Lincoln, Nebraska – October 06, 2026 -- Pre-owned jet inventory climbed 5.07% month-over-month in September while remaining 23.58% below year-ago levels, according to the latest Sandhills Global Equipment Value Index (EVI) aviation report.
Super mid jets drive inventory gains while large jets see steep annual decline
The used super mid jet segment posted the largest monthly inventory increase at 10%, while the large jet category registered the steepest year-over-year drop at 39.8%. Used jet asking prices rose 2.02% month-over-month and 0.71% year-over-year, with super mid jets again leading both metrics -- up 5.29% monthly and 4.2% annually.
Controller Manager says piston aircraft activity is picking up after a slow stretch
"Jet inventory on Sandhills sites increased this month, and we've seen several jet aircraft sell quickly despite overall inventory remaining lower than last year," said Terrin Mohl, Controller Manager at Sandhills Global. "At the same time, piston aircraft is starting to move after a few slower months, suggesting the market is stabilizing rather than accelerating."
U.S. and Canada piston-single inventory holds flat but asking values keep falling
Single-engine piston aircraft inventory was unchanged month-over-month but fell 12.24% year-over-year in September. Asking values for the segment dropped 0.74% monthly and 2.36% annually, continuing a downward trend.
Turboprop and Robinson helicopter markets move sideways on inventory
Global used turboprop inventory rose 3.46% month-over-month but stayed 11.95% lower year-over-year, with asking values edging up 0.22% monthly and 0.57% annually. Used Robinson piston helicopter inventory increased 3.53% month-over-month but declined 2.22% year-over-year; asking values rose 2.45% monthly yet fell 3.24% annually, a trend Sandhills classifies as downward.
The Sandhills EVI tracks asset values across auction and retail markets as well as model-year equipment in active use, drawing on data from Controller.com and related Sandhills aviation platforms.