As business aviation closed 2025 on solid footing, market data and industry developments pointed to a sector that has moved beyond volatility and into a stable operating environment. For CFOs and financial decision-makers, this shift carries important implications for how aircraft investments are structured, financed and timed.
Throughout the year, major industry events highlighted a renewed emphasis on fleet modernization, infrastructure investment and long-term planning. OEM announcements, delivery slot discussions and growing attention to operational efficiency all suggested that operators are no longer reacting to short-term disruption, but instead recalibrating for sustained utilization. This strategic posture aligns closely with the market fundamentals observed in the second half of the year.
Utilization Remains a Key Demand Driver
Flight activity increased nearly 4 percent year over year in 2025, with growth accelerating in the fourth quarter. Fractional and managed operations continued to expand, reflecting a broader shift toward flexible access models and predictable operating costs.For CFOs, rising utilization supports the business case for private aviation as a productivity asset rather than a discretionary expense. More importantly, it provides confidence that aircraft are being deployed consistently enough to justify capital commitments, particularly when paired with disciplined financing structures.
Transaction Activity Signals Buyer Confidence
Transaction volume rose close to 10 percent for the year, with strength in both new and pre-owned markets. Pre-owned aircraft, in particular, continued to attract demand from buyers seeking faster entry into service amid constrained production schedules. OEMs have largely normalized their manufacturing and kept backlogs relatively steady, although new aircraft deliveries have declined slightly.As operators are expected to continue to upgrade their fleets in 2026, the pre-owned market should expand its volume available. This balanced mix of new and used transactions suggests a healthy market rather than an overheated one.
Aircraft availability declined to roughly 7 percent of the global fleet by year-end, well below historical norms. Younger aircraft remain especially scarce, while older models make up a growing share of listings.
This constrained supply environment has helped stabilize pricing. After the sharp appreciation seen earlier in the decade, aircraft values in 2025 entered a period of relative equilibrium. Younger aircraft posted modest gains, while older aircraft followed expected depreciation patterns.
For CFOs, this normalization reduces valuation risk and improves visibility into residual assumptions. A more predictable pricing environment allows aircraft to be evaluated alongside other capital assets with greater confidence in long-term performance.
Economic Resilience Supports Planning
Despite geopolitical and policy uncertainty, global economic conditions proved more resilient than expected in 2025. Inflation moderated, and growth forecasts for 2026 improved modestly. Historically, steady economic expansion has supported business aviation demand through wealth creation and corporate investment, dynamics that remain in place.
Industry discussions throughout the year increasingly centered on sustainable operations, long-term fleet strategies and capital efficiency rather than near-term corrections.
For financial leaders, the current environment favors disciplined, flexible approaches to aircraft acquisition. Stable values, limited supply and sustained utilization strengthen the case for treating aircraft as long-term strategic assets, while financing and leasing structures can be used to preserve liquidity and manage balance-sheet exposure.
In 2026, business aviation appears positioned for continued stability. For CFOs, the opportunity lies in aligning aircraft strategy with broader capital objectives: maintaining flexibility and conserving capital for investment in other more profitable ventures, protecting against downside risk from future changes in aircraft values, while shifting costs to a fixed more predictable expense structure, and ensuring that aviation investments support enterprise-wide financial performance.
One way to maintain liquidity is through an Operating Lease, which allows private aircraft users to avoid changing market conditions and significant capital outlay associated with outright ownership. An Operating Lease also provides flexibility to upgrade aircraft as your mission profile changes, without becoming locked into owning a depreciating asset. If you’re exploring acquiring an aircraft, the right financial partner can help ensure your strategy and approach to financing aligns with your overall business or finance goals.
Explore smarter capital strategies and Operation Lease options for your aircraft with our finance experts.