By Kevin McCutcheon
President & CEO, Flight Solutions Inc.

The post-COVID market adjustment is real—but it’s creating new, exciting opportunities in business aviation.

With over 40 years in this industry, 16,000+ hours of flight time, and millions of dollars in aircraft sales experience, I've seen the market evolve through many cycles. Today, we’re not witnessing a crash—we’re witnessing a necessary, healthy recalibration.

What’s Shaping Today’s Market?

• Interest Rates Have Risen
• Operating Costs Are Higher
• Salaries for Pilots and Technicians Have Increased
• Charter Revenue Has Moderated
• Supply Chains Are Improving

The Pandemic Buyer Challenge

• Aircraft Values Have Adjusted
• Depreciation Recapture Is a Reality
• Bonus Depreciation is Phasing Down (40% in 2025, less in 2026)
• Charter Revenue Offsets Are Lower

A Softer Landing: A Market Returning to Buyers
Despite the COVID-19 bubble challenges, it appears we are experiencing a softer landing, not a hard crash.
The market is returning to a more balanced, buyer-friendly environment:

• Prices have corrected to fairer levels
• Pilot and technician availability is improving
• Quality aircraft are becoming more accessible

It’s starting to feel normal again—measured, stable, and offering real opportunities for those ready to act.

The Enduring Power of Private Aviation
Even in a world dominated by AI, video calls, and virtual everything, private aviation proves its timeless value every day.

Nothing replaces real human connection.
Nothing replaces the handshake across the table.

Business aviation isn’t just about convenience—it’s about building relationships, moving faster than your competition, and seizing opportunity wherever and whenever it arises.

In a world that feels increasingly distant, private aviation brings people closer—faster and more securely than ever.

Key Questions on the Horizon

• Will interest rates ease over the next 12–18 months?
• Will inflation stabilize or spike again?
• Will Trump-era tax incentives, like 100% bonus depreciation, be renewed?
• Will tariff policies help or hurt U.S. aircraft buyers and sellers?
• Will the nation’s ballooning debt impact the strength of the U.S. dollar?

These are real questions. But history shows: smart, informed buyers and sellers thrive through every cycle.

What exists today will change tomorrow.

Play Offense, Not Defense
In times of change, the best defense is a great offense.
Align yourself with an experienced team that knows the market, anticipates the shifts, and moves with confidence.

At Flight Solutions Inc., we’ve spent 34 years helping clients chart a steady, successful path—through every kind of market.

Let’s connect and make sure you’re positioned to win in 2025 and beyond.

Kevin McCutcheon
President & CEO, Flight Solutions Inc.
Over 40 Years in Aviation | 16,000+ Flight Hours | Millions in Aircraft Sales

By Kevin McCutcheon, President & CEO, Flight Solutions

The used business jet market in 2025 presents a nuanced landscape, balancing an increase in inventory with softening prices. Following the extraordinary demand surge seen during the pandemic, the market is now stabilizing as supply and demand move toward equilibrium.

Inventory Trends
Inventory levels for used business jets have been on the rise, though growth appears to be tapering off. As of January 2025, the market saw a 7% increase year-over-year, bringing the total inventory to 1,158 aircraft. However, the rate of growth has slowed in recent months, with a 4% decline over the past six months.

March 2025 data further underscores this trend: while inventory was up 20% compared to the previous year, it recorded a modest 1% decline month-over-month. These figures suggest that while more aircraft are available than in prior years, the rapid surge in inventory may be stabilizing.

Pricing Adjustments
Alongside shifting inventory levels, pricing trends indicate a cooling market. Prices have declined by 9% compared to the same period in 2024. The buying frenzy that characterized the pandemic years has subsided, leading to a more measured market. Since the market peak between 2021 and 2023, prices have dropped approximately 10% across the board.

Despite the overall decline, pricing dynamics vary by aircraft category. Light jets have maintained an average asking price of approximately $3 million. Large jets, in contrast, experienced an 11% increase, reaching an average price of $14.6 million. Midsize jets faced the sharpest decline, dropping 13% to close the year at $4.75 million.

Market Dynamics and Buyer Behavior
The pre-owned segment continues to hold the largest share of the business jet market. Several factors contribute to the sustained interest in used aircraft:

• Lower acquisition costs make pre-owned jets an attractive entry point for first-time buyers and cost-conscious corporate operators.
• Slower depreciation compared to new aircraft enhances their appeal as a stable investment.
• Broad model availability allows buyers to find aircraft that meet specific operational needs without the long lead times associated with new jet orders.

Charter services, corporate buyers, and private owners all contribute to the steady demand for pre-owned jets, ensuring that the market remains active despite price corrections.

Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the used business jet market is expected to continue its stabilization trend. Prices are likely to return to pre-pandemic levels, avoiding the dramatic fluctuations seen in recent years. Additionally, as owners upgrade to newer models and fleet operators retire older aircraft, pre-owned inventory is anticipated to gradually increase.

While the days of record-high valuations may be behind us, the used business jet market remains robust. Buyers and sellers alike should approach the market with a strategic perspective, leveraging current trends to make informed decisions in an evolving landscape.

Kevin McCutcheon is a 40-year industry veteran and President & CEO of Flight Solutions, with over half a billion in business aircraft sales experience. He specializes in business jet market analysis and acquisitions.