Sell Now or Wait Until 2027? The Decision Facing Aircraft Owners This Fall

For aircraft owners considering a sale, fall brings a practical question: take advantage of today’s market or keep flying and revisit the decision in 2027? The answer starts with your aircraft, your ownership costs, and what you want to do next.
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This fall’s data gives owners reasons to evaluate their options now. It also shows why a broad prediction about “the aircraft
market” can lead to the wrong decision for a specific jet.
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AMSTAT’s preliminary third-quarter 2026 update, reported by Corporate Jet Investor on October 12, illustrates the differences. Just 5.1% of the heavy-jet fleet was available for sale, compared with a ten-year average of 7%. Median heavy-jet values were up 14% year to date, while transactions were running 7.3% ahead of the same period in 2025.

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Conditions looked different for smaller aircraft. Median light-jet values were down 4% year to date. For medium jets, inventory had increased nearly 10%, while year-to-date transactions were almost 6% below 2025. These preliminary figures may change as additional transactions are recorded.

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For some owners, limited inventory creates an opportunity. For others, increased competition may make selling more challenging. Neither situation tells you exactly what your aircraft will bring. Model, age, maintenance status, equipment, and comparable sales still need individual attention.

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Buyer activity provides another reason to consider a fall listing. According to the International Aircraft Dealers Association's October 26 report, IADA-accredited dealers completed 1,155 aircraft transactions through the first nine months of 2026, compared with 983 during the same period in 2025. These figures reflect IADA dealer activity rather than the entire aircraft market.

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In its October outlook, IADA also highlighted limited availability of younger, well-equipped aircraft and buyer interest in current maintenance, engine coverage, and modern avionics. For an owner whose aircraft meets those expectations, that supports assessing a sale while those conditions exist. Waiting introduces uncertainty about both future competing listings and future demand.

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Tax planning can influence timing, too. Current federal law provides permanent 100% bonus depreciation for eligible property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025. Qualifying aircraft may benefit, subject to applicable requirements. There is no scheduled reduction from 100% simply because the calendar moves into 2027.

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For buyers considering a year-end acquisition, timing and eligibility should be reviewed with qualified tax advisors. Sellers should also consider potential depreciation recapture and their own tax implications before determining when to sell. A tax benefit for the buyer does not automatically translate into a higher sale price for the seller.

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The cost of waiting deserves equal attention. Hangar expenses, insurance, crew, financing, maintenance and continued operation all factor into the decision. Even if an aircraft commands a higher price in 2027, additional ownership costs could offset that increase.

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Maintenance timing also belongs in that calculation. An approaching inspection may affect negotiations, while completing it requires money and downtime. Ask your broker and maintenance team to compare selling beforehand with completing the work first. Evaluate likely buyer response, scheduling, and net proceeds without assuming every maintenance dollar will return at closing.

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Waiting can be sensible when the aircraft continues to serve an important mission. Perhaps your business needs reliable access through winter, your replacement will arrive next year, or the available alternatives would create an expensive travel gap. The value of continued use can justify holding even when prices are favorable.

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If you plan to upgrade, evaluate both transactions together. A strong selling price offers limited advantage if your replacement has become substantially more expensive. Compare the expected sale proceeds, acquisition cost, transition expenses, and delivery timing. Your next aircraft’s market can matter just as much as your current aircraft’s market.

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At SOLJETS, we combine current market research, comparable transactions, and hands-on aviation experience to help owners evaluate their options. Our team considers your aircraft’s condition, competitive position, and ownership goals when developing a sales strategy. That perspective helps you weigh today’s opportunity against the practical implications of holding longer.

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Whether you're considering selling this fall or waiting until 2027, start with a current valuation, comparable sales and a clear understanding of your ownership goals. If you choose to wait, establish when you'll reassess the market and what factors could change your decision.

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Connect with SOLJETS for an aircraft-specific market assessment and a better understanding of your options. The right time to sell depends on your aircraft, your goals and the market conditions surrounding both.

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