Best Time to Buy Aircraft: Complete Seasonal Buying Guide

Understanding seasonal aircraft buying patterns helps buyers save 10-20% through strategic timing. Market demand, inventory levels, and seller motivation vary significantly throughout the year.

Monthly Market Analysis

January-February (Best Deals):

• Prices: Lowest of year (10-15% below peak)
• Inventory: Limited but motivated sellers
• Competition: Minimal buyer activity
• Weather: Difficult for inspections/demo flights
• Strategy: Patient buyers find excellent deals

March-April (Market Wakes):

• Prices: Rising from winter lows
• Inventory: Increasing rapidly
• Competition: Growing buyer interest
• Weather: Improving for inspections
• Strategy: Good balance of inventory and pricing

May-June (Peak Season):

• Prices: Highest of year
• Inventory: Maximum selection
• Competition: Multiple offers common
• Weather: Ideal flying conditions
• Strategy: Best selection but pay premium

July-August (Strong Market):

• Prices: Remain high
• Inventory: Good availability
• Competition: Still competitive
• Regional: Southwest slows (heat)

September-October (Softening):

• Prices: Declining 5-8%
• Inventory: Motivated sellers emerge
• Competition: Reduced significantly
• Strategy: Good negotiating leverage

November-December (Slow):

• Prices: Near yearly lows
• Inventory: Limited listings
• Competition: Very few buyers
• Holidays: Distracted sellers

Best Time to Buy by Aircraft Type

Trainers (172, Cherokee):

• Best: November-February (off-season for schools)
• Worst: March-April (schools restocking)
• Savings: 10-15% winter vs spring

Personal/Family Aircraft:

• Best: October-January (tax planning, year-end)
• Worst: May-June (vacation season)
• Savings: 8-12% seasonal variation

Business Aircraft:

• Best: December (tax year-end pressure)
• Worst: March-April (strong economy)
• Savings: 5-10% timing dependent

Economic Timing Strategies

Buy During Recessions:

• 15-25% below normal market prices
• Desperate sellers, limited buyers
• Financing may be tighter
• Best long-term values

Sell During Booms:

• Premium prices, strong demand
• Quick sales, multiple offers
• Easy financing for buyers

Regional Variations in Seasonal Patterns

Northern States (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan):

• Winter impact: Extreme cold limits flying September-March
• Best buying: November-February (15-20% discounts)
• Spring surge: March-April prices jump dramatically
• Strategy: Buy winter, list early spring for maximum profit

Southern States (Florida, Texas, Arizona):

• Year-round activity: Less seasonal variation (5-10%)
• Summer slowdown: June-August heat reduces activity
• Best buying: July-August and December-January
• Strategy: Moderate seasonal timing less critical

Mountain West (Colorado, Utah, Montana):

• Winter challenges: Cold and mountain conditions limit activity
• Best buying: October-February (10-15% savings)
• Peak season: May-September highest prices
• Strategy: Winter purchases excellent value

Coastal Regions (California, Washington, Oregon):

• Mild winters: Less seasonal impact (5-8% variation)
• Best buying: November-January (holiday slowdown)
• Summer activity: Strong June-August demand
• Strategy: End-of-year timing provides modest savings

Specific Purchase Timing Tactics

End of Month Timing:

• Seller pressure: Brokers closing monthly quotas
• Negotiating leverage: Increased willingness to negotiate
• Best days: Last 2-3 days of month
• Savings potential: Additional 2-5% beyond seasonal

End of Quarter Timing:

• March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31
• Business aircraft: Especially impactful for corporate sales
• Dealership pressure: Meeting quarterly goals
• Combined savings: Quarterly + seasonal + end-month timing

Year-End Tax Planning (December):

• Business buyers: Section 179 deduction deadline
• Seller motivation: Capital loss harvesting
• Price flexibility: Highest negotiating leverage of year
• Financing consideration: Lenders slower during holidays

Market Cycle Timing Beyond Seasons

Multi-Year Market Cycles:

• Recession buying: 2008-2009 saw 20-30% discounts
• Recovery periods: 2010-2012 gradual price increases
• Boom periods: 2020-2022 saw dramatic price spikes
• Current market (2025): Stabilizing after post-COVID surge

Interest Rate Impact:

• Rising rates: Decrease demand, lower prices (good buying)
• Falling rates: Increase demand, higher prices (good selling)
• 2025 outlook: Moderating rates creating balanced market
• Financing strategy: Lock rates when trending upward

Aircraft Age and Seasonal Timing

New Aircraft (0-5 years):

• Seasonal variation: Minimal (3-5%)
• Model year impact: Previous model year discounts August-October
• Best timing: New model introduction periods
• Strategy: Buy previous year in fall for savings

Used Aircraft (10-30 years):

• Seasonal variation: Significant (10-15%)
• Winter impact: Strongest effect on older aircraft
• Best timing: January-February for maximum savings
• Strategy: Seasonal timing crucial for value

Vintage Aircraft (30+ years):

• Seasonal variation: Moderate (5-8%)
• Enthusiast market: Less price-sensitive buyers
• Show circuit impact: Post-Oshkosh (August) often sees activity
• Strategy: Time around major aviation events

Pre-Buy Inspection Timing Considerations

Winter Purchases Challenges:

• Weather delays: Demo flights and ferry flights difficult
• Shop availability: Limited in cold climates
• Annual timing: May need immediate annual if bought late
• Solution: Use southern shops for northern aircraft

Spring/Summer Purchases Benefits:

• Easy scheduling: Better weather for demos and ferry
• Shop capacity: More shops available
• Test flight conditions: Ideal weather for thorough testing
• Caveat: Pay premium for timing convenience

Financing Timing Strategies

Pre-Qualification Timing:

• Early winter: Get approved before peak season
• Rate locks: 30-60 day locks for seasonal timing
• Multiple lenders: Compare rates across seasons
• Year-end strategy: Avoid December closing delays

Lender Seasonal Patterns:

• January-March: Lenders eager for business (better terms)
• May-July: High volume periods (slower processing)
• December: Holiday slowdowns (avoid if time-sensitive)
• Optimization: Apply during slower lender periods

Frequently Asked Questions

When is cheapest time to buy aircraft?

January-February offers lowest prices—10-15% below peak. November-December also excellent (8-12% below peak). Best deals from motivated year-end sellers and minimal buyer competition. Weather challenges offset by significant savings.

Should I wait for winter to buy aircraft?

If not urgent, yes. Winter savings (10-15%) often exceed $10,000-$30,000 on typical aircraft. However, risk losing specific aircraft waiting. Balance timing savings against finding ideal aircraft.

When do most aircraft go on market?

March-April sees maximum new listings as sellers prepare for spring buying season. Peak inventory May-June provides best selection but highest prices. Trade-off between selection (spring) and price (winter).

Is it better to buy aircraft in spring or fall?

Fall (September-October) offers best balance: decent inventory, reduced competition, 5-8% lower prices than spring peak. Spring (March-May) provides maximum selection but highest prices and most competition.

How much can I save buying off-season?

Winter purchases save 10-15% ($10,000-$40,000 on typical aircraft) versus spring peak. Fall purchases save 5-8%. Seasonal timing one of largest controllable cost factors. Motivated sellers negotiate more aggressively during slow periods.