Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

The preowned business jet market is currently experiencing a “multifaceted period of adjustment, marked by a notable increase in inventory levels across the market,” according to a first-quarter market update from aircraft valuation firm Vref. “This expansion in available inventory is occurring alongside a softening of the market, a phenomenon reflective of shifting buyer sentiment and evolving market conditions.”
In the first three months, Vref noted a “pronounced decline” in transaction volumes for business jets, with sales transactions halved from first-quarter 2023. The company said the lower transaction activity is indicative of a cautious market outlook shaped by several factors that are increasing perceived risk, especially for inventory aircraft dealers.
“The convergence of high interest rates, declining values, election year uncertainties, and global economic issues has led to an increased level of caution among buyers, sellers, and intermediaries alike,” Vref said. “The current state of the business jet market is a reflection of these complexities, signaling a period of strategic reassessment and careful planning as stakeholders aim to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities in a rapidly evolving landscape.”
Meanwhile, the firm noted that the turboprop sector has found stability, particularly for single-engine models. There is also high demand for Beechcraft King Air 350s and B200s, which keeps inventory low for these models, according to Vref.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Vref: Preowned Business Jet Market Undergoing Adjustment Period

High interest rates, election insecurities, and global economy weigh on used business jet sales

Vref said the preowned business jet market is currently experiencing a “multifaceted period of adjustment, marked by a notable increase in inventory levels."

Vref: Preowned Bizjet Market in Adjustment Period

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Joseph Carfagna Jr.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Certainty benefits the preowned business aircraft market

AINsight: Election Results and the Fence

Kerry Lynch

Ultra-long-range model has amassed 75 records, many from customer trips

Speed Records Abound for Bombardier's Global 7500

We talk through the process from conception to delivery

Flying Privately: How Aircraft Like the Bombardier Global 8000 Come to Life

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

AltiSky will assemble, sell, and service VoltAero's aircraft

VoltAero Picks U.S. Distributor for Cassio Hybrid-electric Aircraft 

Jennifer Leach English

Company noncommittal on expanding its lineup upwards, citing $1B investment cost

Embraer’s Plans for a Larger Bizjet Remain Up in the Air

Operations ebbed, backlogs were steady, and available aircraft increased

GJC: Bizjet Market Continues To Stabilize in 3Q2024

Greenville-based charter operator pre-orders 10 eVTOL air taxis

SAI Flight To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL in South Carolina

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

More In Aircraft