The Citation CJ4 market enters October with relatively balanced supply and demand, although inventory has increased since the beginning of the reporting period. Currently, 16 aircraft are available for sale, representing 4.7% of the fleet, while 15 retail transactions have been recorded over the past six months. Buyer activity has remained consistent, but the pace of transactions has moderated since May. With inventory slightly exceeding six-month sales volume, sellers should remain attentive to pricing and aircraft presentation. Overall, the CJ4 continues to demonstrate a functioning market, with opportunities for both buyers and sellers as we move into the fourth quarter.
Fleet Size and Availability
The CJ4 market currently has 16 aircraft available for sale, including three off-market offerings, representing 4.7% of the fleet.
Inventory began the reporting period at 15 aircraft in April before declining to 12 in May and reaching a six-month low of 11 in June. Availability subsequently increased to 14 in July and 18 in August before easing slightly to 17 by the end of September.
While inventory has grown from its June low, the percentage of the fleet currently available remains relatively modest. Buyers have a reasonable selection of aircraft, although finding the right combination of model year, total time, equipment, and maintenance coverage may still require patience.
Market Listings
Current asking prices range from $5.995 million to $9.15 million, while completed transactions over the past six months have ranged from $4.3 million to $9.15 million.
The broad range of completed sale prices reflects the differences between individual aircraft, including age, total time, maintenance status, and overall condition. Notably, the highest completed transaction matches the upper end of current asking prices, indicating that buyers have been willing to transact at premium price points when an aircraft’s specifications support its valuation.
Active listings currently average 168 days on market, compared with 202 days for completed sales. This difference suggests that aircraft have historically required somewhat longer marketing periods to complete transactions than the current inventory has accumulated.
Sales Activity
Over the past six months, 15 CJ4 aircraft have sold, representing 4.4% of the fleet.
Monthly transaction activity included two sales in April, five in May, three in June, two in July, one in August, and two in September.
May was the strongest month of the reporting period, accounting for one-third of all completed transactions. Sales activity subsequently moderated through the summer, reaching a low of one transaction in August before improving slightly in September.
Although recent transaction volume has been relatively modest, the market has continued to produce sales every month. With current inventory and six-month transaction totals nearly equal, the CJ4 market remains reasonably balanced, although continued inventory growth could create additional competition among sellers.
Key Takeaways
• 16 aircraft are currently available, including three off-market offerings.
• Available inventory represents 4.7% of the fleet.
• Historical inventory increased from 11 aircraft in June to 17 in September.
• Current asking prices range from $5.995 million to $9.15 million.
• 15 aircraft sold over the past six months, representing 4.4% of the fleet.
• Completed transactions ranged from $4.3 million to $9.15 million.
• Active listings average 168 days on market, compared with 202 days for completed sales.
• September recorded two transactions, up from one in August.
Key Insight
The Citation CJ4 market is demonstrating relatively balanced conditions, with modest inventory growth and consistent, although slower, transaction activity. While availability has increased since June, the percentage of the fleet currently for sale remains manageable.
For sellers, the combination of longer marketing periods and a growing selection of aircraft reinforces the importance of realistic pricing. Aircraft with strong maintenance histories, desirable equipment, and comprehensive program coverage should remain competitive, but sellers must recognize that buyers have multiple options to consider.
For buyers, the current market offers opportunities across a broad range of price points. The increase in inventory since midyear provides additional flexibility, particularly for those willing to evaluate aircraft with different specifications and maintenance profiles.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the CJ4 market appears positioned for continued activity, although the relationship between new listings and completed transactions will be important to monitor. Sellers who understand their aircraft’s competitive position and respond appropriately to market conditions will be better positioned to achieve successful transactions.
