Used Aircraft Market By Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body Jets, Wide-Body Jets, Regional Jets, Turboprops, Business Jets); By Buyer Type (Commercial Airlines, Cargo Operators, Charter/ACMI Providers, Private Operators, Leasing Companies); By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa), Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

1. Introduction and Strategic Context

The Global Used Aircraft Market is projected to reach $47.6 billion by 2030, growing from an estimated $33.2 billion in 2024, reflecting a CAGR of 6.2% between 2024 and 2030, according to Strategic Market Research.

 

This market sits at the intersection of economic pragmatism and operational agility. For many commercial airlines, private jet operators, and charter service providers, used aircraft represent a capital-efficient way to expand or modernize their fleets — without the wait time or upfront cost of new production models. In recent years, that value proposition has only grown stronger.

 

Here’s what’s driving the momentum: new aircraft delivery delays, inflationary pressure on capital expenditure, and increased scrutiny around asset utilization. In parallel, demand for regional jets and narrow-body aircraft has surged, especially in short-haul and low-cost aviation. Used aircraft often fill that gap faster and at significantly lower cost.

 

The post-COVID fleet restructuring wave also gave the market new life. Airlines that retired older wide-bodies are now re-entering the market to secure more fuel-efficient models from earlier generations — think 737-800s or A321ceos. On the business aviation front, the resurgence of private flying post-pandemic has spurred intense interest in pre-owned jets, especially in the midsize and light categories.

 

From a stakeholder standpoint, the market is broad: OEMs like Boeing and Airbus (via certified pre-owned programs), leasing giants like AerCap and Air Lease Corporation, auction platforms, brokers, MRO providers, and even hedge funds now operating in aircraft leasing syndicates. In the business jet segment, companies like Jetcraft , AvBuyer , and VistaJet are reshaping the resale value chain.

 

Regulators, too, play a crucial role. More than ever, airworthiness directives and ESG-compliant retrofitting standards are impacting what counts as viable resale inventory. In some regions, environmental regulations are also prompting buyers to seek used aircraft with updated engines or reduced noise profiles.

This market isn’t just about second-hand planes. It’s a capital strategy — blending cost, timing, certification, and residual value into an asset that keeps flying profitably.

 

2. Market Segmentation and Forecast Scope

The used aircraft market spans a complex ecosystem — driven by aircraft type, buyer segment, end-use application, and regional availability. While traditionally viewed as a backchannel to the new aircraft market, it's now structured around distinct customer profiles and usage patterns. Here's how we break it down:

By Aircraft Type

Narrow-Body Jets These account for the largest share — roughly 38% of the market in 2024 — led by high-demand models like the Boeing 737NG series and the Airbus A320ceo family. Their relatively low operating costs, strong MRO ecosystem, and global pilot familiarity make them the go-to choice for budget carriers and regional routes.

 

Wide-Body Jets Used primarily for transcontinental or long-haul operations, demand here is limited but strategic. Operators in cargo, ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing, and developing markets often scout older Boeing 767s or Airbus A330s due to attractive lease rates.

 

Regional Jets Aircraft like the Embraer E-Jets and Bombardier CRJ series dominate this sub-segment. As airlines restructure their hub-and-spoke models, these jets are in rising demand for feeder routes and thinner city pairs.

 

Turboprops Particularly in Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia, turboprops like the ATR 72 or Dash 8-Q400 remain key players for regional connectivity, often operating from short or unpaved runways.

 

Business Jets Private aviation has seen a sharp uptick in demand post-2020. Midsize and light jets like the Citation XLS+, Learjet 75, and Phenom 300 are moving fast in the resale market, especially in North America and Europe.

Among all categories, narrow-body jets and light business jets are the fastest-selling, with average resale time dropping under 60 days in several high-demand geographies.

 

By Buyer Type

Commercial Airlines Looking to expand capacity without long production lead times. Many low-cost carriers are strategically acquiring mid-life aircraft and refurbishing them with updated interiors and avionics.

 

Charter and Fractional Ownership Operators Seeking midsize aircraft for scalable business models — particularly in Europe and the U.S.

 

Cargo Operators Fueling demand for passenger-to-freighter conversions (P2F). Models like the 737-800BCF and A321P2F are in high demand.

