GAMA's Q1 numbers tell a different story for every segment of the used market

New aircraft sales numbers for Q1 2026 are in and looking good, but whether it's good for you depends entirely on if you are a buyer or seller. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reported on Thursday that the first quarter of 2026 (1Q2026) came in strong with 667 aircraft shipped, $6.85 billion billed, up 19% in revenue over last year. Each segment, however, faces a different result in the used aircraft market. What's moving? Business jets had the largest growth in shipments overall, delivering 162 aircraft in 1Q2026. This is an increase of 14.9% compared to the 141 delivered in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q2025). A majority of these jets were shipped in the U.S, shipping 121 in the quarter. Only 10 were shipped in Europe. Piston aircraft were delivered the most in 1Q2026. A total of 345 single-engine piston aircraft and 36 multi-engine piston aircraft were shipped, for a total of 381 aircraft. This is a 6.4% increase over 1Q2025, when only 358 piston aircraft were shipped. The U.S. shipped 282 single-engine piston aircraft and 7 multi-engine piston aircraft, while Europe shipped 58 single-engine piston aircraft and 29 multi-engine piston aircraft. Turboprops were the only aircraft type that dropped in shipments. In 1Q2025, 128 turboprops were shipped, while 124 were shipped in 1Q2026. While there was only 3.1% drop, turboprops were already the smallest category for shipments in 2025. The decrease shows a drop in demand when compared to piston and business jets. Here's the breakdown Of the notable companies reported, Cirrus Aircraft shipped the most aircraft in 1Q2026, with 49 SR20s, 31 SR22s, 95 SR22Ts and 21 SF50s. In total, it shipped 196 aircraft for approximately $293.4 million. Textron followed closely behind with 156 aircraft shipped for approximately $955.6 million. It had the largest variety in shipments, with 22 different aircraft being sent out. Textron shipped out 49 of the 172 SP Skyhawk single-engine turboprop, making it the most popular of its aircraft. Gulfstream earned the most in aircraft billings. It shipped 38 aircraft in 1Q2026, leading with $2.4 billion in the first quarter. It shipped 7 of the G280 jets and shipped 31 jets between the G500, G600, G700 and G800. The only other company to break over a billion in aircraft billing was Bombardier with $1.2 billion. Bombardier tied with Pilatus for the smallest amount shipped at 24 aircraft. Pilatus earned $225.8 million in 1Q2026. Other notable companies include Embraer, which shipped 29 aircraft for $504.7 million, and Tecnam, which shipped 48 aircraft for $32.2 million. What this tells all buyers The used market should take note: Piston aircraft sellers will no longer have as strong a leverage as they previously did, as supply is building and buyers have more options. For business jets, Gulfstream alone billed $2.4 billion on 38 aircraft, and that kind of volume at the top end tends to shake the used market loose. As owners look to upgrade to newer models, trades become available, which typically signals the best pricing for mid-market buyers immediately after. As demand for new turboprop aircraft trends slightly downward, used turboprop prices may follow. Anyone who has been waiting for a good turboprop deal may find the market moving in their direction.RELATED STORIES:Before Business Aviation Bets the Cabin on Starlink, Read the Fine PrintUsed business jet inventory decline could cause increase in pricesG Whiz: Gulfstream's G300 Gives Super-Mid Buyers Something to Wait For