By Denise Wilson, President & Founder, The Jet Agent
February 2026
In Q4 2025, we noted that business jet flight activity was up nearly 8% year-over-year and predicted this would drive stronger preowned demand in early 2026. Two months in, that forecast has proven accurate. We just finished a strong 2025 where preowned transactions were 26% higher than the previous year, and Citation markets today are showing the strongest first- quarter momentum in years.
We also predicted the market would bifurcate into two distinct groups: turnkey, low-time aircraft with clean pedigree selling within days or weeks, while older airframes with damage history or deferred maintenance would linger for months. That split is now clearly visible across every Citation model and is driving very different outcomes for sellers depending on aircraft model, condition and pricing strategy.
If you’re thinking about selling your aircraft, moving up to something larger, or simply staying informed about your aircraft’s value, here’s what’s happening across the single-pilot Citation fleet.
The Very Light Jet
Citation Mustang
With 31 aircraft for sale (6.6% of the fleet), the Mustang market shows healthy activity with 33 aircraft sold in six months (including 12 off-market deals). Aircraft are selling in 163 days on average. The sweet spot remains later-build aircraft with engine programs and clean pedigree. If you’re looking to move up, buyer demand is strong and the right aircraft at the right price will find a home relatively quickly.
The Light Jets
The CJ Family (CJ, CJ1, CJ1+)
With 31 CJs for sale (9.3% of the fleet), 22 CJ1s (11.3%), and 11 CJ1+s (11.1%), these markets show steady sales despite high inventory. Key insight: avionics upgrades, attractive cosmetics and engine program coverage are non-negotiable for premium pricing. Buyers have leverage on aircraft needing work.
Citation M2
With 32 aircraft for sale (10.5% of the fleet), the M2 market is experiencing unusually strong first-quarter activity—exactly what we predicted. Thirty-five aircraft sold in the past six months, with January 2026 recording 7 sales alone. That’s exceptional momentum for Q1, and prices are reflecting this demand.
For Mustang owners considering the move to an M2 ($2.4M to $5.25M asking range), condition and presentation matter enormously. Newer M2s with engine coverage and low time command premium prices, while early examples compete mainly on affordability. Good value exists for patient buyers, while sellers are realizing solid sale prices.
Citation M2 Gen2
With only 5 aircraft for sale (5.5% of the fleet), the Gen2 market is exceptionally tight. Aircraft sell in just 87 days on average—nearly half the time of legacy M2s. With 16 sales in six months representing 17.6% fleet turnover, this is one of the most active markets we’re seeing. Be prepared to move decisively when a quality aircraft becomes available.
Citation CJ2 and CJ2+
With 17 CJ2s for sale (7.2% of the fleet), the market has tightened from recent highs, but days on market remain elevated at 247. Buyers are selective, focusing heavily on pedigree and avoiding aircraft with damage history unless the price reflects it. Seventeen have sold in six months (including 5 off-market).
With 19 CJ2+s for sale (8.6% of the fleet), the market offers balance. Nine have sold in six months. Turnkey aircraft with enrolled engines and good pedigree move consistently.
Citation CJ3
With only 18 aircraft for sale (4.4% of the fleet), inventory remains controlled and aircraft are moving in just 89 days. Nineteen have sold in six months. Buyers pay premiums for aircraft with side-facing seats, enrolled engines, refreshed cosmetics and good pedigree. Sellers of well-maintained CJ3s are in a strong position.
Citation CJ3+
With 16 aircraft for sale (5.1% of the fleet), the CJ3+ combines strong liquidity (33 sold in six months including 9 off-market) with controlled inventory. Aircraft sell in 80 days on average.
For Mustang or M2 owners considering a significant step up, the CJ3+ ($7.69M to $12.3M asking range) offers exceptional capability. Late-build, low-time aircraft command premiums, while earlier CJ3+ sellers are in the driver’s seat as demand outpaces availability for lower-priced options.
The Super Light Citations
Citation CJ4: With 18 aircraft for sale (5.3% of the fleet), the market has stabilized with 32 sold over six months. The fleetwide windshield service bulletin continues to influence pricing and buyer perception. Engine program status and pedigree drive outcomes.
Citation CJ4 Gen2: With only 2 aircraft for sale (1.4% of the fleet), scarcity defines this market. Five have sold in six months (including 3 off-market), making this a relationship-driven segment where quality aircraft attract immediate interest.
Citation Encore: With 9 aircraft for sale (5.8% of the fleet), 11 Encores have sold in six months. Sales remain predictable for aircraft with strong presentation. Critical buyer focus: engine time remaining, engine program status, and airframe hours over 10,000. Buyers aggressively discount aircraft approaching overhaul or with high time.
Citation Encore+: With 10 aircraft for sale (15.6% of the fleet), this remains a buyer-led market. Limited transaction volume (only 4 sales in six months) means each sale materially influences perception. Days on market are elevated at 286. Sellers need reasoned pricing, and buyers have choices which can lead to opportunity.
What This Means for You
If You’re Selling: Q1 2026 is showing unusually strong buyer activity. Engine programs, clean pedigree, and professional presentation are making a material difference in how quickly aircraft sell. The bifurcation we predicted is real: turnkey aircraft are selling quickly, while those with damage history or outdated cosmetics and avionics face extended market exposure and eventual price reductions. Don’t overlook the “off-market” category (which encompass pre-market and quiet sale opportunities) as this portion of the market is real and remains a significant source of deal flow for premium aircraft.
If You’re Buying: Moving Mustang to M2? Strong seller’s market, but quality aircraft available at aligned pricing. M2 to Gen2? Extremely limited inventory demands decisive action. M2 to CJ3+? Excellent liquidity in a competitive but fair market. Premium aircraft in tight segments require quick decision-making. Hesitate, and someone else writes the check.
If You’re Holding: Most non-legacy Citation markets (year of manufacture after 2000) show healthy liquidity. Aircraft values remain supported by controlled inventory and steady demand. Legacy Citation owners should seriously consider an upgrade if future value retention is more important than today’s ownership cost efficiency.
The Bottom Line
The Citation preowned market is healthy and active entering 2026, with particular strength in aircraft models currently in production. The split between aircraft that sell quickly and those that linger is clearly visible across every segment.
Market knowledge and realistic expectations drive successful outcomes. If you have questions about your specific aircraft model, reach out to the CJP Partner Brokers who understand the nuances of each aircraft market for the most current insight.
With more than 25 years in aviation, Denise Wilson has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most trusted authorities on jet acquisitions, sales strategy, and aircraft operations. As a veteran jet pilot and founder of The Jet Agent, she has advised clients for 19 years through high-stakes, data-driven aircraft transactions. She is the author of the Amazon #1 bestseller The Insider’s Guide to Buying and Selling Jets and a Gold-level NBAA Certified Aviation Manager and has been a CJP member since 2012.
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