The Citation CJ market enters August with a noticeable increase in available inventory and slower transaction activity. The CJ remains an attractive entry point into the Citation family, but with more aircraft competing for buyer attention, pricing, maintenance status, and overall presentation are becoming increasingly important for sellers.
Fleet Size and Availability
There are currently 43 Citation CJ aircraft available worldwide, including 4 off-market aircraft, representing 12.9% of the global fleet.
Inventory has moved steadily higher over the past six months. Availability increased from 30 aircraft in February to 37 in May, briefly declined to 35 in June, and then climbed sharply to 43 aircraft in July. That represents a roughly 43% increase in available inventory since February, creating considerably more choice for buyers than earlier this year.
Market Listings
Current asking prices range from $750,000 to $2.4 million, reflecting the wide variation in aircraft condition, engine status, equipment, total time, and refurbishment history across the CJ fleet.
Current listings are averaging 210 days on market. With inventory now approaching 13% of the fleet, sellers should expect buyers to compare available aircraft carefully. Proper positioning from the beginning will be increasingly important as competition grows.
Sales Activity
Over the past six months, 13 Citation CJ aircraft sold, including 2 off-market transactions, representing 3.9% of the worldwide fleet.
Reported transaction prices ranged from $491,500 to $1.65 million, with sold aircraft averaging 234 days on market. Monthly retail sales were relatively consistent from February through June, ranging from two to three transactions per month, before declining to just one sale in July.
Key Takeaways
• 43 aircraft are currently available, including 4 off-market.
• Inventory has increased from 30 aircraft in February to 43 in July.
• 12.9% of the fleet is currently available versus 3.9% sold during the past six months.
• 13 aircraft sold, including 2 off-market transactions.
• Asking prices range from $750,000 to $2.4 million.
• Active listings average 210 days on market, compared with 234 days for sold aircraft.
Key Insight
The CJ market is clearly becoming more competitive for sellers. Rising inventory combined with slower July sales gives buyers more leverage and makes it increasingly difficult for an average aircraft to stand out. Sellers considering coming to market should pay close attention to pricing, maintenance status, engine times, and cosmetic condition before listing. With 43 aircraft already available, simply being “for sale” is no longer enough. Aircraft that are positioned correctly from day one should continue to attract buyers, while overpriced or less desirable examples risk becoming part of a growing inventory pool.