 

Private Buyers & Corporates Primarily in the business jet segment — often looking for lightly used aircraft from first-time owners or operators upgrading to larger fleets.

 

Leasing Companies & Investment Funds Acquiring aircraft as part of a portfolio strategy, sometimes holding for just 3–5 years before sale or re-lease. This group is playing a larger role in stabilizing residual values.

 

By Region

North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa (MEA) make up the major geography-based segments, with a few clear distinctions:

• North America leads in business jet turnover.

• Europe sees high turnover in narrow-bodies, especially due to intra-EU connectivity.

• Asia-Pacific is catching up quickly as regional carriers expand.

 

Forecast Scope

• Forecast Period: 2024–2030

• Market Size (2024): $33.2 Billion

• Market Size (2030): $47.6 Billion

• CAGR: 6.2%

• Base Year: 2023

• Currency & Units: USD Million, CAGR

• Geographic Scope: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

The most strategic sub-segments through 2030? Narrow-body conversions for cargo and midsize business jets for private aviation.

 

3. Market Trends and Innovation Landscape

The used aircraft market is undergoing a transformation — not just in volume, but in how aircraft are evaluated, transacted, and repurposed. A decade ago, buying a used jet meant scanning spreadsheets, calling brokers, and managing heavy re-certification work. Today? It’s closer to e-commerce — with digital twin histories, predictive maintenance logs, and online bidding wars.

Let’s look at the most meaningful shifts driving this market forward.

Rise of Conversion Programs: Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F)

This is arguably the most disruptive trend in the market right now. With the explosion of e-commerce, demand for converted freighters has skyrocketed — particularly for 737-800s, A321s, and 767s.

Boeing and Airbus are both scaling their conversion capabilities, and newer players in China and the UAE are building dedicated P2F hangars to meet global demand.

One leasing executive noted, “We used to retire these aircraft at 20 years. Now we’re converting them at 15 and re-leasing for another 10.”

Expect this trend to keep climbing — especially as express delivery and regional cargo networks grow in Asia and Latin America.

Digital Platforms Are Modernizing Transactions

Used aircraft sales are being reshaped by digital ecosystems. Players like Jetcraft , AvBuyer , and Controller.com are simplifying listings, price discovery, and even financing.

On the business jet side, digital-first platforms are compressing sales cycles. Buyers can now view immersive cabin tours, review maintenance logs, and negotiate directly — all online.

Also worth noting: blockchain-based aircraft maintenance records are gaining ground. These enable full visibility across ownership changes, helping boost buyer confidence and streamline re-certification with aviation authorities.

Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins

Aircraft that come with a clean, digitized maintenance trail command higher resale value. MRO firms and OEMs are starting to bundle aircraft lifecycle analytics with resale prep services.

Systems like Airbus’ Skywise and Boeing’s AnalytX aren’t just about current operations — they now play a major role in secondary market valuation.

Buyers are asking: Does this aircraft have a predictive maintenance system installed? Can I get access to its performance data from the last 24 months? If not, it’s a harder sell.

Sustainability and ESG Are Reshaping Residual Value

Environmental standards are affecting what sells — and how fast. Older aircraft without upgraded engines, winglets, or cabin refits are increasingly sidelined due to noise and emissions regulations, especially in the EU.

To stay viable, operators are retrofitting used aircraft with lighter interiors, more efficient APUs, and low-emission engines where possible.

That said, sustainability cuts both ways. Extending aircraft life through second ownership is being reframed as an ESG-positive strategy — giving operators a green story even without buying new.

Growing Role of Telematics and Cabin Modernization

Buyers now expect used aircraft — even 10–15 years old — to come equipped with modern IFEC (In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity), especially in business jets and narrow-body fleets.

Refurb companies are capitalizing on this. They're offering bundled retrofits that add satcom, LED lighting, and upgraded galleys within 60–90 days post-purchase.

In the bizjet world, refurbished interiors aren’t just cosmetic — they’re key to resale pricing.

Bottom line: used aircraft are no longer viewed as yesterday’s metal. They’re modular assets — upgradeable, trackable, and profitable — as long as they’re digitally documented and future-ready.

