What we can speculate on, based on previous history, is that prices on new aircraft will likely continue to increase or, in the best-case scenario, remain flat. What we don’t anticipate seeing in the near term is any decrease in pricing, instead a contraction in units built – reduction in supply. In the owner-flown used market, we anticipate prices will remain relatively flat, that we likely won’t continue to see the same increases and depending on how deep and long any potential recession is, we may eventually see some softening..
Basic economics rules everything—and by “basic” I mean supply and demand. The period we've been through the last several years has witnessed considerably restrained supply, which added pressure to demand, resulting in price inflation. Then came COVID. Those that had the wherewithal to fly themselves, their family and colleagues safely and comfortably in an owner-flown aircraft, suddenly sought out GA aircraft to do so.. Add to that, manufacturers and repair facilities' inability to effectively source and supply both parts and labor and what we had was a recipe for prices spiking during that pandemic period.
With the pandemic now waning, we at AOPA Aviation Finance see demand waning, too. However, two factors contribute to the general trend of prices not easing in line with lowered demand pressure. The first factor is the stickiness of prices on the downside. Traditionally, prices go up quickly but fall very slowly, regardless of supply. The second factor relates directly to supply. In a given year, the owner-flown market loses more aircraft than companies manufacture, due to obsolescence, accidents, etc.
That said, prices have softened (or perhaps regressed a bit to the mean) in some markets, particularly in light and cabin class jets. Some of that may be attributable to those markets specific superheating, and skyrocketing values fueled by tax policy, COVID and even the allure of chartering out aircraft.
Great advice. Great rates. Helpful and responsive reps you can trust. Three good reasons to turn to AOPA Aviation Finance when you are buying or refinancing an airplane. If you need a dependable source of financing with people who are on your side, just call 800.62.PLANE (800.627.5263), or click here to request a quote.
