IADA sees strong first half for business aircraft sales

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) has publicly released its Second Quarter 2026 Market Report.

It 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 the world's leading dealers and brokers.

The report shows that closed private business aircraft transactions increased 21% year over year to 746 during the first six months of 2026, while acquisition agreements, dealer inventory purchases and exclusive aircraft sale retainers continued to reflect a highly active marketplace despite persistent supply constraints.

"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."

Seno added, "Limited availability of high-quality aircraft is supporting valuations and shifting negotiating leverage toward sellers. 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."

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.

Strong first half performance

IADA Accredited Dealers reported 536 aircraft 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 remarkable 87% increase year-over- year, and twice the first half of 2024, reflecting 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 remarkably 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 to define the market

The report concludes that limited availability of younger, well-equipped aircraft remains the defining characteristic of today's market. Lengthy OEM delivery backlogs, continued implementation of 100% US bonus depreciation, 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. As a result, sellers continue to gain negotiating leverage while buyers often must move quickly when desirable aircraft become available.

Dealer confidence strong

IADA members rated the current business aircraft sales market at 3.45 on a five-point scale, remaining essentially unchanged from 3.55 in the first quarter, while improving substantially 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.
• Acceptable financing conditions.

Respondents also noted continuing headwinds, including geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, maintenance repair and overhaul capacity limitations, and lingering supply chain challenges affecting aircraft production and deliveries.

Sellers continue gaining leverage

IADA's proprietary 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 two and one-half years, indicating that sellers increasingly hold negotiating leverage as available inventory remains scarce.

Six-month outlook remains 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, another indicator of continued confidence in market fundamentals.

Access the full report

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 30th July 2026 | Issue #853