Used Aircraft Supply Climbs but Stays Below Last Year
Buyers and sellers of pre-owned piston singles and jets should compare current listings and asking prices before committing.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Buying/Selling
Pre-owned aircraft inventory kept climbing in October 2026 but stayed below year-ago levels, according to Sandhills Global, the Lincoln, Nebraska publisher of its market reports. Asking prices for used aircraft showed mixed trends over the month, with competitively priced piston singles moving well in the fourth quarter.
Why it matters
For Nebraska families and small business owners weighing a used plane purchase or sale, the market is tilting slightly toward buyers on supply but not on price. Sellers are reportedly under pressure to close deals before year-end, which can shape negotiating leverage.
Pre-owned aircraft inventory continued to climb in October 2026 yet remained below year-ago levels, and asking prices moved in mixed directions. Competitively priced piston single aircraft moved well during the fourth quarter of 2026.
The players
Sandhills Global
Lincoln, Nebraska-based publisher of Controller.com and equipment market reports tracking used aircraft and other equipment values.
The details
Sandhills Global compiles its aircraft market reports from listings on Controller.com and other Sandhills platforms, tracking inventory counts and asking prices month to month. The Sandhills Equipment Value Index is the central metric used in these reports to summarize price movement. Pre-owned jet inventory remained elevated as sellers felt pressure to finalize transactions before year-end, while piston single aircraft drew stronger buyer interest.
Timeline
October 2026: Month covered by the reported inventory and asking-price data.
Q4 2026: Period in which piston single aircraft inventory moved well.
November 6, 2026: Date Sandhills Global published its market reports.
The Home Front
Sandhills Global's monthly Equipment Value Index tracks used equipment prices as a recurring market benchmark for buyers and sellers. October's pattern of rising supply below year-ago levels fits a market still working through tighter inventory from the prior year.
If you are considering buying or selling a piston single or other used aircraft, compare current listings on Controller.com against recent asking prices before making an offer. Keep maintenance logs and title documents organized, since a clean paper trail supports both pricing and financing conversations, and route any transaction terms through a licensed aviation broker, attorney, or lender.
The takeaway
Used aircraft supply is recovering but has not yet returned to last year's levels, so buyers have more choices while prices remain uneven. Track monthly Sandhills Equipment Value Index readings before setting an offer, and have a qualified aviation professional review any aircraft before you commit.
Further reading
For more on how used-vehicle and equipment sales are priced and negotiated, browse our Buying/Selling coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pantagraph.
