcharge and 5% IGST. Imports also need DGCA approval before the aircraft arrives, and registration is with DGCA. Rates and procedures change, so confirm them with Indian aviation counsel and a tax adviser for your structure.
Which aircraft does Safe Fly Aviation currently have for sale?
We currently have the following available: a Gulfstream G650ER, a Bombardier Global 6500, a Bombardier Global 6000, a Bombardier Challenger 350, a Bombardier Challenger 605 and a Beechcraft King Air 350. Year, hours, maintenance status, location and price are shared on request through the enquiry form on this page, and availability changes quickly.
Does Safe Fly Aviation own the aircraft it sells?
No. Safe Fly Aviation is an aircraft broker and technical adviser. It does not operate its own fleet or hold an air operator certificate. Aircraft are offered through us, and we check availability, specification and records before sharing details so that you are comparing like with like.
Confidential enquiry
Looking to Buy a Private Jet?
Tell us which aircraft you are interested in, or describe your mission and budget. We reply with availability, specifications and what we recommend you check first. Enquiries are handled in confidence.
Sources and References
- Aviation International News, Preowned Business Jet Inventory Falls 12% Year over Year as Prices Rise 7% (Jefferies data, February 2026)
- AMSTAT, 2026 Q2 Preowned Business Aircraft Market Report
- AeroCorner, Pre-Owned Business Jet Sales Surged 21% in the First Half of 2026 (IADA data, 30 July 2026)
- GlobalAir, Gulfstream G650 vs G550 (September 2026 listings)
- aircraftcostcalculator.com, Embraer Phenom 300E
- aircraftcostcalculator.com, Bombardier Challenger 3500
- aircraftcostcalculator.com, Gulfstream G650ER
- Scramble, Bombardier launches Challenger 3500 (2021)
- Aviation Week, Used Aircraft Report: Bombardier Challenger 350 (May 2021)
- BDO, One Big Beautiful Bill Act expands 100% depreciation expensing
- GlobalAir, India's private jet market and its tax policy (2026)
- FLYING Magazine (sponsored), What you need to know about pre-buy inspections
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice, and prices are reference points rather than valuations. Safe Fly Aviation is an aircraft broker and technical adviser. It does not operate a fleet or hold an air operator certificate. Always commission an independent pre-purchase inspection before committing to an acquisition.
