Preowned business aircraft transactions increased 13 percent in the first half of this year, according to a new report from the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA). Its second-quarter market report noted 598 sales transactions in the first half of the year compared with 529 in the same period last year. However, IADA said other indicators suggest slowing activity moving forward. 

The increase in transactions was largely fueled by activity in the first quarter, as data shows there were six fewer transactions in the second quarter versus a year ago. The report also shows that new acquisition agreements in the second quarter totaled 134, down from 177 in the three-month period last year. Also lower in the second quarter was business aircraft under contract, which was 231 versus 330 in the same period in 2021.

“While we expect to see a strong market for the balance of this year, our dealers and transaction specialists are experiencing a bit of softening in some of the leading indicators for our industry,” said IADA executive director Wayne Starling. “While closed deals in the second quarter remained healthy, a decrease in acquisition agreements and deals under contract indicate the market is returning to normal levels from the frenzied pace of 2021.”