 

4. Competitive Intelligence and Benchmarking

The used aircraft market isn’t just shaped by supply and demand. It’s being actively redefined by companies that are modernizing fleet acquisition, secondary trading, and aircraft lifecycle strategy. From OEM-backed certified programs to data-driven resellers and cargo conversion specialists, the competitive field is wide — but tightly focused on residual value and deal velocity.

Here’s a look at the key players and how they’re positioning themselves:

Boeing (Boeing Global Services)

While best known for new aircraft, Boeing has doubled down on the used segment through its Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) program and certified resale platforms. It's especially active in the 737-800BCF and 767 P2F segments — often collaborating with MRO partners in China and Singapore to scale conversion output.

Strategically, Boeing is blurring the line between OEM and secondary market provider — creating lifecycle stickiness for its models.

Airbus (Used Aircraft Services)

Airbus operates a structured pre-owned program that supports airlines in sourcing, assessing, and upgrading used A320 family aircraft. The company is also expanding A321 P2F conversions in cooperation with Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) — a joint venture with ST Engineering.

Their focus? Bundled retrofit and upgrade solutions that make older aircraft attractive for low-cost carriers and cargo startups.

Jetcraft

A dominant player in the business jet segment, Jetcraft handles acquisitions, resales, and leasebacks globally. It’s recognized for speed — often moving aircraft in under 45 days — and for providing concierge-level transaction support. Their recent pivot into analytics-based asset valuation tools has given them an edge with institutional clients.

AerCap

As the world’s largest aircraft leasing firm, AerCap holds thousands of aircraft — many of which are sold off at mid-life or after lease expiration. Their strategy includes joint ventures for P2F programs and active participation in the secondary narrow-body market, especially in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

They also play a critical role in dictating aircraft pricing trends due to their sheer volume and inventory velocity.

Air Lease Corporation (ALC)

ALC focuses more on long-term leasing but strategically sells used aircraft to maintain a young average fleet age. Their transactions often involve structured deals with smaller airlines, allowing them to offer financing, lease-to-own options, or bundled MRO access.

VistaJet / XO (Vista Global)

In the private jet space, VistaJet is aggressively buying and recycling pre-owned midsize and super-midsize jets through its XO platform. They leverage fleet standardization, heavy cabin refurbishments, and guaranteed availability to resell or re-lease aircraft across markets — often at above-market utilization rates.

GA Telesis

A strong aftermarket player, GA Telesis specializes in teardown, parts resale, and conversions. The company has carved out a niche in maximizing residual value from aging aircraft, particularly in North America. Their asset management team is now offering integrated solutions for investors looking to enter the aircraft leasing or resale game.

From OEMs down to MRO-backed brokers, everyone’s chasing one thing: faster transactions, stronger resale margins, and smarter lifecycle control.

 

5. Regional Landscape and Adoption Outlook

The global used aircraft market doesn’t move in sync. Every region has its own dynamics — shaped by local regulations, fleet age profiles, financing access, and route patterns. Some areas are saturated with narrow-body jets; others are scrambling for business turboprops. What ties them all together is the rising pressure to do more with less — and used aircraft have become the lever for that.

Here’s how the landscape breaks down:

North America

Still the most liquid and mature market for used aircraft, North America accounts for over 35% of global transactions in 2024. The U.S. alone has a vast ecosystem of brokers, leasing firms, and MRO networks that make aircraft turnover faster and smoother.

Business aviation demand is red hot — with used Citation, Challenger, and Gulfstream jets selling in under 45 days. On the commercial side, smaller regional carriers are snapping up 737-700s and E190s to expand underserved city-pairs.

The regulatory environment is predictable, and financing is readily available — two major reasons the region dominates pre-owned transactions.

Europe

Europe’s used aircraft market is driven more by fleet optimization than fleet expansion. With environmental regulations tightening under Fit for 55 and local carbon schemes, carriers are offloading older models quickly while acquiring more efficient narrow-bodies.

The A320ceo family is still widely traded here, particularly among low-cost carriers and ACMI operators. Germany, France, and Ireland are hotspots — the latter largely due to its leasing giants.

One nuance: aircraft entering service in Europe increasingly require Stage 4 or ICAO Chapter 14 noise compliance. This disqualifies many older types from being viable resale candidates unless retrofitted.

