FXSolutions 2026 Q1 Recap/Q2 Outlook
With Q1 now behind us, 2026 is shaping up to be another strong year with interesting challenges and compelling opportunities. The market is robust with strong activity on both the buying and selling sides as new types emerge and as production ramps up. Overall, we’re seeing some well-established trends continuing while a few footnotes emerge:
- Demand on the high end is more robust than ever, with limited availability and challenging transactions defining the large-cabin and ultra-long-range categories.
- Transactions are becoming more complex, with additional layers of brokers emerging between buyers and sellers, as many owners are choosing to list aircraft without an exclusive arrangement with a broker.
- Stabilization has occurred in several aspects of the industry, from pandemic-related selling to parts and maintenance concerns.
- New entrants are increasingly drawn to larger categories, commonly skipping the light jet segment in favor of super-midsize alternatives.
- Starlink is becoming a non-negotiable, setting the standard for in-flight connectivity and often becoming a deciding factor when comparing individual aircraft.
Strong High-End Demand
As Gulfstream and Bombardier tout their latest and greatest large-cabin and ultra-long-range offerings, buyers are responding. With two to three-year backlogs for new aircraft, inventory is scarce on the pre-owned market. Gulfstream G500s, G650s, and G700s are in particularly high demand.
Accompanying this energy is anticipation for a new entrant in the ultra-long-range category, Dassault’s forthcoming 10X. Aimed squarely at the G700 and Global 7500, its first flight is imminent, and while high production volume is unlikely, it will nevertheless make a splash when it eventually enters service.
The International Aircraft Dealers Association’s (IADA) first-quarter report echoes this strength in demand at the upper end of the market. Survey respondents expect midsize and large-cabin aircraft to have the greatest potential for modest pricing increases. Additionally, significant OEM backlogs continue to bolster both demand and pricing stability for late-model, well-maintained aircraft.
Transaction Complexity
Across most categories, we’ve been seeing transactions taking more effort to navigate than in years past. With so many buyers seeking the perfect aircraft for their needs, sellers are taking advantage of strong demand coupled with limited supply. This has resulted in a greater disconnect between buyers and sellers as more parties enter the transaction.
Predictably, buyers and sellers alike benefit from a streamlined, efficient process. We’ve seen significant time savings when this can be achieved, and we’re fortunate to have built a team with the necessary industry expertise and depth to cut through the complexity. Now more than ever, it pays to have the talent and resources of a well-established broker who can provide a more direct line of communication between the buyer and seller.
Stabilization of New Industry Norms
The industry continues to demonstrate strength and robustness, and it’s encouraging to see it becoming less erratic than in years past. This has become apparent in several areas, perhaps most notably in the shift away from pandemic-driven transactions. With new entrants learning about private aviation and how best to leverage it for their purposes, early assumptions are being refined, and the market is settling into a more predictable buying and selling cycle.
On the maintenance front, labor rates continue to increase, but other aspects have become more predictable than in recent years. We’re not seeing transactions stall due to parts availability, nor have we seen a lack of available prepurchase inspection slots. The turnaround time for pre-purchase inspections has averaged 30-45 days and has been relatively consistent and predictable.
New Entrants
As the top of the market continues to gravitate toward larger, more capable types, so too do first-time buyers. Whereas many began their foray into private aviation with light-category types like Citations and Phenoms, we’re seeing an increasing number skip that category entirely and go straight to super-midsize options. We are also seeing a shift in the demographic of first-time buyers. With the growth of high-net-worth individuals expanding into younger generations, these buyers are focused on time savings and productivity.
The shift toward larger categories can be attributed to a couple of different factors. New and upcoming models offer cabin technologies and amenities that set new standards for productivity and entertainment. This makes the aircraft less of a shuttle and more of a boardroom, with comfortable, spacious collaboration among occupants taking a higher priority.
For other buyers, the shift from light to super-midsize indicates they are aiming to buy their last, most ideal aircraft first. Having witnessed the struggle to source and acquire aircraft during the pandemic boom, they see value in securing a more permanent solution from the outset, avoiding the process of stepping up and upgrading over time. We’ve seen pricing for the super-midsize category elevated but stabilized.
Starlink
As predicted, Starlink has become a legitimate game-changer. Most buyers want it, and when comparing multiple aircraft, its presence can easily tip the scales. Potential buyers recognize that installation costs and downtime are meaningful drawbacks, and they’re willing to accept certain compromises, even higher engine and airframe times, if it means acquiring an aircraft that’s already equipped.
For current owners, particularly those preparing to sell, a Starlink upgrade enhances the aircraft’s appeal to potential buyers. Installation costs will likely be recovered through both an increased selling price and reduced time on the market.
Outlook
I’m encouraged by the energy we’re seeing in the market overall. Demand is robust, and stabilization is occurring. At FXSolutions, we’ve been quite busy and anticipate some notable announcements in the year ahead. But, as always, we focus on the long-term relationship with each client as we simplify and streamline their private aviation journey.
