Inventory of for-sale preowned business jets at the end of 2021 was 54 percent lower than a year earlier, according to the Asset Insight AI2 Market Report published today. That period was characterized by “impressive transaction rates and values that, at times, significantly exceeded ask prices,” said the report, which covers 134 fixed-wing models and 884 aircraft listed for sale.
Record-high demand was seen across all aircraft groups in the fourth quarter. Average posted prices decreased to a record low figure for aging aircraft. But younger, low-time aircraft sold quickly last year, especially in the fourth quarter, often without being advertised for sale and many times with aggressive bidding wars, Asset Insight noted.
The report further said the reason behind the listed fleet’s days on market increasing 11 percent during the fourth quarter was “the difficulty aging aircraft sellers are encountering remarketing these older aircraft.” While the overall quality rating fell in the fourth quarter, the remaining inventory remained in the “very good” category but carried more near-term maintenance events.
“Twenty-one months into the pandemic, business aviation continues to prove its value in the business world, globally,” said Asset Insight president Tony Kioussis. “Companies with staying power through the pandemic rely heavily on their business aircraft, with the industry expanding and the market reflecting the critical nature of this important equipment to businesses in all industries.”