Michael Mikolay
April 23, 2025
Every aircraft owner eventually asks, "Is now the right time to buy, sell, or hold?" The answer isn’t as straightforward as it used to be.
Inventory levels fluctuate, interest rates rise and fall and tax incentives evolve with every legislative cycle. For some, now may be the golden window to acquire the perfect jet. For others, holding off or exiting altogether might be the smarter long play.
Timing the market isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about aligning your aircraft strategy with your broader mission, operations and financial goals.
Let’s walk through the key indicators to consider when making this decision—and why a personalized approach will consistently outperform a generalized market forecast.
The pre-owned aircraft market has experienced a dynamic couple of years. Coming out of the pandemic, we saw record-low inventory and surging demand, pushing prices to all-time highs. Fast-forward to 2024–2025, and we’re witnessing a gradual normalization.
Inventory is increasing, but selectively. Certain makes and models remain in high demand, while others are experiencing pricing pressure due to age, upcoming maintenance events or outdated avionics.
Interest rates have plateaued at elevated levels, making financed purchases more costly and making some buyers more cautious. Meanwhile, global economic uncertainty—and hot topics like inflation and tariffs—has some would-be buyers hesitant to make a move. Many are waiting to see how the market settles.
But opportunity exists in every market. That is, if you know where to look and how to match the timing with your needs.
For aircraft buyers, the best opportunities often emerge when others sit on the sidelines. If you're clear about your mission profile and have access to financing or capital, today's market can offer strong value. This is especially true in categories where pricing has softened (e.g., light to midsize jets and older, large-cabin aircraft).
Ideal buyer profiles include:
• Operators looking to upgrade while the spread between their current and target aircraft is favorable.
• First-time buyers ready to step off the airlines or stop chartering and take control of their travel.
• Tax-driven buyers betting on new accelerated depreciation opportunities before year-end.
Cautionary considerations for buyers:
• Some aircraft categories still command premium pricing—particularly newer models with next-gen avionics and low hours.
• Rising operational costs, including insurance and crew availability, should be factored into long-term planning.
• The rapidly changing regulatory landscape (e.g., aircraft subject to possible tariffs) may mean more competition in certain markets.
In today’s market, sellers still have an opportunity to maximize value—especially if their aircraft is well-maintained and upgraded. Even better if it falls within a popular segment, such as the Phenom 300, Gulfstream G550 and Global 6000. However, that window is slowly narrowing as more aircraft inventory becomes available, and buyers become more selective.
Aircraft owners should consider selling if:
• You’re ready to upgrade to your next aircraft as there now may be more options available to choose from.
• A major inspection or upgrade is on the horizon, and you'd rather avoid the cost.
• You’re transitioning to a different mode of travel—fractional, charter or commercial.
Potential risks for those who wait:
• The aircraft’s time-on-market may increase as buyers weigh more options.
• Continued changes in the market may continue to depreciate the asset.
• It costs money to continue to operate or carry the aircraft.
Sometimes, the smartest move is to stay put—especially if your aircraft meets your mission needs and the replacement cost is high. It’s also wise to stay if there are no significant tax or capital triggers to urge a sale.
Following are good reasons to hold:
• You're not facing a significant maintenance cycle, and the aircraft is performing well.
• The next step up feels like a lateral move, especially in today’s pricing environment.
• You’ve already allocated funds for avionics or cabin upgrades (to include connectivity) to ensure the aircraft continues to meet your needs.
That said, holding doesn’t mean standing still. Owners can enhance long-term value through strategic investments—such as Wi-Fi upgrades, cosmetic improvements or engine programs. These will all position the aircraft competitively when the time to sell does arrive.
Too often, timing decisions are made in a vacuum, or worse, based solely on market gossip or emotion. That’s where a trusted aviation advisor adds actual value. We help clients filter noise, focus on data and tie aircraft decisions to more significant business or personal goals.
In one recent case, a client was reluctant to sell their aging aircraft despite the desire to own something newer. After reviewing how much they really needed to fly in the upcoming year, we assessed the strength of the offer. We also considered the current market and recognized the advantage of patiently waiting for the right replacement aircraft deal. It became clear that selling now—and being without an aircraft temporarily—put them on the path to the best financial outcome.
That’s the power of thinking beyond the transaction.
There’s no universal answer to the timing question. The right decision depends on who you are, what you need from your aircraft, and where the market is heading for your segment. What matters most is having a partner who can interpret the trends and align them with your mission.
Whether you’re actively considering a transaction or just want a second opinion on timing, now is the time to talk strategy—not just price. In business aviation, the best decisions aren’t always about “more” or “faster”—they’re about fit.
And that’s what an aviation advisor is here for.
This article originally appeared on GlobalAir.com for the AirMail Focus newsletter.