The Private Jet Market in 2026

The private aviation market has undergone significant transformation since 2020. The post-pandemic demand surge that drove pre-owned prices to record highs between 2021 and 2023 has given way to a more balanced market — but one that remains fundamentally healthier than the pre-2020 baseline. Understanding where the market stands today is essential for anyone considering a purchase, sale, or hold decision.

As of early 2026, the global business jet fleet numbers approximately 23,500 aircraft. Pre-owned inventory has normalised to around 7–9% of the active fleet (compared to the historic low of 3–4% in 2022), providing buyers with more choice while keeping the market below the oversupply territory of 12%+ that characterised the 2009–2013 downturn. New-build deliveries remain constrained by supply chain challenges, sustaining demand for well-maintained pre-owned aircraft.

Plane Selection monitors these dynamics daily, drawing on proprietary transaction data, industry intelligence platforms (JetNet, AMSTAT), and our global broker network to provide clients with actionable market insights.

Pricing Trends by Category

Light Jets (Citation CJ series, Phenom 300, HondaJet)

The light jet segment has experienced the most significant price correction from peak levels. Values for 5–10 year old light jets have declined 15–25% from 2022 highs but remain 10–20% above pre-pandemic levels. Entry-level business jets continue to attract first-time buyers and owner-operators, and the segment benefits from relatively low operating costs and broad airport accessibility.

The HondaJet Elite has emerged as a particularly strong performer in the pre-owned market, with limited availability and strong demand keeping residuals above expectations. Plane Selection's partnership with jet.paris, a HondaJet operator, gives us unique insight into this model's operational economics and market position.

Midsize Jets (Citation Latitude, Learjet 75, Hawker 900XP)

Midsize jets represent the workhorse segment of European business aviation. Values have stabilised after moderate declines from peak levels, with 10–15% corrections typical for 5–10 year old aircraft. The Bombardier Learjet programme's discontinuation has created an interesting dynamic — remaining Learjet 75 aircraft benefit from reduced new-build competition but face questions about long-term parts support.

Super-Midsize Jets (Challenger 350, Praetor 600, Citation Longitude)

The fastest-growing segment in business aviation. New-build deliveries of the Challenger 350/3500 and Praetor 600 continue at pace, but pre-owned availability remains tight relative to demand. Values have held better than most segments, with 5–8% declines from peak levels for late-model examples. The super-midsize category offers the best balance of range, cabin comfort, and operating economics for many mission profiles.

Heavy/Long-Range Jets (Gulfstream G650, Global 6000, Falcon 7X/8X)

Large-cabin jets experienced the most dramatic price swings during the post-pandemic period, with some models appreciating 30–40% above their pre-pandemic values at peak. The correction has been moderate, with values settling 10–15% below peak but still well above historical norms. New-build deliveries of the G700 and Global 7500 are gradually increasing supply, but demand from Middle Eastern, Asian, and US buyers remains robust.

VIP Airliners (Boeing BBJ, Airbus ACJ)

A niche market with limited transactions but significant values. BBJ and ACJ aircraft are tightly held, and when they do come to market, they attract interest from government buyers, royal families, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Values depend heavily on interior configuration and condition — a green aircraft (no interior) trades at a fraction of a fully fitted example.

Demand Drivers

Several factors are shaping demand in the current market:

• Post-pandemic behaviour change: Many travellers who switched to private aviation during the pandemic have remained. The number of first-time buyers and charter clients is structurally higher than pre-2020 levels.
• Corporate travel policies: Companies increasingly view private aviation as a productivity tool rather than a luxury. Time-efficient travel for senior executives justifies the cost differential over commercial business class.
• Geopolitical factors: Regional instability, commercial aviation disruptions, and travel restrictions in certain markets drive demand for flexible, private transport solutions.
• Wealth creation: Growth in UHNW populations in the Middle East, Asia, and emerging markets creates new demand for aircraft ownership and charter.
• Sustainability pressure: While aviation emissions remain a concern, the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon offset programmes, and future electric/hydrogen aircraft is gradually addressing environmental objections.

Best Time to Buy or Sell

Timing the aircraft market is challenging, but several principles guide decision-making:

For Buyers

• Buy when inventory is rising and days-on-market are increasing — sellers become more flexible
• Late Q4 and Q1 typically see less buyer competition as purchasing budgets reset
• Watch for manufacturer new-model announcements that suddenly depress pre-owned values of the replaced model
• Aircraft approaching major maintenance events may offer significant negotiation opportunities

For Sellers

• Sell when your aircraft is freshly maintained and mandate-compliant — presentation matters
• Spring and early summer traditionally see stronger buyer activity
• Sell before a major maintenance event if you can — the buyer will price in the upcoming cost regardless
• Monitor new-build delivery schedules — if a wave of new deliveries is coming, the pre-owned market for that type may soften

Emerging Markets

While North America and Europe remain the largest business aviation markets, several regions are showing strong growth:

• Middle East: Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, UAE's continued diversification, and regional infrastructure investment are driving fleet expansion. The MEBAA show in Dubai reflects the region's growing importance.
• Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines are seeing increased private aviation activity as economic growth creates new demand. Infrastructure improvements (FBOs, maintenance facilities) are following.
• Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Angola lead African business aviation, with growing demand from mining, energy, and financial services sectors.
• India: Regulatory reforms and economic growth are gradually opening the Indian market, though infrastructure and operational challenges remain.

Fleet Composition Trends

The global business jet fleet is evolving in several notable ways:

• Upsizing: Average new-build delivery size continues to increase, with large-cabin and ultra-long-range jets representing a growing share of the fleet
• Technology refresh: Older aircraft without ADS-B Out, CPDLC, and modern flight management systems are facing obsolescence pressure
• Consolidation: The Gulfstream/Bombardier/Dassault triopoly in large-cabin jets is increasingly dominant
• Entry-level innovation: The HondaJet, Cirrus Vision Jet, and Pilatus PC-24 are expanding the addressable market at the smaller end

Make Informed Decisions

Whether you are timing a purchase, pricing a sale, or planning a fleet strategy, having accurate, current market intelligence is essential. Plane Selection provides market analysis as both a standalone advisory service and as an integral part of our acquisition and sales brokerage offerings.

Contact us for a confidential market briefing tailored to your specific aircraft type and objectives. We will share our view of where the market stands, where it is heading, and what that means for your decision.