There is no single “best” time to purchase an aircraft. Market conditions, inventory, seller motivation, tax planning, and your specific mission all matter. However, each quarter can offer different advantages.
Understanding those differences can help buyers determine when it makes sense to enter the market and when waiting could cost them an opportunity.
Q1: January–March
More Time, Less Year-End Pressure
Following the busy year-end transaction period, Q1 can offer buyers a chance to enter the market with less urgency.
Pros:
- Less competition from year-end buyers
- More time for inspections and due diligence
- Sellers whose aircraft didn’t transact in Q4 may be more motivated
- New inventory may begin entering the market
Cons:
- Some of the best inventory may have sold in Q4
- Winter weather can complicate inspections and aircraft positioning
- New listings may take time to reach the market
Aircraft to Watch: Older and mid-life Citations, Challengers, Gulfstreams, Falcons, and King Airs where multiple comparable aircraft may provide negotiating opportunities.
Q2: April–June
More Inventory and Market Activity
Spring typically brings increased flying and transaction activity, making Q2 a strong time to begin an aircraft search.
Pros:
- More new listings and greater selection
- Plenty of time to complete a transaction before year-end
- Easier to compare multiple aircraft
- Less pressure to rush due diligence
Cons:
- Buyer competition begins increasing
- Desirable late-model aircraft can move quickly
- Maintenance and inspection facilities become busier
Aircraft to Watch: CJ3/CJ4, Phenom 300/300E, PC-24, Challenger 300/350, King Air 350-series, and other popular light and midsize aircraft.
Q3: July–September
Get Ahead of the Year-End Rush
Q3 can be an especially strategic buying window for anyone planning to acquire an aircraft before year-end.
Pros:
- Get ahead of Q4 competition
- More time to address inspection discrepancies
- Potential negotiating opportunities during slower summer periods
- Strong window for buyers considering year-end tax planning
Cons:
- Owners may be actively using aircraft, complicating scheduling
- Strong inventory from earlier in the year may already be sold
- Competition can begin increasing by September
Aircraft to Watch: High-demand aircraft such as the Phenom 300E, CJ4, Citation Latitude, Challenger 350, Praetor 600, PC-24, and late-model King Airs.
Q4: October–December
Motivation Meets Competition
Q4 is traditionally one of the busiest periods for aircraft transactions as buyers and sellers work toward year-end closings.
For qualifying acquisitions, 100% bonus depreciation is currently available for eligible business aircraft, making year-end planning particularly important. Buyers should consult their tax advisors regarding eligibility and placed-in-service requirements.
Pros:
- Highly motivated buyers and sellers
- Potential tax-planning opportunities
- Strong transaction activity
- Sellers may have additional motivation to close before year-end
Cons:
- Increased competition for desirable aircraft
- Inventory can tighten quickly
- Inspection and closing resources become harder to schedule
Aircraft to Watch: For highly desirable late-model aircraft such as the Phenom 300E, CJ4, Praetor 600, Challenger 350/3500, PC-24, and newer Gulfstreams, buyers may actually benefit from beginning their search in Q2 or Q3 rather than waiting for Q4.
The Best Quarter Depends on the Aircraft
Seasonality matters, but the individual aircraft market matters more.
At Tern Jet Sales, our internal research team monitors individual aircraft markets, including inventory, transactions, pricing, and market movement. This allows our clients to make decisions based on current data rather than assumptions about the market.
Considering an aircraft purchase? Contact Tern Jet Sales to understand the market and determine the right time to make your move.
Tax laws and individual circumstances vary. Consult your qualified tax advisor regarding bonus depreciation eligibility and requirements.
Read other blogs from Tern Jet Sales at www.ternjetsales.com/blog.
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