Rising aircraft dealer confidence, preowned aircraft demand strong

Aircraft dealers’ confidence increased in Q3 2026, driven by strong demand for pre-owned business aircraft, tight supply of desirable models, and extended manufacturer delivery backlogs supporting the global marketplace.

According to the International Aircraft Dealers Association Third Quarter Market Report, IADA members rated aircraft sales market conditions 3.62 out of 5.

That rating is up from 3.45 last quarter, and 3.47 YoY.

Demand remained strong for late-model, well-maintained aircraft. Limited supplies of quality inventory continued to strengthen sellers’ negotiating positions.

“Overall, the market is strong and maturing,” said Lou Seno, IADA Executive Director, in a press release. “With buyers more selective and pricing increasingly tied to aircraft condition.”

The third-quarter report draws on IADA Accredited Dealers, certified brokers, and product and service members operating worldwide.

IADA dealer transaction activity

During the first three quarters of 2026, IADA Accredited Dealers completed 1,155 aircraft transactions, up from 983 YoY.

Third-quarter transactions totaled 409, up from 367 YoY.

New acquisition agreements rose to 510 in the first three quarters, while dealer inventory purchases rose to 127 aircraft.

IADA dealer activity report

Increasing confidence

The third-quarter survey indicates that the preowned aircraft market remains healthy.

Strong financial markets, wealth creation, favorable U.S. bonus depreciation provisions, and limited availability of new aircraft delivery positions supported it.

Manufacturer order backlogs extend several years, encouraging owners awaiting new aircraft to retain their existing airplanes.

That also limits the supply of desirable preowned aircraft.

So, buyers seeking newer aircraft with specific configurations, favorable maintenance histories, and lower flight hours frequently face limited choices and increased competition.

According to the IADA survey, sellers have held the strongest market advantage in almost three years.

Who is driving today’s business aircraft market?

 

The trend is pronounced among late-model midsize and large-cabin aircraft, where limited supplies and sustained demand are supporting aircraft values.

“I think the aircraft sales market is in a pretty healthy place overall,” said Colby Creger, an aircraft dealer with West Elk Aviation, in the report.

Creger continued:

‘On the pre-owned side, demand remains strong, inventory is still relatively limited, and good airplanes that are priced appropriately are selling. On the new side, strong order books and extended delivery positions continue to support the pre-owned market, particularly for late-model aircraft.’

Outlook remains positive

IADA members expect continued demand for business aircraft over the next six months, particularly late-model midsize and large-cabin jets.

Their longer-term outlook points toward a generally stable marketplace over the coming year.

“High Demand + Low Supply + Feverish Transaction Pace = Prices Continue Pushing Upwards (Seller holds all cards),” said Johnny Foster, an aircraft dealer with OGARAJETS, in the report.

Foster continued:

‘This creates a real challenge for buyers and those who serve their interests. Q4 will exacerbate the above conditions and challenges. As (acquisition) brokers, our role has largely shifted from finding the best value and/or cheapest price, to educating our client fully on market conditions and preparing them to move with pricing secondary to pace of responsiveness and execution.’

In a survey question about the next 12 months, respondents projected stable business-aircraft market conditions.

Sentiment leaned toward improvement rather than softening.

Current market impacts

 

~60% of survey respondents expect prices for pre-owned large jet aircraft to rise over the next six months, reflecting limited inventory.

Across the four aircraft categories surveyed (turboprop, light jet, midsize jet and large jet), members generally expect prices to remain stable or increase modestly.

In contrast, available inventory remains stable or declines slightly.

~30% of surveyed dealers expect to increase their willingness to acquire aircraft for inventory, reflecting continued confidence in underlying demand.

Willingness to inventory, for next 6 months

 

Despite geopolitical uncertainty, operating cost pressures, and ongoing supply chain constraints, the survey indicates a resilient marketplace supported by strong underlying demand and limited availability of desirable aircraft.