It is common in the first quarter for industry leaders to share their observations and expectations regarding the year ahead. Below are our thoughts on private aviation for 2025. Given our decades of collective experience at Axiom Aviation and our far-reaching network of aviation contacts, we believe our trend identification and explanation can be helpful to many aviation stakeholders.
Tapping into trends can help aircraft buyers make well-informed purchase decisions, select the right aircraft and negotiate effectively. Those selling aircraft gain insights into setting competitive prices, targeting the right buyers and maximizing the value of their assets.
Spotting aviation trends and considering their impact also helps us as aviation advisors. Our research enables us to anticipate market shifts, provide expert guidance for navigating them and offer tailored solutions to our clients.
So, while it is interesting to learn about what aviation experts like ours believe is ahead for the industry, articles like this one provide additional insights to help make informed decisions. They can be important conversation starters for people looking to buy or sell aircraft, prompting discussions that can have a tangible impact on their strategy.
8 Private Aviation Trends We’re Watching
Aviation evolves continuously, rapidly and in many areas, so there is no shortage of industry trends to report on. However, we believe those below are most likely to impact our clients in various ways and to some degree in 2025.
1. Enhanced safety features
Aircraft manufacturers are always looking for ways to make private aviation safer. Their efforts address an array of issues, from advanced air purification systems, which have taken on greater importance in the wake of the pandemic, to new technology that alerts pilots to potential runway excursions to reduce landing risks. The development and launch of new safety features will definitely have an effect on aviation transactions in the year ahead.
2. Sustainable aviation
If there is one word on the lips of virtually every stakeholder in almost any industry you can think of it is “sustainability.” Nobody wants to see the environment further degraded, and everyone is eager to do their part to operate in a more sustainable fashion.
In private aviation, work is underway on several fronts, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) from renewable sources like algae, plant waste and cooking oil. Hybrid and electric jet engines are also being explored as propulsion systems with fewer emissions (or none) and less noise pollution. In addition, manufacturers are researching lightweight materials, like carbon fiber composites, to increase fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Will your next jet leverage any of the cutting-edge technologies available or in development? It is hard to say, but the industry as a whole will be affected by them in 2025 and beyond.
3. Private aircraft as airborne offices
The role of private jets in business has changed significantly in recent years, and that trend will continue in the months ahead. High-speed internet, video conferencing and other technological advances are helping travelers stay connected and productive in the air. The days of in-flight work being limited to files stored locally on a laptop are behind us, as the demands on business professionals increase, and satellite to aircraft data/internet connectivity options increase at a rapid rate.
4. AI in aviation maintenance
No industry today is untouched by artificial intelligence, and that statement holds for private aviation. For example, AI will be used increasingly in various aspects of aircraft maintenance, including to predict when aircraft will require service.
5. More FBOs
We have seen an increase in airports adding fixed-base operators to support private aircraft operations, and we expect that trend to continue this year and beyond.
6. Greater demand for long-range aircraft
While we expect interest in all types of jets to be strong in 2025, there will likely be increased demand for long-range aircraft. Their spacious cabins, divided cabin work areas, and advanced technology will be critical factors in purchase decisions. Manufacturers are doing their part to support this trend, working diligently to develop long-range aircraft with increased fuel efficiency. Cabin refurbishment and modification service centers are offering creative solutions for pre-owned aircraft reconfigurations and latest aviation technology equipment installations.
7. Expanded concierge services
Concierge services aren’t new, but they are likely to expand in 2025 to be even more full-service solutions. Companies will arrange unique activities at destinations, manage ground logistics, assist with customs paperwork and strive to deliver a seamless start-to-finish experience.
8. Increased momentum for advanced air mobility (AAM)
We are likely years out from AAM being commonplace, but aircraft manufacturers, legislators and other stakeholders are making progress in their areas of expertise. For example, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) are poised to be a game-changer in the coming years.
Here again, your aircraft acquisition plans might not include an eVTOL, but the advances in this field will surely have ripples beyond its boundaries, and watching the progress being made will be eye-opening.
What’s Trending in Your World?
Aircraft buyers and sellers will likely be affected to some extent by many of the industry trends above in 2025. However, your goals for the year ahead are surely what is most important to you. Will you be buying aircraft? Are you considering selling a jet? Or maybe you are simply looking to stay abreast of industry developments in case your situation changes. Whatever your private aviation needs are for 2025 and beyond, Axiom Aviation can help.
After those high level questions, we will go deeper to determine how we can assist you specifically. What model of aircraft are you looking to buy or sell? If buying, are you seeking a newer model or a proven yet prior evolution model in a series that fits your budget and performance criteria? If selling, what are the highlights of the aircraft, and how comfortable are you waiting for the ideal offer to come in? Many factors come into play, and our team can help you sort them out to get a clearer picture of what to expect.
In summary, 2025 will be a year full of challenges and opportunities for people looking to buy or sell aircraft. Approaching purchases or sales strategically and in collaboration with a skilled and experienced team of aircraft transaction specialists will be crucial to achieving your desired outcomes.
Please contact us to learn about our sales and brokerage, acquisition, project management and consulting services.