The Citation XLS market remains relatively tight heading into August, with limited inventory and a modest but consistent level of transaction activity. Available aircraft have held fairly steady over the past few months, while sales have continued at a measured pace. Current listings are also considerably newer to market than the aircraft that have recently sold, creating an interesting dynamic for both buyers and sellers.
Fleet Size and Availability
There are currently 9 Citation XLS aircraft available for sale, including 1 off-market aircraft, representing just 3.0% of the fleet.
Inventory has remained remarkably stable. The number of aircraft for sale declined from nine in February to eight in March and six in April before returning to eight in May. It remained at eight through June and July.
At only 3.0% of the fleet, overall availability remains relatively constrained and buyers do not have an especially deep selection of XLS aircraft from which to choose.
Market Listings
Current asking prices range from $1.7 million to $6.495 million, although the wide spread makes individual aircraft specifications, maintenance status, and overall condition especially important when comparing listings.
Current inventory averages just 99 days on market, substantially below the 229-day average for aircraft sold during the past six months. That gap suggests today’s available inventory is considerably fresher than the aircraft buyers have ultimately been purchasing.
Sales Activity
There have been 6 retail sales during the past six months, including 1 off-market transaction, representing 2.0% of the fleet.
Monthly activity has been consistent but light. No aircraft sold in February, followed by one transaction in each of March, April, and May. Activity increased to two sales in June before returning to one sale in July.
Reported sale prices ranged from $4.2 million to $6.1 million during the six-month period.
What This Means For You
Limited inventory and steady transactions tell a straightforward story: the market is working, but slowly. Six sales in six months is not a flood of activity, and the 229-day average for sold aircraft tells you patience is required even in a tight market. If you are considering a sale, price it right from day one. The DOM data shows buyers in this segment are willing to wait for what they want, which means an overpriced aircraft will not generate urgency, it will generate silence. If you are a buyer, selection is limited at nine aircraft available, and the fact that current listings are averaging just 99 days on market compared to 229 days for sold aircraft suggests the better examples will not sit long. Waiting for more options to appear is unlikely to be rewarded.
