Statistics
Private Aviation Depreciation Rates: What Your Aircraft Will Be Worth
A private plane purchased for $80 million will be worth approximately $70 million just 12 months later.
Israel SlodowitzFounder & CEOUpdated October 5, 2026 · Published March 20, 2026 · 3 min read
A private plane purchased for $80 million will be worth approximately $70 million just 12 months later. That figure represents a statistical depreciation rate of approximately 12% annually, with a particularly steep drop-off in year one. Understanding how private jet depreciation works is essential for anyone considering fractional ownership, full ownership, or any form of long-term aviation investment.
~10%
Avg Annual Depreciation
35%
Lost in First 5 Years
50%+
Lost by Year 15
18%
Max Year 1 Loss
Typical Depreciation Equals 10% of Total Value Per Year
This figure can fluctuate slightly depending on market conditions, but will generally be at least 10% of a plane’s total value annually. An $80 million plane could lose up to $12 million in value within 12 months of purchase. Between years two and five, the rate of depreciation hovers closer to 5% annually. After year five, the curve levels out, and by year 15, the plane has typically reached its residual floor.
Depreciation Varies Significantly by Aircraft Type
Not all private jets depreciate at the same rate. Aircraft class, market saturation, and demand dynamics all play a significant role in how quickly value erodes.
| Aircraft Class | Year 1 Depreciation | Years 2–5 | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprops (e.g., PC-12) | 8% – 10% | 5% – 8% | Best value retention in class |
| Light Jets (e.g., Phenom 300E) | Up to 30% | 5% – 10% | 48% of pre-owned market; high saturation |
| Midsize Jets (e.g., Challenger) | Up to 17% | 5% – 10% | Avg. sale price down 13% since 2023 |
| Large Jets (e.g., G450) | ~10% – 11% | 5% – 8% | Limited inventory supports prices; avg. ~$15M |
| Ultra-Long-Range (G700/G800) | ~11% | 6% – 10% | Limited data due to recency of models |
The Most Depreciation Happens in the First Five Years
Year 1 has the steepest depreciation, a plane can lose up to 18% of its value, though 14% is more common. The curve then flattens progressively over time, reaching a residual floor around year 15.
Value Retention Over Time, $1M Aircraft
Illustrative curve based on a $1M aircraft. Actual depreciation varies by model, class, usage, and market conditions.
Buying Used Can Save Up to 70% on Purchase Price
Because the value of a plane decreases most sharply during the first five years, many experts recommend buying planes in the 6–7 year range. A seven-year-old midsize jet can cost 50% of what it did when new, while still offering nearly 20 years of useful life.
| Age at Purchase | Approx. Value vs. New | Ongoing Depreciation |
|---|---|---|
| Brand new | 100% | 14%–18% in Year 1 alone |
| 3–5 years old | ~65%–75% | Still 5%–8%/yr, not fully protected |
| 6–7 years old ✓ Sweet spot | ~50% | ~3%–5%/yr, steepest losses already absorbed |
| 10+ years old | ~40%–60% | ~3%/yr, stable but aging |
| 15+ years old | <50% | ~1%–2%/yr, near residual floor; operational risks rise |
Factors That Accelerate Depreciation
Beyond time and usage, several specific conditions can push depreciation well above average rates, sometimes significantly.
Light Jets: The Worst for Holding Value
Light jets currently represent 48% of the pre-owned market. Because supply and demand are both high, they are notoriously poor for holding value. The Phenom 300E, the most popular light jet in the world, loses about 33% of its value over the first five years, nearly $1 million per year in dollar terms.
Light Jet Market Facts
48% of the pre-owned market is light jets
Average asking price ~$3M–$3.5M (2023)
First-year depreciation up to 30%
Phenom 300E loses ~33% over first 5 years
Midsize & Large Jet Facts
Midsize avg. sale price down 13% since 2023
Large jet avg. asking price ~$15M
Large jets benefit from limited inventory
10-yr-old mid/large jet: ~40% of original value
Checking a Model's Value
Asking prices and the aircraft for sale change daily. Radar lists each model's price range, specs and every tail flying, for example the Phenom 300, Challenger 350 and Gulfstream G650. What a model costs to run once you own it is in its ownership-cost breakdown, and the free private jet tools work out its fuel, emissions and range.
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