Deals increase 21% YoY during Q2 2026, says IADA
Business aircraft transactions increased 21% year-over-year to 746 during the first six months of 2026, according to the Second Quarter 2026 Market Report from the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA).
Overall, the report reveals that the global preowned business aircraft market remained healthy through the first half of the year, driven by strong buyer demand, historically tight inventory and continued confidence among dealers and brokers.
“The first half of 2026 demonstrates that the preowned business aircraft market continues to perform remarkably well,” said Lou Seno, executive director of IADA. “Demand remains healthy, transaction activity is even running ahead of last year and our members continue to express confidence in the market despite ongoing global uncertainties.”
When asked whether the 12-month outlook, into the first half of 2027, was softening, stable or improving, IADA members reported that the next year’s market was very stable, and moving towards improvement.
“Limited availability of high-quality aircraft is supporting valuations and shifting negotiating leverage toward sellers,” Seno added. “In a market where opportunities often require quick decisions and expert guidance, IADA Accredited Dealers and Certified Brokers provide buyers and sellers with the experience, transparency and trusted relationships needed to achieve successful outcomes.”
IADA Accredited Dealers reported that 536 aircraft were placed under acquisition agreements during the first half of 2026, an 8% increase over the same period a year earlier.
Dealers also purchased 118 aircraft into inventory, a big 87% increase year-over- year, and twice the first half of 2024. IADA said this reflects strong dealer confidence and a willingness to commit capital with limited aircraft availability.
Meanwhile, dealers signed 238 exclusive retainer agreements to sell aircraft during the second quarter, maintaining a consistent pace that has remained largely unchanged over the past seven quarters.
At the same time, pricing remained firm. Dealers reported 67 aircraft price reductions during the first half of 2026, an 11% decline from the prior year and the fewest reductions since IADA began tracking the metric in 2023.
Tight inventory continues
The report concludes that limited availability of younger, well-equipped aircraft remains the defining characteristic of the market. Lengthy OEM delivery backlogs, continued implementation of 100% bonus depreciation in the US, acceptable financing conditions and healthy global equity markets have sustained demand with limited available supply.
Survey respondents indicated that inventories of high-quality preowned aircraft remain historically tight across nearly every aircraft category, particularly among newer midsize and large cabin aircraft.
Mark Bearden, senior vice president and head of the Bank Support Division at First American Equipment Finance said: “The market conditions remain strong for sellers as demand is outpacing supply thanks to strong stock market performance, favourable tax treatment, competitive financing rates, and new assets are taking much longer to deliver to market from the OEMs. Preowned inventory levels at an all-time low mean buyers must act fast and expect to pay a premium if they wish to transact.”
Dealer confidence ‘strong’
IADA members rated the current business aircraft sales market at 3.45 on a five-point scale, just down from 3.55 in the first quarter, while improving from 3.07 during the second quarter of 2025.
Survey participants cited several factors supporting continued market strength, including: strong US demand driven by 100% bonus depreciation, healthy equity markets, long delivery lead times for new aircraft and acceptable financing conditions.
Respondents also noted continuing headwinds, including geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, maintenance repair and overhaul capacity limitations and lingering supply chain challenges.
Seller leverage gains continue
IADA’s survey shows the market has gradually shifted toward sellers over the past year. The association’s buyer-seller index declined to 2.74, its lowest reading in 2.5 years, indicating that sellers increasingly hold negotiating leverage as available inventory remains scarce, said the association.
John Bowman, director of Market Research & Development at Southern Cross Aircraft said: “Supply is tight. Good aircraft are selling quickly and at a premium. Buyers need to be ready to act quickly to secure a plane or it will be too late. Values are going up in multiple markets.”
Six-month outlook stays positive
Survey respondents expect pricing to remain stable to modestly higher over the next six months, particularly for larger aircraft categories.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents anticipate additional price increases in the large jet segment, where inventory shortages remain “most pronounced”. Dealers also expect supply to remain constrained across all aircraft categories while approximately 30% project increasing their willingness to purchase aircraft for inventory over the coming six months.
Demand expectations remained essentially unchanged for the third consecutive quarter, measuring 3.43, slightly up from 3.42 recorded a year ago. The 12-month market outlook likewise continues to indicate expectations for a stable market with improving conditions, said IADA.
Global participation provides industry perspective
The IADA Perspective Survey is distributed quarterly to more than 1,000 members worldwide, including IADA Accredited Dealers, Certified Brokers, aircraft manufacturers and IADA Products and Services Members. During the second-quarter, 97% of IADA Accredited Dealers participated in monthly activity reporting.
Approximately 73% of respondents represented Accredited Dealers and Certified Brokers, while 27% represented Products and Services Members. IADA Accredited Dealers complete aircraft transactions an average of 20% faster because of the association’s rigorous accreditation process, third-party vetting, annual reaccreditation requirements and adherence to IADA’s comprehensive Code of Ethics.
James Norris, regional sales associate at Omni Aircraft Sales said: “Overall, preowned markets remain steady from what we have monitored. Still a healthy number of buyers in the current production aircraft markets. Airplanes are certainly still transacting in the out of production markets, however, good pedigree and well-equipped aircraft seem a bit tougher to find.”
