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Market Overview of Used Aircraft Prices in 2025

The latest reports from Sandhills Global reveal a significant trend in the aviation market, specifically regarding used aircraft prices. In January 2025, data shows that the asking prices for pre-owned aircraft are experiencing a steady decline across various categories, including jets, piston single aircraft, turboprops, and helicopters. This downward trajectory in pricing raises numerous questions about the health of the aviation market and the factors influencing these changes.

Inventory Insights

In December, the inventory levels across categories depicted a varied landscape. Used jet inventory dropped by 5.88% compared to the previous month, although it saw a notable increase of 10.75% year over year. This indicates that while the immediate supply is diminishing, long-term availability remains higher than in prior years. Specifically, large jets faced the most significant decline, with an 11.55% monthly decrease, whereas light jets showed resilience with an 18.59% year-over-year increase in inventory.

The inventory situation for used piston single aircraft is also decreasing steadily, with levels down by 4.83% month over month in December and 8.02% year over year—a clear sign that demand is tapering. In stark contrast, used turboprop aircraft showed an initial decline of 3.26% month over month following a six-month surge, yet they still rose by 11.26% year over year, suggesting that the market for these aircraft might be stabilizing.

Furthermore, Robinson piston helicopters have been trending down in inventory as well, with levels reducing by 24.59% compared to December 2023, indicating a possible shift in demand patterns.

Price Trends

The asking prices for used jets saw a slight increase of 0.95% month-over-month in December; however, they have fallen by 5.29% year-over-year, indicating a longer-term downward trend. Among the jet categories, large jets showcased the most significant month-over-month price increase of 1.52%, although they still dropped by 4.82% compared to the previous year.

For used piston single aircraft, asking prices have followed suit, decreasing by 3.11% month-over-month and 2.67% year-over-year. This steady decline reflects a larger trend among various used aircraft categories.

Turboprop prices also continue their downward spiral with a month-over-month decrease of 0.62% and a negligible year-over-year decline of 0.06%. This subtle shift in pricing could signal a potential stabilization if inventories continue to adjust.

Lastly, Robinson piston helicopters are encountering a concerning drop in asking prices, decreasing by 8.05% month over month and showing lower values than in the previous year, indicative of an ongoing trend.

Market Definition and Future Outlook

According to Brant Washburn, Controller Department Manager at Sandhills Global, the slowing growth in inventory alongside a solid transactional volume underscores the need for pricing strategies to remain competitive in the aircraft market. With tools such as the Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI) serving as key metrics for both buyers and sellers, businesses can track market fluctuations more effectively. This data includes auction and retail market insights and can guide acquisition and liquidation decisions.

Understanding these market dynamics is essential for stakeholders in the aviation industry as they navigate through this period of price adjustment. The overall shift suggests that while demand is adjusting, it remains crucial for buyers and sellers to stay informed about inventory levels and pricing trends to ensure they make educated decisions as the market continues to evolve.

As 2025 progresses, it will be interesting to observe whether these trends stabilize or if further fluctuations in demand and pricing will arise, prompting a reevaluation of strategies and inventory management approaches across the aviation sector.