Confidence among accredited aircraft dealers increased during the third quarter of 2026, with strong demand for pre‑owned business aircraft, tight supplies of desirable models and extended manufacturer delivery backlogs continuing to support a resilient global marketplace.

In the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) Third Quarter Market Report, members rated current business aircraft sales market conditions at 3.62 on a five‑point scale, up from 3.45 during the second quarter and 3.47 during the same period in 2025. Demand remained particularly strong for late‑model, well‑maintained aircraft, while limited supplies of quality inventory continued to strengthen sellers’ negotiating positions.

During the first nine months of 2026, IADA Accredited Dealers completed 1,155 aircraft transactions, compared with 983 during the same period in 2025. Third‑quarter transactions totalled 409, against 367 in the third quarter of last year. New acquisition agreements reached 510 over the nine months, while dealer inventory purchases rose to 127 aircraft. The figures contrast with independent research indicating more restrained transaction activity in the broader pre‑owned business jet marketplace.

The survey indicates a fundamentally healthy market, supported by strong financial markets, wealth creation, favourable US bonus depreciation provisions and limited availability of new aircraft delivery positions. Manufacturer order backlogs extending several years have encouraged owners awaiting new aircraft to retain their existing jets, limiting the supply of desirable pre‑owned aircraft. Buyers seeking newer aircraft with specific configurations, favourable maintenance histories and lower flight hours frequently face limited choices and increased competition. The trend is especially pronounced among late‑model midsize and large‑cabin aircraft.

Well‑maintained, competitively priced aircraft continue to sell quickly, with some transactions completed through established professional relationships before aircraft are publicly advertised. Buyers are also becoming more deliberate, paying closer attention to maintenance exposure, aircraft history, equipment, registration and long‑term ownership costs.

Members anticipate continued demand during the next six months, particularly for late‑model midsize and large‑cabin jets, while the 12‑month outlook points to generally stable conditions leaning toward improvement rather than softening. Around 60 per cent of respondents expect prices for pre‑owned large jets to increase over the next six months. Across the turboprop, light jet, midsize jet and large jet categories, members generally expect prices to remain stable or increase modestly, while available inventory remains stable or declines slightly. Around 30 per cent of participating dealers expect to increase their willingness to acquire aircraft for inventory.

The IADA Market Report combines transaction activity submitted monthly by IADA Accredited Dealers with the association’s quarterly Perspective Survey, which is distributed to more than 1,000 members worldwide. The complete report is available on IADA’s AircraftExchange website.