AMSTAT predicts ‘solid year-end’ for pre-owned jet sales

Fourth-quarter pre-owned jet transactions are likely to exceed the final quarter of 2024. (Photocredit: Shutterstock).

Private jet market research specialist AMSTAT predicts a “solid year-end” for pre-owned business jet transactions, after a strong third quarter (Q3) helped 2025 activity to stay ahead of last year.

Total pre-owned business jet transactions during the first three quarters of this year are up 11% compared with the same period in 2024. AMSTAT noted significant quarterly variation with a strong Q1, a softer Q2 and a positive Q3 despite continued weakness in some segments.

AMSTAT selects a key highlight as being the rebound in the pre-owned medium jet and light jet segments. “Both categories, which underperformed in Q2 relative to 2024, saw solid recoveries in Q3 and now show year-to-date transaction increases of 10% and 12%, respectively,” according to the company.

But the pre-owned turboprop market continues to lose momentum, with both Q3 and year-to-date transactions down 5% compared with last year.

Overall, business jet inventories climbed just 1% year-over-year, despite having risen 5% since the start of this year. The exception is the medium jet segment where inventories are up 7% both year-over-year and year-to-date. Preowned turboprop inventories have expanded more sharply – growing 18% year-over-year and 17% year-to-date.

Over the past 12 months, the median value of pre-owned business jets has remained steady. Heavy Jets have seen minimal year-over-year change but are down 4% so far this year.

Most other jet categories have shown modest declines in median value over both periods. One exception is super-medium jets, which continue to achieve incremental gains. But the median value of business turboprops has dropped 13% year-over-year and 14% year-to-date.

Andrew Young, general manager, AMSTAT said: “Supported by tailwinds such as 100% bonus depreciation, Q4 2025 preowned business jet transaction activity is likely to outperform the final quarter of 2024.”

But even if fourth-quarter transaction counts only match those of Q4 last year, 2025 will still close with strong year-over-year growth, he added.

AMSTAT Pre-owned transaction predictions – at a glance

• Total transactions during Q1, Q2 and Q3 of 2025  up 11% on 2024
• Overall 2025: Strong Q1, a softer Q2 and a positive Q3 despite weakness in some segments
• Key highlight: Rebound in medium jet and light jet segments
• Turboprop market loses momentum. Q3 and year-to-date transactions down 5% on 2024
• Business jet inventories climbed just 1% year-over-year.

Source: AMSTAT.