The Citation Encore market enters August with a welcome return of transaction activity after an unusually quiet stretch. Inventory remains elevated relative to recent sales volume, but July’s three transactions broke a four-month period without a recorded sale. For sellers, that renewed activity is encouraging, although the current supply-to-sales relationship still gives buyers meaningful choice and makes aircraft positioning especially important.
Fleet Size and Availability
There are currently 13 Citation Encore aircraft available for sale, including 1 off-market aircraft, representing 8.3% of the fleet.
Inventory increased from 12 aircraft in February to 15 in March and remained at that level through June before declining to 13 in July. The combination of falling inventory and renewed sales activity is a positive development, but supply remains relatively high when compared with recent transaction volume.
At 8.3%, the percentage of the fleet currently for sale is more than double the 3.2% of the fleet sold during the past six months.
Market Listings
Current asking prices range from $2.75 million to $4.5 million, compared with a six-month sold price range of $2.25 million to $3.35 million.
The gap between the upper end of current asking prices and recent transaction history is worth watching. Encore values can vary significantly based on aircraft condition and maintenance status. In particular, engine program enrollment and remaining time to hot section inspection or overhaul can have a substantial impact on both value and buyer interest.
Current inventory averages 164 days on market, compared with 172 days for sold aircraft, putting the two groups on relatively similar timelines.
Sales Activity
A total of 5 Encore aircraft have sold during the past six months, including 1 off-market transaction, representing 3.2% of the fleet.
The timing of those transactions tells an important story. February recorded two sales, followed by zero transactions in March, April, May, and June. July then produced three sales, making it the strongest month of the six-month period and accounting for 60% of all transactions during that window.
Key Takeaways
• 13 aircraft are currently available, representing 8.3% of the fleet.
• Inventory declined in July after remaining at 15 aircraft for four consecutive months.
• 5 aircraft sold during the past six months, with 3 of those transactions occurring in July.
• Asking prices range from $2.75 million to $4.5 million.
• Current listings average 164 DOM, versus 172 days for recently sold aircraft.
• Engine program status and remaining time to major engine events remain important differentiators between aircraft.
Key Insight
July was an encouraging month for the Encore market, but one strong month does not yet erase the imbalance between available supply and recent sales volume. With 8.3% of the fleet currently for sale compared with only 3.2% sold over six months, buyers still have leverage and can be selective. For sellers, realistic pricing is important, but so is understanding how engine program enrollment and upcoming hot section or overhaul exposure affect an aircraft’s position against competing Encores. If July’s improved transaction pace continues into late summer, the current inventory level could begin to tighten.