Asia-Pacific

The fastest-growing region for used aircraft adoption. Carriers in India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are rapidly scaling capacity and prefer used narrow-bodies to bridge demand while waiting for delayed new aircraft deliveries.

The post-COVID travel rebound across Southeast Asia has accelerated demand for mid-life A320s and 737-800s. Cargo conversions are also seeing momentum, especially in China, where e-commerce logistics firms are adding used freighters aggressively.

That said, certification and customs regulations vary widely across the region — often lengthening transaction timelines.

Middle East and Africa

A mixed bag. In the Middle East, large carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways rarely operate used aircraft, preferring new wide-bodies. But emerging carriers and charters in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt are creating secondary demand — particularly for narrow-bodies and business jets.

Africa represents an underserved but rising opportunity. Airlines across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa depend heavily on used turboprops and regional jets. Infrastructure limitations, however, slow down delivery and post-sale servicing.

Still, programs like the African Aviation Leasing Company (AALC) are trying to localize leasing options and aircraft financing — a game changer for this region if scaled.

Latin America

Aircraft acquisition here is typically cost-constrained. Used aircraft — especially older 737 Classics, MD-80s, and Embraer ERJs — still operate widely across Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.

However, many carriers are actively replacing these with mid-life A320s or 737NGs, making Latin America a net absorber of used aircraft. The resale ecosystem is less digitized, and MRO capacity is limited, which creates a reliance on cross-border maintenance.

In short, used aircraft adoption is booming where flexibility beats prestige. Whether it’s a growing regional airline in Southeast Asia or a private jet operator in Texas, the used market is helping fleets move faster, cheaper, and smarter.

 

6. End-User Dynamics and Use Case

The used aircraft market serves a wide spectrum of end users — from ultra-low-cost airlines looking to scale routes quickly, to fractional ownership groups trying to keep pace with rising private travel demand. Each of these users approaches the used aircraft value chain differently, depending on their operating environment, financial flexibility, and brand strategy.

Let’s unpack the key buyer groups and how they interact with the used inventory pipeline.

1. Commercial Airlines

These are still the biggest buyers of used aircraft by volume. Airlines often target mid-life narrow-body jets like the 737-800 or A320ceo series — aircraft that are well supported globally, with known maintenance profiles and broad pilot pools.

Why go used? Several reasons:

• Quicker delivery versus OEM backlogs

• Lower capital outlay for route expansion

• Easier MRO integration into existing fleets

Many Tier 2 and Tier 3 carriers use used aircraft to enter new markets without betting on long-term OEM orders. Some retrofit older cabins with newer IFEC systems and re-certify for low-cost carrier ops within 90 days.

2. Cargo Operators

Freighter conversions are booming — especially among regional express carriers and global logistics players. Used 737NG and A321 aircraft are popular candidates for conversion thanks to their available feedstock and favorable payload-to-range ratios.

Operators often buy aging passenger aircraft, strip them, install new cargo doors and reinforcement, and run them for another 10–15 years. This keeps capex down and allows rapid scaling in regions like Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.

3. Charter Companies and ACMI Providers

These operators live off flexibility. They usually maintain younger used fleets — aircraft with good paint, interiors, and reliability records — that can be repositioned quickly based on demand.

In Europe, many ACMI providers focus on A320s and E190s, offering wet-lease solutions to airlines during peak seasons or fleet shortages. These companies rely heavily on fast asset turnover and strategic leasebacks.

4. Private Jet Owners and Operators

The private aviation boom hasn’t slowed down. Used business jets — especially light and midsize models — are selling faster than ever. Buyers range from high-net-worth individuals to charter providers and corporate flight departments.

These buyers prioritize:

• Low flight hours

• Updated interiors

• ADS-B and Wi-Fi capability

Refurbishment firms often bundle upgrades into the resale process, delivering turnkey jets with modern finishes and digital cockpits.

Use Case: Business Jet Upgrade in South Korea

A midsize law firm based in Seoul, South Korea, recently acquired a 10-year-old Bombardier Learjet 75 from a U.S.-based fractional ownership company. The jet had low hours and a full service history. Within six weeks, a Korean MRO partner refurbished the cabin with Korean-language IFEC, added a high-speed data link, and registered the aircraft under South Korea’s national aviation authority.

