In 2026, manufacturers are delivering more private jets, and their order books keep growing. Pre-owned sales, on the other hand, have slowed after a busy 2025 while asking prices ease.
Market Overview
Manufacturers delivered 854 business jets in 2025, up 11.8% from 2024, according to GAMA. The value of all airplane deliveries reached $31.0 billion. In the first half of 2026, business jet deliveries rose another 8.2% to 383 aircraft, and turboprop deliveries rose 7.8% to 289.
Key Trends
Order Backlogs Keep Growing
Bombardier’s backlog reached $21.8 billion at the end of June 2026. In the second quarter, it took 1.5 new orders for every jet it delivered. Honeywell notes that some operators buy a pre-owned jet to fly while they wait for a new one.
Fewer Pre-Owned Jets for Sale
The share of the fleet listed for sale is well below pre-pandemic levels. The market was strong in 2025, partly because buyers closed their deals early over tariff concerns. In 2026, the conflict in the Middle East added to a sales slowdown.
Newer Jets Sell Fast, Older Jets Take Longer
Most jets on the market are 16 years or older. Late-model aircraft with strong maintenance records are rare and sell quickly. Older jets take longer to sell, so a realistic price and proper aircraft preparation for sale matter more.
Asking Prices Are Easing
Asking prices rose sharply during the pandemic years and are now coming down. Large jet prices are close to 2019 levels again.
Midsize and Large Jets Lead Growth
Honeywell’s 2026 outlook expects the midsize jet fleet to grow 40% by 2035 and the large jet fleet 36%. It’s expected that large aircraft will make up 61% of the value of new deliveries over that period.
Charter and Fractional Flying Keep Growing
According to Honeywell, business aviation flight hours could increase by 34% over the next decade. Charter and fractional operators contribute to this trend because their aircraft spend more time in the air than privately operated jets.
Tax Rules Support Purchases
In the US, 100% bonus depreciation is now permanent for business aircraft purchased after January 19, 2025. It applies to new and pre-owned aircraft used for business, but eligibility depends on each buyer’s situation.
Regional Insights
North America is the largest market. It took 64.9% of new business jet deliveries in 2025, according to GAMA. Honeywell puts the US and Canada at about 63% of the global fleet and nearly 68% of business aviation flight hours. The Middle East grew fast until February 2026, when the conflict in the region slowed aircraft demand.
Private Jet Market Predictions for 2027
New Deliveries Will Keep Rising
Honeywell forecasts about 1,280 business aircraft deliveries in 2026, including jets and turboprops, rising to more than 1,500 a year by 2035. Forecast International expects Bombardier’s production to stay high into 2027 and 2028 on its current backlog alone.
Pre-Owned Supply Will Stay Tight
Few late-model jets are likely to come up for sale in 2027. Buyers still face long waits for new aircraft, so demand for recent-model pre-owned jets should stay strong.
Age and Condition Will Set Prices
We expect the price gap between newer and older jets to widen. Late-model jets with full records should hold their value. Older jets with major inspections coming up will face more price pressure.
Flying Will Stay Strong
About one-third of operators in Honeywell’s survey expect to fly more hours in 2027 than in 2026. Most of the others expect to fly the same amount.
Risks to Watch
Fuel costs, the conflict in the Middle East, and trade tariffs could slow demand.
What It Means for Buyers and Sellers
Sellers of newer, well-maintained jets are in a strong position, while owners of older aircraft should price their jets realistically and prepare their records in advance. Buyers will find the most choice among older jets. Late-model aircraft draw competition, so be ready to move quickly when the right one comes up. You can browse pre-owned jets for sale on PrivateJet.com Marketplace.