The second quarter of 2025 has brought turbulence from nearly every direction. Tariffs, tightening credit markets, regulatory proposals, and ongoing production delays are shaping a marketplace defined less by momentum and more by volatility. At Jetvisors, we break down what’s driving the changes, how they’re affecting values, and where smart buyers and sellers can still find opportunity.

Tariffs, Trade Tensions, and Boeing’s Unspoken Boost

Aggressive “Liberation Day” tariffs have sent shockwaves through the aviation market. Non-defense aircraft orders plunged over 50% in April, and parts supply chains—already fragile—are feeling the squeeze.

While publicly framed as a move to protect U.S. manufacturing, some industry watchers believe these tariffs also serve as a quiet backdoor bailout for Boeing. By making imported airframes, parts, and avionics more expensive, the competitive gap between U.S.-built and foreign-built aircraft narrows, potentially steering more business toward domestic OEMs.

Impact for buyers and sellers:

1. Higher costs and reduced availability for foreign-built aircraft.
2. Potential inventory buildup for non-U.S. OEMs.
3. Prolonged decision-making cycles due to price uncertainty.

Financing Tightens as Inventory Grows

Aircraft inventory is expanding across multiple categories:

1. Over 1,150 used business jets are for sale—up 7% year over year.
2. Newer jets (<7 years old) saw a 12% YOY inventory increase.
3. Midsize jets lead the surge at +15%, light jets +9%.

At the same time, lenders are tightening requirements, demanding higher down payments, stricter underwriting, and better documentation. For anything over $500K, cash-in-hand or pre-approved financing is becoming essential.

Market-by-Market Trends

Business Jets

Pricing is trending downward across most models, with only a few—like the G600—holding steady. Demand is more selective, rewarding well-maintained jets with clean records and penalizing aircraft with deferred maintenance.

Piston Aircraft

Spring sales have been sluggish. Tariffs have rattled buyers, and financing headwinds are keeping some on the sidelines. Bright spots include the trainer market and niche demand for models like the Cessna 421C and 182.

However, owners of certain models—like the non-Autoland SR22 G7—are seeing sharp value corrections due to oversupply and mid-year product announcements.

Turboprops

Performance varies widely by model. King Air inventory is tight in some sub-markets, while other models like the M350, Meridian, and Malibu have softened. Tariffs could influence future values if they impact parts sourcing.

Helicopters

Utility-configured singles and medium twins for EMS, offshore, and public safety roles remain in demand. Values are stabilizing, but liquidity for older platforms like the Bell 412 is decreasing.

Regulatory Changes Add More Complexity

The FAA’s proposed Docket No. FAA–2025–0638 could allow aircraft owners to withhold personal information from the public registry. While the intent is to enhance privacy, without a tiered-access system for vetted industry professionals—like brokers, lenders, and escrow agents—this move could slow transactions, complicate financing, and add friction to the buying and selling process.

Why This Market Rewards Preparedness

This is not a crash—it’s a stress test. The market is functioning exactly as it should under pressure: pricing is adjusting, cheap capital is gone, and fundamentals matter again.

For sellers:

1. Clean records and accurate pricing are essential.
2. Be realistic—overpricing in today’s environment only extends time on market.
3. Work with a broker who understands how to navigate tariffs, credit tightening, and value corrections.

For buyers:

1. This could be the most favorable pricing environment for the next 18 months, particularly for mid-life jets, older turboprops, and certain piston aircraft.
2. Secure financing early and be ready to act quickly on attractive opportunities.
3. Use market data and expert representation to negotiate effectively.

The Jetvisors Advantage

In a market that punishes uncertainty and rewards readiness, Jetvisors provides the valuation expertise, transaction management, and negotiation strategy needed to succeed. Whether you’re positioning to sell before year-end or looking to acquire at optimal terms, we’ll help you move confidently in a volatile landscape.

Fall 2025 could bring a surge in activity if bonus depreciation remains in place and political headwinds calm. The time to prepare is now.