Colibri reviews 2015 business aircraft market

Colibri Aircraft has published a report on business aircraft sales activity during 2015.

The company says transaction levels were similar to to 2014, driven by price decreases.

Europe saw an outflow of aircraft during the year to the US, with the fleets in England, France and Germany all decreasing in size.

Mid-size aircraft held their values reasonably well and saw a large decline in available inventory.

Transactions in the light jet sector were good, with the Citation Mustang being the highest selling aircraft to European buyers. The second highest was the Citation Bravo, with another Citation, the CJ3, coming third.

There were seven light jets in the top 10 aircraft types transacted in Europe. One of the others was a mid-size aircraft, and the remaining two large cabin.

Last year saw a number of transactions by European buyers for smaller and older aircraft with European lenders providing aircraft finance.

What can be expected for 2016?

“We believe the large price decreases of 2015 will continue into 2016. However, there will still be strong transaction numbers as the aircraft on offer are of such good value, particularly in the 8+ year old aircraft that have seen the bulk of their depreciation already,” said Oliver Stone, managing director at Colibri Aircraft. “Markets are tough, but deals are happening. Vigilance and persistence will be the name of the game in 2016,”