Market · October 2026
Photo: didi8 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
The pre-owned business jet market is busier than it has been in years. Member dealers of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) completed 746 aircraft transactions in the first half of 2026, up 21% on the same period last year. At the same time, the jets most buyers want, young and well equipped, remain hard to find.
Here is what the numbers mean whether you are selling, buying or flying charter.
A strong first half for the pre-owned business jet market
IADA dealers handle a significant share of the world’s pre-owned aircraft sales, so their figures are a reliable read on the market. The 746 deals covered business jets and turboprops, and demand was steady for midsize and larger cabin aircraft alike.
In other words, aircraft are changing hands at a healthy pace, despite wider economic uncertainty.
Why late-model business jets are in short supply
The clearest trend in the data is a lack of recent, well-specified aircraft. Younger airframes with modern avionics, updated interiors and a clean maintenance status are especially scarce.
This has two effects. First, buyers looking for a specific configuration often search for longer. Second, prices stay firm for the good aircraft that do come to market.
What this means for aircraft owners thinking of selling
For owners, conditions are relatively favourable, particularly for well-maintained late-model jets. Buyers are active and good inventory is limited, so a well-documented aircraft with up-to-date records can attract serious interest.
Preparation still matters. Complete logbooks, clear maintenance tracking and a realistic asking price help a sale move quickly and hold its value through the buyer’s pre-purchase inspection.
What buyers and charter operators should do now
For buyers, the shortage of younger aircraft means planning ahead. Define your mission, your budget and your must-have equipment early, and be ready to move when the right aircraft appears. Many of the best aircraft sell quietly, before they are ever listed publicly.
Pre-owned aircraft also remain a practical alternative while new-delivery slots stay constrained. For charter operators adding capacity, the same rule applies: start early and work with a broker who knows where the aircraft are.
How Menkor Aviation can help
In today’s pre-owned business jet market, Menkor supports buyers and sellers from the first search to closing. That includes off-market sourcing, market valuation, coordination of the pre-purchase inspection, negotiation and delivery. You can see an example on our off-market Falcon 7X page, or find out more about our aircraft purchase advisory.
Thinking of buying or selling a business jet? Call +33 6 63 39 37 93 or contact our team.
Source: Business Air News / IADA data, October 2026.