Q1 2026 Market Summary
The global business jet market in Q1 2026 shows normalized activity after two years of post-pandemic correction. New deliveries are running at pre-COVID rates, order backlogs are declining from pandemic peaks but remain above historical averages, and the pre-owned market has found equilibrium.
The defining theme of Q1 2026 is bifurcation. The large-cabin and ultra-long-range segments remain undersupplied with strong order books. The light and midsize segments are approaching balance, with some models showing buyer-favorable conditions for the first time since 2019.
168
New Deliveries (Q1 est.)
$18.2B
Combined Backlog Value
8.2%
Pre-Owned Inventory Rate
New Deliveries by Manufacturer
Estimated Q1 2026 deliveries based on OEM earnings reports and industry tracking:
| Manufacturer | Q1 2026 Est. | Q1 2025 | YoY Change | Key Models |
|---|
| Textron Aviation | 47 | 45 | +4% | Citation Latitude, CJ4 Gen2, Longitude |
| Bombardier | 28 | 26 | +8% | Challenger 350, Global 7500, Global 8000 |
| Gulfstream | 35 | 33 | +6% | G700, G650ER, G280 |
| Dassault | 12 | 11 | +9% | Falcon 6X, Falcon 2000LXS |
| Embraer | 25 | 22 | +14% | Phenom 300E, Praetor 600 |
| Pilatus | 12 | 10 | +20% | PC-24, PC-12 NGX |
| Honda Aircraft | 9 | 7 | +29% | HondaJet 2600 concept, HA-420 |
Total estimated Q1 deliveries of ~168 units represent a 7% increase over Q1 2025. The growth is concentrated in super-midsize and large-cabin categories where backlog remains strongest. Embraer's 14% growth reflects strong demand for the Praetor 600, which competes effectively in the super-midsize segment.
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Order Backlog Status
The combined order backlog across all OEMs is estimated at $18.2 billion, down from a peak of $24 billion in late 2023 but still well above the pre-pandemic average of $12-14 billion. Key backlog observations:
- Gulfstream G700/G800: Backlog extends into 2028 for new orders. The G700 is in full-rate production, but demand continues to outpace delivery capacity.
- Bombardier Global 7500/8000: Backlog extends into late 2027. The Global 8000, with its 8,000 NM range, is generating strong pre-delivery interest.
- Dassault Falcon 10X: Expected to enter service in 2027. The order book is filling without production slots yet available.
- Textron Citation: Latitude and Longitude backlogs have normalized to 12-18 months, reflecting the segment's return to balanced supply.
Pre-Owned Market
The pre-owned market shows continued normalization. Key metrics:
- Pre-owned inventory rate: 8.2% (up from 4.1% in 2022, below 10.5% historical average)
- Average days on market: 112 days (down from 130 in Q4 2025)
- Transaction volume: slightly above Q1 2025 levels
- Pricing: stable for super-midsize and large-cabin; softening in light jets
The pre-owned market is functioning efficiently. Buyers have options without being overwhelmed by distressed inventory. Sellers of well-maintained, late-model aircraft in desirable categories (Challenger 350, Praetor 600, G650ER) are achieving fair market values within 90 days.
Fleet Retirements and Deregistrations
Fleet retirements are running at approximately 250-300 aircraft per quarter globally, concentrated in legacy light jets and midsize aircraft 25+ years old. Notable retirement trends:
- Learjet family: Learjet 31, 35, 45, and 60 retirements are accelerating as parts availability declines post-production termination
- Hawker 800/800XP: These aircraft are reaching the economic end of their useful life as major inspection costs approach or exceed residual value
- Citation II/V/Ultra: Older Citations continue to depart the fleet as acquisition incentives favor newer aircraft
Regional Demand
Regional demand patterns in Q1 2026:
| Region | Q1 Trend | Drivers |
|---|
| North America | Stable to growing | 100% bonus depreciation, corporate travel recovery |
| Europe | Flat | EU ETS and SAF mandates adding cost pressure |
| Middle East | Growing | Ultra-long-range demand, sovereign wealth activity |
| Asia-Pacific | Growing | India infrastructure investment, greater China recovery |
| Latin America | Stable | Brazil dominates; security-driven demand |
Q2 2026 Outlook
We expect Q2 2026 to continue the normalization trend. New deliveries should track slightly above Q1 as OEMs enter their seasonal production ramp. The pre-owned market will remain balanced, with the best acquisition opportunities in the light jet segment where inventory is highest.
The primary risk factor is macroeconomic uncertainty. Interest rate policy, corporate earnings, and geopolitical developments will influence business aviation demand in the second half of 2026. But for Q2, the fundamentals support continued stability. Start your acquisition or list your aircraft with our team.
