The average depreciation rate for a private jet is 25% over 5 years. For example, if you purchased an aircraft today for $10 million, in five years it is estimated to be worth around $7.5 million. But there is quite a variety of depreciation rates. Ranging from 0.2% to over 60%.

Private jets are notorious for high depreciation, much like luxury automobiles. On average, a brand-new private jet can lose 10% to 15% of its value the moment it is delivered, with total depreciation reaching 30% to 50% within the first five years. In 2026, the rate of depreciation is influenced by several factors, including the total "airframe hours," maintenance history, and whether the aircraft is enrolled in an "engine program" (which provides predictable maintenance costs for the next buyer). Interestingly, the depreciation curve often "flattens" after about 15 years, where the plane reaches a residual "floor" based on its utility and parts value. For many savvy 2026 buyers, the "sweet spot" is purchasing a 5-to-10-year-old pre-owned jet, where the original owner has already absorbed the steepest financial hit, allowing the second owner to enjoy a high-performance aircraft with a much more stable resale outlook.