The resale market for private jets has surged as production delays and strong demand push prices higher, enabling buyers to make significant profits by flipping aircraft shortly after delivery. Industry experts say a combination of supply-chain constraints and growing interest in private air travel has created a lucrative environment for resellers.
Oliver Tebbit, a partner in the aerospace team at law firm HFW, noted that “anyone taking delivery of a new heavy jet is likely to find a ready resale market.” One industry executive confirmed that jets are frequently being sold immediately upon receipt, reflecting robust demand particularly evident in the secondary market.
Key factors driving demand include the rise of a new class of wealthy individuals, often associated with the ongoing boom in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology sectors. At the same time, manufacturers face logistical challenges such as shortages of castings, forgings, and skilled labor. These issues have extended order backlogs at major business-jet producers beyond customers’ expectations. Tebbit estimated that prospective buyers placing new orders today might not receive their jets until 2029 or 2030, prompting many to turn to the pre-owned market.
The price appreciation on resale jets can be significant. Charter experts estimate that a new Gulfstream G700, which typically costs about $80 million before customization, may be sold at roughly a 10 percent premium in the secondary market. Barbara Pansadoro, a partner at UK-based law firm Addleshaw Goddard, said that depending on the type and model of aircraft, prices can increase by several million dollars above the original purchase price.
Additional momentum for private jet purchases has come from U.S. tax legislation. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted in 2025 under President Donald Trump’s administration, includes provisions allowing businesses to apply “bonus depreciation” on aircraft costs during the first year of ownership. This tax incentive has contributed to surging demand, according to Pansadoro.
An industry advisor provided an example of a public company that ordered a private jet three years ago for $77 million. Upon delivery six months ago, it was immediately resold for $84 million and is currently being offered off-market at prices in the mid-$90 million range. This rapid turnaround allows sellers to make substantial profits with minimal effort. “If you have a chance to make $10 million but [are] putting zero effort into it, why wouldn’t you?” one industry participant remarked.
Manufacturers such as General Dynamics, owner of Gulfstream, and Bombardier, producer of Challenger jets, declined to comment on the recent market developments. Nonetheless, the trend highlights a wider boom in private aviation fueled by a combination of economic factors, regulatory incentives, and supply chain issues shaping the sector’s evolving dynamics.