#USA #Lincoln #Sandhills Global #aviation market #Pre-Owned Jets

Pre-Owned Jet Market Faces Pressures

The latest reports from Sandhills Global indicate that the pre-owned jet inventory remains significantly lower than the levels seen before the pandemic. Despite some month-to-month fluctuations, the overall trend remains concerning for buyers, sellers, and market observers alike.

Current Market Overview

As of April 2026, the data reflects a drop of approximately 8% in pre-owned jet inventory compared to the same period last year. Controller Sales Manager Terrin Mohl pointed out that, "Used jet inventory levels are lower than they have been in a long time," implying that sellers might soon find themselves in a seller's market, leading to potential increases in asking prices for these aircraft.

The inventory landscape reveals a more nuanced view when examined across different categories of aircraft. For used piston-single aircraft, inventory levels saw a minor decrease of 0.33% month-on-month and a more substantial drop of 17.63% year-over-year. Also of note, asking prices for these aircraft have continued their five-month trend of stagnation, down 0.57% month-on-month and 0.74% year-over-year.

Trends in Turboprop and Helicopter Markets

In the global used turboprop segment, inventory levels have consistently decreased for five consecutive months, with a notable dip of 5.85% month-over-month and 7.89% year-over-year in April. With asking prices trailing behind slightly at a drop of 0.74% month-on-month and 2.79% year-over-year, turboprop aircraft are also feeling the market's tight supply.

Conversely, the situation appears to be slightly different for used Robinson piston helicopters. Their inventory levels dipped by 2.68% month-over-month in April; however, they experienced a 25.29% increase on a year-over-year basis, suggesting increased interest or demand for these specific models. Interestingly, asking values have fallen 4.68% month-over-month and 1.67% year-over-year, indicating that despite higher inventories, the market might still be underpricing these helicopters.

The Jet Aircraft Segment

Focusing back on used jet aircraft, the inventory remained relatively stable with a 0.29% month-over-month increase, yet it is still down 7.73% from the previous year. The category of used large jets has had the most significant effects on the overall inventory landscape, noting a 7.26% month-on-month decline and a substantial 21.7% fall on a year-over-year basis.

For asking prices, they have demonstrated some positive movement, increasing 3.32% month-over-month, albeit slightly lower compared to a year ago at a decline of 1.15%. The biggest changes in this category were marked by used large jets, wherein asking prices saw a 3.88% month-over-month increase countered by a 3.33% year-over-year drop.

Looking Ahead

The continuing trend of low inventory levels in the pre-owned jet market is expected to put upward pressure on asking prices as competition amongst buyers intensifies. As market participants adjust their strategies, the demand-supply dynamics will play a crucial role in determining the future of pricing and inventory in this pivotal sector.

In summary, while the reports from Sandhills Global illuminate various facets of the aviation market, the low pre-owned jet inventory seems to be a prevailing theme that might shape the market for some time to come. Buyers might soon need to prepare for higher costs as suppliers catch up to the renewed demand that has arisen post-pandemic.