The entire process — from initial inquiry to first corporate trip — took less than 70 days and cost roughly 40% less than purchasing a new jet. The firm now uses the aircraft for executive meetings across Asia-Pacific, avoiding delays and streamlining client engagement.

For every end user, used aircraft offer a trade-off: slightly older metal in exchange for speed, savings, and scalability. And in a post-COVID world where demand is unpredictable and cash preservation is king — that trade-off is increasingly attractive.

 

7. Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

The used aircraft market has seen major structural shifts over the past two years — not just in sales volume, but in how deals are sourced, financed, and certified. Alongside that, a new wave of opportunities is emerging, especially around sustainability, freighter conversions, and aircraft-as-a-service models. Still, the market faces headwinds, particularly around maintenance costs and regulatory timelines.

Key Developments (2023–2025)

• Record Surge in Business Jet Resales In 2023, pre-owned business jet transactions in North America hit an all-time high, driven by persistent private aviation demand. JetNet IQ reported over 2,700 transactions, with light and midsize jets moving in under 45 days. This led several operators to launch digital-first resale programs that include bundled financing, retrofits, and concierge MRO.

• Boeing and AerCap Expand Freighter Conversion Facilities Boeing and leasing giant AerCap expanded their 737-800BCF conversion capacity in Guangzhou, China, and San Antonio, U.S., as demand for used freighters soared. The partners aim to meet the growing e-commerce logistics demand across Asia and the Americas by doubling output by 2026.

• VistaJet Introduces Subscription Resale Model In early 2024, VistaJet launched a resale-plus-membership service targeting high-net-worth buyers. The program allows customers to purchase a used aircraft and get automatic access to global flight operations and pilot training.

• ICAO Tightens Emission Compliance for Re-Registered Aircraft The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rolled out stricter guidelines for noise and CO2 compliance on aircraft entering new registrations post-2025. This has raised retrofitting demand — especially for older narrow-bodies trying to qualify in the EU and Japan.

• Digital Titles and Blockchain-Based Aircraft Logs Gain Traction Aircraft with blockchain-certified maintenance histories are now commanding a 7–10% premium in the resale market. Platforms like TrustFlight and Aerotrax are expanding partnerships with brokers and MRO shops to digitize asset history.

 

Opportunities

• P2F Conversions Are Just Getting Started Passenger-to-freighter conversions are expected to rise by over 60% globally through 2030. As express logistics networks expand in Southeast Asia and Latin America, demand for narrow-body conversions will remain strong. Aircraft like the A321P2F offer high volume capacity with lower operating costs — making them attractive to regional carriers.

• Aircraft-as-a-Service Models Are Emerging Fractional ownership, pay-per-flight access, and short-term leases are gaining traction — especially in business aviation. Operators are now acquiring used aircraft with flexible monetization models in mind. This trend will likely blur the line between ownership and usage rights.

• Digital Certification = Faster Sales Digitized airworthiness records, predictive maintenance logs, and blockchain-based histories are making deals faster and safer. Sellers who invest in digital twin documentation can reduce listing-to-sale time by 30–40%, especially in markets like Europe and North America.

 

Restraints

• Certification and Import Delays Each country has unique certification and customs timelines — which can delay deals by weeks or even months. Buyers in Asia and Africa often face backlogs for aircraft re-registration or emissions compliance upgrades.

• MRO and Part Supply Bottlenecks Aging aircraft need parts — and those aren’t always easy to find. Global MRO firms report delays in sourcing avionics, cabin fixtures, and legacy systems. This raises refurbishment costs and discourages buyers from pursuing older, lower-value jets.

The used aircraft market is full of upside — but only for buyers and sellers who understand where value still exists, and how fast regulations are changing.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 33.2 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 47.6 Billion
Overall Growth Rate (CAGR)	6.2% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Units	USD Million, CAGR (%)
Segmentation	By Aircraft Type, By Buyer Type, By Region
By Aircraft Type	Narrow-Body Jets, Wide-Body Jets, Regional Jets, Turboprops, Business Jets
By Buyer Type	Commercial Airlines, Cargo Operators, Charter/ACMI Providers, Private Operators, Leasing Companies
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, India, China, Japan, Brazil, UAE, South Africa
Market Drivers	- Rise in P2F conversions - Business aviation boom - Digitization of aircraft resale channels
Customization Option	Available upon request