Adaptability is driving aircraft sales in 2026

With the business climate constantly reacting to global events, it’s hard to predict the future. Uncertainty makes planning difficult, which is why adaptability and creativity are essential to buying or selling your aircraft. The key is to react when opportunity in the market appears and develop innovative ways to address evolving challenges.  

Adapting to global conditions   

The pre-owned aircraft sector is showing greater stability following a period of contrasts, with the market benefitting from continued buyer confidence.   

Delays in new aircraft deliveries, sometimes for up to two years, are also driving demand for pre-owned aircraft, as buyers seek alternatives to these long wait times. However, as demand increases, so does the value for newer, used models.  

Sustained pre-owned activity across all regions in 2025, and into 2026, shows the industry’s adaptability.  Much of this activity was afforded by OEM delays and buyers who prioritised availability, while still navigating a delicate business climate created by tariffs and geopolitical conditions. 

Regional adaptation

In my region, we are seeing a window of opportunity in long-range business travel.  

Customers in EMEA are seeking aircraft that facilitate long-range business travel, as well as  efficient, comfortable trips around Europe, with buyers increasingly favoring long-range, large cabin aircraft. As businesses continue to expand globally, we expect this long-range demand to continue throughout 2026 in both EMEA and APAC, with these aircraft making up 20% of Jetcraft’s global transactions in 2025.  

Moving with the digital world

As well as spotting gaps in the market, companies should be innovative in the solutions and offerings they provide clients. With businesses across the globe increasingly digitalizing, and AI boosting workplace efficiency, adapting to technology ensures you stay ahead.  

In aircraft trading, AI can support data analysis, valuation modelling and market forecasting. At Jetcraft, we’ve developed proprietary platforms, such as JetGPT, that enable our advisors to assess market conditions up to five years ahead. We are continually looking to evolve our market intelligence and analysis, applying this insight to ensure we give the best advice to clients, with data that supports our recommendations.    

The value of digital tools lies in their ability to process large volumes of information efficiently. However, data alone does not close transactions. Understanding its context, limitations and implications remains a human responsibility.  

Drawing on our global footprint, real-time market data and decades of transactional experience, we, as ever, remain focused on providing informed guidance and practical solutions for our customers.