Gain Exclusive Insight on the State of the Business Jet Market

While the geopolitical situation contributed to economic uncertainty in Q1, market fundamentals remained healthy. The quarter showed strong demand for business aviation, reflected in increasing aircraft departures, OEM backlog, and stable pre-owned availability. Transaction levels declined year over year in Q1 as a result of supply chain constraints and comparison with a strong Q1 2025. Delays in data reporting have also impacted transaction levels. The business jet market is expected to remain resilient throughout the remainder of 2026.

• In Q1 2026, the global economy remained resilient with steady GDP growth of 2.7 percent despite the conflict in the Middle East.
• Business jet departures experienced broad-based growth in Q1, rising 3.8 percent year over year.
• OEM backlogs rose 19.3 percent year over year in Q1 2026, reaching $57.1 billion for the four OEMs that reported Q1 results.
• Transaction activity was softer in Q1, largely reflecting timing-related delays in data reporting.
• Pre-owned aircraft available for sale as a percentage of the total installed base was lower in Q1 2026 than Q1 2025, declining to 6.7 percent from 7.2 percent.
• In Q1 2026, bluebook values increased 1.1 percent, reflecting modest industry-wide appreciation on a year-over-year basis, although there was variance across segments and models.

The global economy faced uncertainty in Q1 2026 following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. However, most economists expect global growth to continue at a steady pace, if slightly slower than previously expected, throughout the rest of the year. 

Additionally, there was little impact on demand for business aviation through the end of Q1, with business jet departures increasing 3.8 percent year over year in Q1 2026. OEM orders also increased, with manufacturers maintaining healthy backlogs for new deliveries while aircraft availability remained low. There were some headwinds affecting early-read aircraft transaction data, but as activity is reported, transactions are expected to follow historical trends. Overall, the business aviation industry is expected to remain resilient throughout the rest of 2026.

Download the Q1 2026 Market Brief