Preowned Business Aircraft Market Report Q2 2026
Preowned Business Aircraft Market Report — Q2 2026 Update
Market Executive Summary
The preowned business aircraft market has loosened modestly since our Q1 2026 report, but remains historically tight. As of 30 June 2026, roughly 6.5% of the active global business jet fleet is listed for sale — still below the 10-year balanced-market average of 8.1%, though up from the 4% low recorded in February 2026.
Transaction activity has turned a corner: whole-aircraft sales are up 7% year-to-date versus H1 2025 (AMSTAT), and IADA dealer-members closed 746 aircraft deals — up 21% year-over-year. Younger, higher-value jets continue to trade quickly while older, lower-value examples sit longer, and median transaction values are up 5% YoY even as average asking prices have eased with the broader inventory mix.
Segment Highlights & Analysis
Every cabin class tells a different story right now. Heavy jets are seeing the sharpest transaction rebound; light jets and turboprops remain the most active by volume.
Heavy Jets
Super-Mid Jets
Medium Jets
Light Jets
Turboprops
Representative Aircraft by Segment
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Get a Free ValuationMarket Data Compendium (as of 30 June 2026)
| Metric | Value | Trend / Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory as % of Global Fleet | 6.5% | Below 10-yr average of 8.1%; up from 4% in Feb 2026 |
| Whole-Aircraft Transactions (YTD) | +7% | vs. H1 2025 (AMSTAT) |
| IADA Dealer-Member Sales | 746 aircraft | +21% YoY |
| Heavy Jet Transactions YoY | +18.5% | Strongest segment rebound |
| Medium Jet Transactions YoY | +13.6% | Second-strongest rebound |
| Median Transaction Values | +5% YoY | Newer, well-maintained aircraft commanding premiums |
| OEM Order Backlog | $58.2B | +19.5% YoY (JETNET, Q1 2026) |
Key Drivers Shaping the Market Through H2 2026
- OEM Backlogs & Delivery Delays: Major manufacturers' order books extend out several years, continuing to push buyers toward pre-owned options.
- Tax Incentives: The 2026 extension of 100% first-year bonus depreciation continues to spur U.S. buyers to accelerate purchases.
- Favorable Financing: Improving interest rates and strong equity markets are supporting deal activity.
- Flight Activity: Steady growth in fractional, charter, and corporate utilization is sustaining demand across segments.
- Emerging Markets: Growing interest in Asia-Pacific and India for pre-owned imports.
Buyer & Seller Action Plan
For Buyers
- Act quickly on quality listings — they move fast in this market.
- Prioritize aircraft with active engine/maintenance programs.
- Work with a broker who has genuine off-market access.
- Secure financing early, while rates remain favorable.
- Always commission a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
For Sellers
- Complete records and a professional presentation matter more in a discerning market.
- Price realistically against recent, comparable transactions.
- Consider an off-market approach for premium, in-demand assets.
- Leverage a global buyer network to reach qualified buyers faster.
Why List or Buy Through Safe Fly Aviation
Beyond market intelligence, Safe Fly Aviation is an active participant in the pre-owned aircraft market — here's how we help buyers and sellers move with confidence in today's conditions.
Global Buyer & Seller Network
Access to qualified buyers and sellers across India, the Middle East, and Europe.
Off-Market Access
Relationships that surface quality inventory before it's widely listed.
Valuation & Advisory
Data-backed pricing guidance grounded in current AMSTAT and market comps.
Transaction Support
Coordination of pre-purchase inspections, records review, and closing logistics.
Financing & Legal Coordination
Introductions to trusted financing and legal partners to keep deals moving.
15+ Years of Experience
Over 15,000 flight hours and 60+ countries served since 2010.
Outlook for the Remainder of 2026
Inventory is expected to remain below the 10-year balanced-market average through H2 2026, though the gap has narrowed since Q1. Heavy and medium jets, which saw the strongest transaction rebounds in Q2, are likely to see continued firm demand; light jets and turboprops should stay the most liquid segments by volume. Bonus depreciation, favorable financing conditions, and persistent OEM delivery delays are all expected to keep buyers active in the secondary market. We'll update these figures again once AMSTAT's Q3 2026 report is published.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has the pre-owned business jet market changed since Q1 2026?
Inventory has eased from roughly 4% of the active fleet in February 2026 to about 6.5% as of 30 June 2026, though it remains below the 10-year average of 8.1%. Transactions have swung from a year-over-year decline to +7% growth year-to-date, according to AMSTAT.
Is now a good time to sell a business jet?
Conditions remain favorable for sellers of younger, well-maintained aircraft, which continue to trade quickly and command firm pricing. Older or lower-value examples are taking longer to sell as buyers become more selective.
Which aircraft segments are seeing the most transaction growth?
Heavy jets (+18.5% year-over-year) and medium jets (+13.6%) saw the strongest transaction rebounds through Q2 2026, according to AMSTAT-sourced data.
Why is OEM order backlog relevant to the pre-owned market?
With new-aircraft order backlogs at roughly $58.2 billion and up 19.5% year-over-year (JETNET), buyers facing multi-year wait times for new deliveries frequently turn to the pre-owned market instead, supporting demand and pricing there.
Does Safe Fly Aviation help with both buying and selling pre-owned aircraft?
Yes. Safe Fly Aviation supports both sides of the transaction — sourcing and off-market access for buyers, and valuation, marketing, and transaction coordination for sellers — across our global network.
Related Safe Fly Aviation Resources
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Whether you're buying or selling in this market, Safe Fly Aviation's aircraft sales team can help you move with confidence — backed by current market data and a global buyer network.
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Email: info@safefly.aero
Website: safefly.aero
WhatsApp Us for a ValuationMethodology & Sources: Synthesized from AMSTAT (via IADA and Corporate Jet Investor reporting), JETNET's JIQ Market Barometer, Jefferies Equity Research, and Aviation International News, current as of 30 June 2026. Figures are third-party industry estimates as reported and are subject to change; contact us for current pricing and availability.
© 2026 Safe Fly Aviation — Informational purposes only. Not investment advice. Contact info@safefly.aero for personalized consultation.
Updated 15 September 2026
