Turbine Sales and Prices Climbing, Turboprops Not So Much

Sales of used turbine aircraft continued at a brisk pace and the value of the jet and turboprop fleets each increased more than two percent during the second quarter of 1998, according to the publishers of The Aircraft Bluebook. Bluebook publisher Primedia Intertec, based in Overland Park, KS, said the robust sales activity continues to push up jet prices, although turboprop values rose only slightly. A record number-657-of previously owned jets changed hand during the second quarter, marking the fourth consecutive quarter in which used jet sales have increased. The types that saw the greatest price appreciation were the Challenger 604, Falcon 50 and 900, all Gulfstreams, and the Hawker 800. Most late-model jets recorded double-digit price increases between autumn 1997 and fall 1998. The Falcon 50 price rose the most, 23 %from a year ago, while the Cheyenne II led the turboprops with a 12-month appreciation of 11%. The second quarter of 1998 was the second most active three-month period during the 1990s for sales of turboprops, as some 543 aircraft changed hands. However, the prices of most turboprops only increased slightly. King Air 200s and 300s appreciated in value, and Conquest IIs, MU-2s and Cheyenne IIs posted modest increases.