AMSTAT’s third-quarter 2026 data shows a divided preowned business-aircraft market, with tight availability and strong activity in larger aircraft contrasting with softer values among light jets. Only 6.5% of the active business-jet fleet was listed for sale at the end of June, below the 10-year average of 8.1% and the lowest level since August 2023. Heavy-jet transactions also increased during the first half of the year, while light-jet values eased modestly.
The contrasting performance reflects differences in supply and demand across aircraft-size categories. Heavy jets accounted for just 5.2% of the active fleet available for sale, limiting buyer choice and supporting pricing for desirable aircraft. Retail transactions in the segment rose by 16% during the first half of 2026, although other summaries of AMSTAT data put the increase at 18.5%.
Across the preowned market, 2,823 transactions were recorded on a trailing-12-month basis, an increase of 3.5%. The pace of growth was slower than in 2025, despite continuing demand and constrained supply. Long OEM backlogs have helped sustain interest in used aircraft, particularly where new-aircraft delivery positions remain difficult to secure.
Large-cabin activity cooled in the third quarter even as trailing-year turbine sales increased by 11%, highlighting the month-to-month volatility behind the broader market figures. For buyers, softer light-jet values may provide greater negotiating flexibility, while sellers of scarce large-cabin and heavy aircraft continue to operate in a tighter market.