Aircraft
Vref: Preowned Bizjet Market in Adjustment Period
High interest rates, election insecurities, and global economy weigh on used business jet sales
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Part 135 midsize-cabin jet operations were up 9.2 percent in October from the previous month, the largest increase in all categories of aircraft. © Textron

The preowned business jet market is currently experiencing a “multifaceted period of adjustment, marked by a notable increase in inventory levels across the market,” according to a first-quarter market update from aircraft valuation firm Vref. “This expansion in available inventory is occurring alongside a softening of the market, a phenomenon reflective of shifting buyer sentiment and evolving market conditions.”

In the first three months, Vref noted a “pronounced decline” in transaction volumes for business jets, with sales transactions halved from first-quarter 2023. The company said the lower transaction activity is indicative of a cautious market outlook shaped by several factors that are increasing perceived risk, especially for inventory aircraft dealers.