Wealthy individuals are generating substantial profits by reselling newly delivered private jets, a practice particularly noticeable in late 2025 and throughout 2026. A new Gulfstream G700, typically costing about $80 million before customization, can be resold with an uplift of approximately 10%, translating to millions in profit.

This trend allows a select group to capitalize on market inefficiencies. It can drive up costs for other potential buyers who face extended waiting periods. This situation reflects the significant impact of global supply chain constraints and sustained demand on the luxury aviation sector.

What the records show

Manufacturer delivery backlogs for new private jets extend well into 2026 and beyond, with some popular models facing reported wait times until 2029 or 2030. A customer ordering a new jet today might not receive it until 2029 or 2030. The backlog for new private jet orders reached $55.5 billion by the end of the second quarter of 2025, representing approximately two years of production.

The market for pre-owned jets is unusually tight. By June 2026, only 6.5% of the active jet fleet was listed for sale, a figure below the 10-year historical average range of 8.1% to 10%. This scarcity allows newly delivered aircraft to be resold for multi-million dollar premiums. One public company purchased a private jet for $77 million. It took delivery six months later and then sold it for $84 million, netting a $7 million profit. The same aircraft was subsequently offered for resale at approximately $90 million.

Timeline

  • September 10, 2025: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) face extended delivery times for new aircraft, pushed out until late 2026 or beyond due to record order books, supply chain issues, and labor challenges.
  • October 17, 2025: Worldwide private jet departures are on track to surpass 2022's record levels. The backlog for new private jet orders stands at $55.5 billion, equivalent to about two years of production.
  • March 24, 2026: Large cabin business jet deliveries are projected to reach approximately 285 to 290 aircraft globally in 2026, driven by new flagship models like the Gulfstream G700.
  • June 2026: The inventory of pre-owned business jets available for sale drops to 6.5% of the active fleet, significantly below the decade's average.
  • October 16, 2026: Industry advisers report that buyers are reselling new business jets shortly after delivery for premiums of up to 10%, with Gulfstream G700s specifically seeing resale values millions above their purchase price.
  • October 19, 2026: Private jets are described as lucrative investment assets due to manufacturing delays pushing delivery dates to 2030, enabling owners to flip aircraft for substantial profits.

What changed and for whom

The market dynamics have transformed new private jets, especially large-cabin models, into valuable investment assets. Buyers who require immediate aircraft availability are willing to pay multi-million dollar premiums to avoid extensive waiting periods. Manufacturers have implemented measures to prevent pre-delivery flipping, but post-delivery resales remain a lucrative avenue. In the United States, the reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation for aircraft in 2025 has incentivized purchases, contributing to robust U.S. buyer activity.

What the subject has said publicly

Oliver Tebbit, a partner in the aerospace team at HFW, stated that a customer ordering a new jet today might have to wait until 2029 or 2030 for delivery. He added that anyone taking delivery of a new heavy jet is likely to find a ready resale market. Barbara Pansadoro, a partner at Addleshaw Goddard, noted that the premium on resales can reach several million dollars above the original purchase price, depending on the specific model and aircraft type.

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific identities of individuals or private companies engaging in these profitable resales beyond the reported public company transaction. The precise number of private jets that have been resold for a profit after delivery during this period also remains unconfirmed.