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A Tale of Two Continents
The number of available jets and turboprops is now at its lowest point in roughly five years.
It’s too early to predict overall sales for 2013, but one key indicator—the number of aircraft for sale—continues to tick lower, suggesting that a recovery is still ongoing. In fact, the number of available jets and turboprops is now at its lowest point in roughly five years.
It’s worth noting, however, that the North American and European markets today seem headed in opposite directions.
Why the difference? There could be a host of reasons but price is always a chief suspect. With the G550, also, it’s interesting to note that most recent sales have involved aircraft with an aft galley, which U.S. buyers seem to prefer. And all but one were enrolled in an engine-maintenance plan such as Rolls-Royce’s Corporate Care Program, or JSSI.
In the months ahead, the law of supply and demand could result in lower jet prices in Europe, which would likely boost sales there and bring inventory levels more in line with those in the U.S. I’m already seeing signs of that trend, with price drops listed for four European-based G550s in a recent weekly update from Aircraft Post.com.