Report Is In: Despite Uncertainty, Activity Remains High for Private Jets For Sale

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) has released its Q1 2025 Market Report, and despite geopolitical tension, tariff uncertainty, and shifting fiscal policy under the new U.S. administration, the private jet industry remains active and resilient.

While optimism has cooled from the post-election highs of late 2024, market activity tells another story: serious buyers are engaging, transactions are closing, and IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealers are helping clients navigate a complex market.

The Q1 report offers a well-rounded snapshot of what lies ahead for those seeking small or large private jets for sale or who want expert insight from reputable private jet companies. Let’s break down the latest IADA insights and explore what they mean for buyers, sellers, and the future of business aviation.

IADA Experts Share Market Observations

The Q1 report features real-world insights from IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealers and service professionals across the globe. These industry insiders represent the most trusted names in business aviation, offering clarity about market behavior in real time.

Shawn Dinning of Dallas Jet International notes that “age and near-term maintenance liability are the big risk factors for a successful sale” in the current climate. Buyers are no longer overlooking aircraft condition, making thorough pre-purchase inspections and due diligence more important than ever.

Zipporah Marmor of Opus Aero observed that 2025 opened with “renewed vigor” in key markets such as the U.S., Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. However, Marmor did caution that new tariffs could quickly alter buyer behavior in affected regions.

From JA Mitsui Leasing Capital Corporation, Jeff Dunn raised the question that many are pondering: How will the current administration’s international tariffs shape the trajectory of business aviation? The industry is still waiting for clarity, but preparedness remains key.

Other IADA members echoed the same sentiment as Dunn. Although general demand is steady and certain aircraft are still moving fast, older models or those facing immediate maintenance are harder to sell. Gregory Cirillo of HCH Legal summarized the proverbial temperature of the room well: “It’s very difficult to make 6-month predictions/projections in this market. Things are changing very rapidly (literally daily). Tariff wars are making purchasers insecure.”

Inventory, Transactions, and Market Performance in Q1 2025

While sentiment was mixed due to economic and political concerns, the data from IADA paints a positive picture for transaction volume.

Here’s what the numbers say:

● IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealers signed 134 new acquisition agreements in Q1 2025, which is slightly higher than the previous quarter.

● IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealers signed 203 exclusive retainer agreements, which is flat compared to Q4 2024 but down from Q1 2024’s highs.

● Dealer closings reached 316, which represents a 24% year-over-year increase from Q1 2024.

● AircraftExchange.com generated 800 leads, showing steady interest among serious buyers.

● Nearly all IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealers (~96%) submitted activity data, giving a reliable overview of real-world transactions.

The bottom line? Despite dips in optimism and market volatility, activity remains high, particularly for newer aircraft with pricing that reflects current market conditions.

Private Jet Companies Respond to Evolving Buyer Behavior

Buyers are becoming more strategic, especially when it comes to pre-owned aircraft. They’re prioritizing value, reliability, and long-term maintenance costs. This shift makes the role of experienced private jet companies more important than ever.

Those unfamiliar with the market often start by researching private jet costs or browsing listings for private jets for sale, but pricing is only the tip of the iceberg. Consumers open to receiving expert guidance from industry insiders are more likely to gain a clearer picture of what to expect.

Sellers are also recalibrating expectations and must be willing to be flexible with pricing to remain competitive. Johnny Foster of OGARAJETS said, “Expecting terms, timing, [and] prices of yesterday is not realistic. That market has sailed.”

What the Market Index Shows

IADA’s proprietary survey ranks market optimism on a 1 to 5 scale. General market sentiment scored 3.09 (down from 3.53 in Q4 2024) and the forecast for aircraft sales over the next 6 months scored 3.20 (up slightly from 3.12 YoY).

Although this shows a downturn in overall confidence from late 2024, it’s worth noting that this shift reflects the increased caution of a transitioning market — not a slowdown in activity.

High-quality aircraft still command attention and move quickly. Private jet companies that understand how to package, price, and position aircraft are seeing strong results, especially among clients who are timing purchases to take advantage of current private jet cost dynamics.

Summer 2025 Outlook: Navigating Uncertainty With Trusted Experts

As the year progresses, political and economic unknowns — such as the future of accelerated depreciation or clarity on tariff enforcement — will continue to shape decisions. Nevertheless, most IADA members remain confident in their ability to adapt.

Emily Deaton of jetAVIVA noted a “steady uptick” in activity since the 2024 U.S. presidential election, while Rollie Vincent pointed out continued strength in fractional flight operations. Both indicators suggest private aviation is still viewed as a smart and flexible asset for those with global operations.

Buyers looking at private jets for sale in 2025 should move with informed urgency. According to the IADA report, aircraft that are newer, well-equipped, and competitively priced are being bought quickly.

For sellers, the message is clear: be realistic, be ready, and rely on trusted private jet companies who understand how to close deals in this evolving climate.

Final Thoughts From the IADA Q1 2025 Market Report

Despite market uncertainties stemming from tariffs and fiscal policy changes, the business aircraft market remains healthy and active. The IADA Q1 2025 report shows that deal-making is still strong, especially for the right aircraft at the right price. There were a reported 316 closed deals in Q1 2025, a quarter-over-quarter increase of 62.

Buyers researching private jet costs or browsing for private jets for sale should take advantage of stable pricing and increasing inventory, particularly as newer models become available. Sellers should rely on IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealers to help strategically price and position aircraft in a transitioning market.

Above all, the importance of working with reputable private jet companies cannot be overstated. IADA’s network continues to represent more than half of global pre-owned private jet transactions, making it the world’s most trusted source for accurate market insight and expert-level service.

Visit AircraftExchange.com to browse private jets for sale, connect with an IADA Accredited Aircraft Dealer, and download the full Q1 2025 IADA Market Report.