Heavy-jet resale values rise on tight supply as large-cabin fractional flying jumps 13.9% in September
Why It MattersScarce used heavy-jet inventory props up asset values even as flying activity stays broadly flat, with demand concentrated in large-cabin fractional programs rather than spread evenly across segments.
What happened
Amstat reported that heavy business jet resale values rose sharply in the third quarter of 2026. On September 30, only 5.1% of the heavy-jet fleet was for sale, well below the 10-year average of 7%.
Separately, Argus TraqPak data show North American business aviation activity rose 0.9% year over year in September, beating a forecast decline. The strongest segment was large-cabin fractional flying, which grew 13.9%.
A Gulfstream G650ER carries about 48,200 pounds of fuel, more than 7,000 US gallons, according to Gulfstream specifications. On the Beijing–Tokyo route, the distance is 1,130 nautical miles, about 2 hours 59 minutes in a light jet, at roughly $20,164–$29,257 one-way for four passengers, or about $6,178 a seat.
HondaJet Elite II
The HondaJet Elite II is the latest version of Honda's over-the-wing engine-mount design. It has increased fuel for a 1,547 nm range, a higher takeoff weight and Garmin G3000 avionics with autothrottle and emergency Autoland.
It seats five and is priced at about $7,500,000 new, with roughly $1,150 an hour in fuel and maintenance costs. The HondaJet has been the most-delivered very light jet for several years.
From the archive
The Cessna Citation X entered service in 1996 as the fastest civil aircraft short of Concorde, cruising at Mach 0.92 with swept wings and Rolls-Royce AE 3007 engines. Arnold Palmer took the first delivery, the type won the 1996 Collier Trophy, and it remained in production until 2018.
Teterboro has enforced a 100,000 lb maximum take-off weight since the late 1960s, a rule later written into federal law after residents' noise complaints. Aircraft over 75,000 lb need prior permission.
Industry impact & what to watch
A heavy-jet for-sale share of 5.1% against a 7% ten-year average describes a seller's market: when few aircraft are available, prices for those that do come to market tend to firm, whatever overall flying volumes are doing. That fits a month in which total activity edged up only 0.9%.
The 13.9% growth in large-cabin fractional flying shows where demand is concentrated. Fractional programs draw on the same large-cabin fleet that buyers and charter operators compete for, so strength there and thin resale supply are plausibly linked, though the data cited do not establish that connection.
The next Amstat for-sale figures would show whether the 5.1% level holds or inventory begins to rebuild toward the 7% average.
