The business aircraft market in 2025 is a study in contrasts. After years of unprecedented demand, tight supply, and soaring valuations, the pendulum is finally beginning to swing back toward balance. OEM backlogs remain strong, yet pre-owned availability is creeping upward. Buyers are looking for opportunities, while sellers are working harder to justify valuations. The result is a market in transition — neither fully a buyer’s market nor a seller’s market, but something in between.
In this environment, strategy, transparency, and timing are everything. To make informed decisions, both buyers and sellers need to understand the dynamics shaping this year’s business aviation marketplace.
KEY MARKET DRIVERS IN 2025
OEM Backlogs
New aircraft production is still constrained. Major manufacturers — Bombardier, Gulfstream, Dassault, Textron, and Embraer — are carrying multi-year order books. Even with production rate increases, buyers seeking a factory-new aircraft today may be waiting until 2028 or beyond for delivery. This backlog supports the value of pre-owned aircraft, particularly late-model examples, as buyers seek immediate lift instead of waiting years.
Pre-Owned Inventory
Inventory bottomed out in 2022 when less than 3% of the global fleet was available for sale. Since then, supply has been steadily rising, though not to historical norms. In 2025, buyers have more options, particularly in mid-cabin and older large-cabin categories, but we are not in a “glut” scenario. Instead, the market is normalizing — moving away from the fever pitch of multiple offers over ask, and toward longer days on market and price adjustments.
Financing Climate
The cost of money has reshaped the marketplace. Higher interest rates are prompting many buyers to evaluate cash purchases, sale-leaseback structures, or hybrid financing. For leveraged buyers, rate pressure makes it harder to stretch for top-of-market aircraft, forcing sellers to sharpen pricing strategies. Conversely, cash buyers are enjoying stronger negotiating positions.
Global Demand
North America remains the core of business aircraft activity, but Europe and Asia-Pacific are increasingly relevant. European buyers are pursuing efficient, sustainable models while Asian high-net-worth individuals are showing stronger demand for long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft. This broadening demand base helps support global values, even as U.S. buyers gain more negotiating leverage.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BUYERS
2025 presents opportunity, but also requires discernment.
Negotiating Leverage: With more aircraft available, particularly in the mid-cabin and older large-cabin segments, buyers can negotiate more favorable terms than in recent years.
Premium for Pedigree: The best examples — U.S.-based, low total time, on engine and APU programs, with clean pedigrees — still command premium pricing and move quickly. Buyers should be prepared to act decisively on these rare aircraft.
Pre-Owned as a Bridge: Given OEM delivery delays, many buyers are securing a pre-owned aircraft today while holding delivery positions for future new aircraft. This “bridge” strategy allows immediate lift without compromising long-term fleet plans.
Due Diligence is Non-Negotiable: With more choices available, buyers must invest in thorough inspections and pedigree reviews to separate the true value opportunities from problem aircraft.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SELLERS
Sellers can still achieve strong outcomes in 2025, but the playbook has changed.
Price Realistically: Overpricing risks extended days on market and reduced credibility with buyers. Smart sellers benchmark against recent transactions, not aspirational asks.
Pedigree Matters More Than Ever: Missing maintenance programs, logbook gaps, or prior damage history are red flags that buyers now weigh heavily. Clean pedigree is the currency of a fast, premium sale.
Speed to Market: Presentation is critical. Digital logbooks, high-quality photos and video, and professional representation accelerate the sales process and capture buyer attention in a crowded marketplace.
Flexibility Wins: Creative deal structures — such as offering short-term leases, supporting ferry/import costs, or accommodating pre-purchase inspections — can tip the scales in a competitive environment.
LOOKING AHEAD
The story of 2025 is one of normalization. The frenzy of bidding wars and record-high valuations is giving way to a steadier market where strategy, transparency, and timing determine success. For buyers, this means opportunity without urgency. For sellers, it means sharper pricing and presentation discipline.
This is not the return of a buyer’s market or the continuation of a seller’s market — it is something more nuanced: a balanced market, where informed participants on both sides can achieve strong outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Navigating this transitional landscape requires expertise, data, and execution. Whether you are a buyer evaluating your next acquisition or a seller seeking to maximize value, the right strategy makes all the difference.
At Holstein Aviation, our IADA-certified professionals bring decades of transaction experience, real-time market intelligence, and global reach. We guide our clients through every step of the process — from mission analysis to closing — ensuring confidence and clarity in today’s dynamic environment. If you’re preparing to buy or sell in 2025, Holstein Aviation is your trusted partner in business aviation.
