IADA members report 24% sales increase in first quarter

International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) members completed 316 aircraft sales transactions in the first quarter of 2025, a 24% increase from the same period last year.

According to IADA’s First Quarter (Q1) 2025 Market Report, using data collected before recent tariff-driven stock market volatility, sales activity remained “robust”, but members took a more cautious outlook “due to continued economic uncertainties”. 

“Although aircraft pricing has held steady, our members are voicing a more reserved outlook compared to the high confidence levels we saw at the end of 2024,” said Lou Seno, executive director of IADA. “The six-month forecast reflects a tempered approach as dealers navigate broader economic uncertainties.”

In the first 90 days of 2025, IADA dealers had 250 aircraft under contract, compared to the 251 recorded at the end of Q1 2024. Exclusive contracts to sell dropped from 304 in Q1 last year to 203 in 2025 period just ended.

IADA chairman Phil Winters, who also serves as vice president of Aircraft Sales and Charter Management at Western Aircraft, said: “IADA dealers remained active in the first quarter, but their sentiment is shifting. While demand continues, the industry is watching global financial trends closely, which are shaping more conservative expectations for the remainder of the year.”

The Q1 survey suggests aircraft pricing is likely to remain stable or experience modest declines across all segments, with turboprops showing the greatest resilience. Light, midsize and large jets are predicted to face a little more pricing pressure.

In terms of inventory, the report predicts either a steady or slightly increased supply across most categories, except large jets, where some decline may occur. Dealers also indicated a general trend toward reduced willingness to take on aircraft inventory.