Amid the healthcare, travel and economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) dealers have facilitated the sale of an unprecedented number of used aircraft in a short time. From March 2 to March 20, dealers accredited by IADA have bought or sold 54 aircraft and have more than 120 additional aircraft under contract, subject to closing.

“Clearly, there is a strong push to make deals in advance of the challenging uncertainties that are ahead of us all,” says IADA executive director Wayne Starling. “But IADA-accredited dealers continue to briskly lead the previously owned aircraft industry with many transactions during what was previously forecast to be a slow sales month, reinforced by their strong reputation for integrity, no matter how difficult the times.”

Starling noted that with international and national travel restrictions in place and more curbs forecast to hopefully contain the virus, the pace of transactions is very likely to slow as approvals and regulatory obligations take longer to achieve. However, a changing economic landscape could signal a further shift in individuals and companies that choose to sell or buy depending on their evolving business and travel needs.

Key to IADA's sales activity has been the organisation's exclusive search portal, AircraftExchange.com, which currently lists more than 500 aircraft for sale, from heavy jets to smaller aircraft. It has become the go to source for the best aircraft represented by the most trusted dealers in the industry.