The global business aviation market is undergoing significant evolution. After a period of rapid post-pandemic expansion, the industry is now transitioning into a more measured and sustainable growth phase. JetNet’s Mid-2025 Market Snapshot highlights how the sector is embracing resilience, selectivity, and stability without losing the momentum gained in recent years.
This change signals more than just a slowdown in pace; it reflects a maturation of the market, a diversification of its customer base, and a long-term strengthening of operational and financial fundamentals.
A Market Settling into its New Normal
From Surge to Sustainability
The initial post-pandemic boom was characterised by unprecedented demand, supply constraints, and fast-moving transactions. That era has now given way to a more balanced environment, where decision-making is deliberate, inventory management is strategic, and pricing trends are stabilising.
JetNet reports that flight activity remains strong, with global business jet usage up approximately 3% year-over-year and more than 10% above pre-Covid levels. This sustained usage is evidence of a structural shift rather than a temporary spike.
United States Leading the Way
The United States continues to be the driving force behind the sector’s resilience. Charter and fractional ownership operators are particularly active, capturing the needs of both business travellers and a growing pool of first-time private aviation users.
Industry experts like Richard Koe of WingX note that business jet activity has grown consistently year after year, underscoring a lasting expansion of the user base. This momentum is expected to hold steady through the remainder of 2025.
Inventory and Buyer Behaviour Trends
Modest Increases in Pre-Owned Inventory
Pre-owned aircraft inventory rose slightly, up 1.3% between January and June, but remains well below historical norms. The average age of listed aircraft has reached 22 years, which is contributing to longer sales cycles. This presents an opportunity for newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft models to capture attention in the years to come.
Despite the longer transaction timelines, whole-aircraft sales surged by 13.3% compared to the first half of 2024, showing that demand remains solid.
More Selective Buyers and Longer Decision Windows
The buying frenzy of the immediate post-pandemic years has cooled, replaced by a more selective approach. Buyers are weighing options more carefully, assessing operational costs, environmental performance, and long-term value before committing.
Paul Cardarelli of JetNet describes this as a “thoughtful, resilient phase” in which elevated activity continues, but at a pace that supports market stability.
New Deliveries and Pricing Patterns
OEM Deliveries on the Rise
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) delivered 455 new business jets in the first half of 2025, with forecasts suggesting a total of 820 deliveries for the year—an 8% increase over 2024. Backlogs remain strong, indicating ongoing demand despite a moderating pricing environment.
Prices Softening but Remaining Strong
While some price softening has been observed, values are still historically high. Inventory levels are well below pre-2020 averages, and the average days on market has increased from 184 days in early 2024 to 220 days in the same period of 2025. This aligns with the broader industry shift toward longer decision-making cycles.
Changing Aircraft Mix and Customer Demographics
Shifts in Aircraft Types
The market is seeing a slight rebalancing in aircraft categories: 3% fewer large jets and 3% more light jets compared to the first half of 2024. This reflects growing interest from cost-conscious and environmentally minded buyers seeking operational efficiency without sacrificing capability.
Younger and More Diverse Buyers
Perhaps one of the most important shifts noted by JetNet is the broadening of the customer base. A younger, more diverse demographic is entering the market, often through fractional ownership or charter programs. These buyers bring new priorities, including sustainability, digital convenience, and flexible access models.
High-Value Deals and Ongoing Demand
Significant Transactions Continue
Even as the market stabilises, high-value transactions remain common. The most notable deal in the first half of 2025 was valued at $67.5 million, illustrating that appetite for premium aircraft remains strong among ultra-high-net-worth buyers and corporate fleets.
Fractional Models Driving Accessibility
The broader adoption of fractional ownership models is making private aviation more accessible to a wider range of customers. This model not only reduces the capital requirement for entry but also aligns with growing calls for efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Long-Term Resilience and Outlook
Market Outlook for the Rest of 2025
JetNet analysts expect the remainder of the year to follow the same general pattern: steady usage, healthy transaction volume, and moderate pricing adjustments. With structural shifts in demographics and ownership models, the market is well-positioned to maintain resilience.
A Permanently Higher Baseline
According to Rolland Vincent, creator of JetNet iQ, the post-pandemic period has established a permanently higher baseline for the industry. Increased utilisation, diversified demand, and enduring interest from new segments suggest that the market will continue to thrive.
Why This Transition is a Positive Development
Stability Encourages Innovation
A sustainable growth phase creates room for innovation in design, efficiency, and customer experience. Aircraft manufacturers can better plan production schedules, operators can invest in next-generation technologies, and the industry can focus on longer-term environmental goals.
Sustainable Growth Aligns with Global Priorities
The shift toward balance in the aviation sector aligns with broader economic and environmental priorities. It allows stakeholders to pursue efficiency gains, explore sustainable aviation fuels, and adopt operational practices that reduce emissions without sacrificing performance.
Opportunity for Customer-Centric Strategies
With buyers becoming more selective, businesses have an opportunity to refine service offerings, provide tailored solutions, and strengthen customer relationships. This fosters loyalty and builds a foundation for future growth.
Conclusion
The business aviation market’s evolution from post-pandemic surge to sustained growth is not a slowdown; it is a sign of maturity. With elevated activity compared to pre-2020 levels, a younger and more diverse customer base, and continued investment in new aircraft, the industry is positioned for long-term stability and innovation.
This phase of growth offers the chance to focus on efficiency, sustainability, and customer value; elements that will define success in the years ahead. The transformation underway is not just about maintaining momentum, but about building a future-ready business aviation sector that thrives on resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to sustainable progress.