Vol. 22, No. 4 | Nov. 30, 2009 | Go to Charts

by Carl Janssens, ASA | Aircraft Bluebook — Price Digest

Entering its home stretch, 2009 certainly has been a forgettable year for general aviation. The losses in value for most owners of corporate aircraft have been significant and, at times, have even been heartbreaking.

However, something is happening out there. While economists predict an economic recovery will be achingly slow, some aircraft values are moving up. The change is barely perceptible and does not apply to every market segment. But inventories are finally contracting instead of expanding, and dealers are again becoming cautiously optimistic.

At the Dubai Airshow, Aircraft Bluebook–Price Digest has witnessed upbeat attitudes.

Aircraft Bluebook was represented in Dubai with its sister publications AC-U-KWIK and The Air Charter Guide. These publications are intricately involved in all aspects of corporate aviation, including aircraft values, FBOs, ground transportation, lodging or a multitude of other support services. At the Dubai Airshow, business was robust. The publications experienced record advertising and book sales.

This trade show in Dubai reflects the health of the international corporate aviation segment. We can hope that the skies over North America will soon host greater numbers of corporate jets giving lift to the companies that use corporate aviation to propel themselves out of these dark times.

While the economy thumbs for a lift, corporate aviation is showing signs of lifting the economy. Remember the National Business Aviation Association and General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s campaign slogan: “No Plane, No Gain.”

Jet

Bluebook-at-a-glance
Increased — 46
Decreased — 160
Stable — 652

For large-cabin/long-range aircraft, inventories have firmed with sale prices holding at what should be considered bottom market pricing.  The bottom market seekers still waiting for a better opportunity may be surprised when the uptick in values reemerges.

The Lear 31 and Cessna 525 had values in the plus column. The Gulfstream G-IV and Bombardier Challenger 601 experienced minor decreases.

Turboprop

Bluebook-at-a-glance
Increased — 126
Decreased — 11
Stable — 453

Turboprop ag planes continue to demonstrate improved values for yet another quarter. The Piaggio P180 and the family of Piper Cheyennes experienced modest gains.  Also in the plus column were the 300 series Beechcraft King Air. Values for select 90 series Beechcraft King Airs were down slightly from the previous quarter. Most aircraft in this category remained stable.

Multi

Bluebook-at-a-glance
Increased — 32
Decreased — 37
Stable — 586

Aerostars experienced minor increases in value. The Cessna 421 also demonstrated modest increases when compared to the previous quarter. The Beech Duke and Cessna 414 values were down slightly. Most values reflected no change.

Single

Bluebook-at-a-glance
Increased — 132
Decreased — 108
Stable — 2209

Ag planes kept a positive note for another quarter. The Cirrus SR20 also improved modestly in select model years. For the most part, the majority of single-engine piston aircraft held steady. Decreases in value were minimal. Select Mooneys were down a few thousand dollars.

Helicopter

Bluebook-at-a-glance
Increased — 62
Decreased — 170
Stable — 770

The helicopter markets reported in Bluebook appear to be leveling off as well. Most models were stable for the reporting quarter. Eurocopter Twin Stars as well as the Bell 206 series were up slightly. Some values declining for this quarter include the Eurocopter AS350 and the Bell 430.

Contact Aircraft Bluebook

Please contact Aircraft Bluebook if you have any specific concern in a particular aircraft market. We will be happy to share with you the most up-to-date information available for your market segment. Call us at 877-531-1450 or 913-967-1913.

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