The preowned business jet market is telling two very different stories in 2026. At the upper end, demand for late-model, large-cabin aircraft continues to outpace supply, supporting strong values and, in some cases, rising prices. Farther down the market, buyers have more choices and considerably more negotiating power.
As the second half of the year gets underway, understanding those differences, and having access to accurate market intelligence, is increasingly important for both buyers and sellers.
"The top end of the market is unbelievably busy, with far more buyers than available aircraft," said Tim Barber, EMEA Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions. "The consequence is that there are many reports of rising prices."
At the lower end, Tim said the situation is nearly the reverse: aircraft are more plentiful, buyer demand is softer, and conditions favor buyers.
James Carroll, EMEA Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions, agreed.
"I'm seeing buyers move away from smaller-cabin aircraft in favor of midsize and larger options," James said. "Newer, larger, and longer-range aircraft are attracting hefty premiums."
Doug Roth, Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions, is seeing similar demand across several categories, from late-model PC-12s through midsize and large, long-range business jets.
“There is a selection if you are willing to pay the price,” Doug said. While it remains to be seen whether demand will push prices higher, he noted that it is helping keep selling prices in line with previous transactions.
Ann Pollard, Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions, added that pedigree remains important regardless of market segment. Aircraft with desirable histories, configurations, maintenance status, and overall condition continue to attract buyers and retain value.
Not surprisingly, the newest aircraft are among the most sought-after. Tim pointed to the Gulfstream G700 as one of the most prominent examples, with the limited number of aircraft being offered commanding significant premiums.
But demand isn't limited to the newest models. Supply is also extremely tight for several established aircraft, including the Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Challenger 3500, Cessna Citation Longitude, Embraer Praetor 500, and Dassault Falcon 6X. In some cases, no aircraft may be openly available for sale.
The trend spans manufacturers and highlights a challenge for buyers: What is advertised for sale does not necessarily provide a complete picture of the market.
Supply and demand remain the biggest influences on aircraft values. With manufacturers carrying order backlogs that can stretch for years, some buyers who want newer aircraft are unwilling to wait for a factory delivery. Instead, they are turning to the preowned market.
That competition is supporting values at the top end of the market. Elsewhere, prices are generally static or declining, making aircraft type, age, condition, and maintenance status especially important when assessing value.
The availability of parts and maintenance support is also becoming a more significant consideration.
“Supply chain issues are putting buyers off older aircraft that may need parts and engine work,” James said. "Long lead times for components, engine shop visits, and rental engines can introduce additional cost and uncertainty into an acquisition."
Doug said aircraft with strong reputations for parts support and predictable downtime during major inspections are better positioned to retain their values and experience less depreciation than comparable aircraft with more challenging support requirements.
For buyers, that means evaluating an aircraft based on more than its purchase price. Future maintenance requirements, parts availability, engine status, inspection schedules, and expected downtime can all affect the true cost and value of an acquisition.
With conditions varying dramatically by aircraft category, buyers and sellers should be cautious about relying solely on advertised asking prices or broad statements about where the market is headed.
Tim said one of the most important steps is working with an experienced broker who understands actual transaction activity.
A knowledgeable aircraft sales and acquisitions team can evaluate recent selling prices, compare aircraft on an “apples-to-apples” basis, and provide context around asking prices. That distinction is particularly important because an advertised price does not necessarily reflect the price at which an aircraft will ultimately trade.
Market access matters, too.
An experienced team can uncover aircraft that aren't publicly advertised, expanding the options available to a buyer. During a previous search for a Global 6000, for example, Duncan Aviation's Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions team was able to identify 33 potential aircraft for its client at a time when only nine were openly listed for sale.
Although market conditions have changed since that search, the example demonstrates why buyers shouldn't assume the aircraft visible on the open market represent every available opportunity.
In a tight market, buyers can feel pressure to act quickly. That doesn't mean they should make a rushed decision.
Claims that an aircraft “won't be available next week” or that prices are rapidly rising should be supported by current market data rather than used simply to create urgency.
The same principle applies to sellers. A strong market for one model or category does not automatically translate into a premium for every aircraft. Accurate pricing requires understanding recent transactions as well as an individual aircraft's pedigree, maintenance status, configuration, and competitive position.
As the preowned business jet market moves through the second half of 2026, opportunity exists on both sides of the transaction. For some buyers, plentiful inventory can create negotiating leverages. For others seeking newer, larger, long-range aircraft, competition may remain intense.
In either case, the fundamentals remain the same: Understand the aircraft, understand the market, and make decisions based on reliable data rather than market noise.
Choosing the right business aircraft is a major investment. With so many makes and models available, finding the best fit for your needs can be challenging. Duncan Aviation’s Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions team simplifies the process with a comprehensive, up-to-date Model/Market Summary to help you make an informed decision.
Download the Business Jet Model/Market Summary now
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