May 12, 2025

Q3-Q4: Prime Time to Buy Private Jets

The Market Is Middle Ground — Is It Time to Make Your Move?

The private jet market is settling into 2025, and it may be your opportunity to sell or purchase an aircraft. Changes in inventory levels, pricing trends, and even the year, make, and model you’re considering can influence whether it’s the right time. Could the market conditions work in your favor, especially heading into the second half of the year?

Let’s take a look at what is happening now and whether you should sell or purchase a private jet in Q3 and Q4 2025.

Inventory Has Bounced Back

Availability finally started opening up in 2024. The 2024 International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) Market Report shows pre-owned business jet inventory increased by 24% in 2024, peaking at just over 2,000 aircraft last November before leveling off to around 1,850 at year-end.

At the same time, sales stayed steady. In Q1 2025, 253 private jet sales closed, up slightly from 239 in Q1 2024. That combination of steady market and buyer activity is creating a more balanced environment, where good aircraft still move, and both buyers and sellers can use their connections to reputable aircraft dealers and brokers to negotiate the transaction.

For example, your dealer or broker can help you lock in your acquisition or sale in Q3 before the end-of-year rush, when pre-purchase inspection facilities are typically full — a benefit for both buyers and sellers considering a transaction before 2025 ends.

Pricing Trends Depend On the Size Of the Private Jet For Sale

Not every category follows the same pricing curve.

Large-cabin, long-range private jets for sale such as the Gulfstream G550 and Global 6000 saw values climb about 11% year-over-year, with average asking prices around $14.6 million. Demand for these aircraft remains strong, especially for international business travel and activity out of regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Companies expanding their reach into emerging markets continue to prioritize aircraft with long-range capabilities and the versatility to handle a variety of travel demands.

Meanwhile, midsize jets like the Cessna Citation XLS+ and Praetor 500 have taken a dip. Pricing in this segment dropped roughly 13% last year, settling around $4.75 million. With more inventory on the market and some buyers opting to stretch into larger aircraft while pricing was competitive, midsize jets are one of the more viable segments to watch in 2025. If inventory begins to tighten again, pricing could stabilize or even climb in response.

Light jets have held steady, driven by first-time buyer demand, charter operators, and regional service routes. This category remains a reliable option for private jet buyers focused on efficiency, shorter-range flexibility, and lower overall operating costs.

Year-End Market Patterns Are Taking Shape

Historically, Q4 is the busiest season for private jets for sale, fueled by tax planning, year-end financial strategies, and sellers eager to move aircraft off their books before December 31. Early activity trends reported in the 2024 IADA Market Report suggest this year will follow a similar pattern.

Whether buying or selling, it’s best if you partner with an IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealer to shop for and negotiate a private jet transaction. Your dealer will help you understand your selection of private jets for sale — or how current inventory and market conditions can influence your sale — and work in your best interests throughout your relationship.

Work With the Right Experts to Find a Private Jet For Sale

Working with an IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealer ensures access to accurate market data, pre-market inventory, and experienced representation through the negotiation and closing process. It’s about more than finding a good aircraft. Finding or selling a quality jet is one thing. Making the right deal in a fast-moving market is another.

An experienced dealer helps navigate the finer points of pricing, maintenance histories, operating cost profiles, and transaction structuring to protect your investment over the long term. IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealers pledge to follow a strict code of ethics and create a more trustworthy market for pre-owned aircraft.

Final Takeaway

In this balanced market, both buyers and sellers have equal footing, especially during Q3 and Q4 2025. Those actively in the market now — or selling their aircraft — will have a good shot at a successful transaction on favorable terms before demand ramps up later this year.

Visit AircraftExchange.com to explore private jets for sale and to find an IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealer near you.