Q3 CubCrafters Market Update

Hello Fellow Cub Owners,

The CubCrafters market continues to demonstrate a trend we’ve seen consistently over the years across all makes and models: well-priced, well-presented aircraft eventually find buyers. With a mature fleet in service, and an active owner community, there continues to be a good supply of listings in the marketplace. While sellers who ignore market signals and overprice their listings sit on the market for extended periods of time, aircraft with complete records, desirable equipment, and realistic pricing transact in a reasonable timeframe. That said, there are also periods of time when demand ebbs and very few buyers come to market. Unfortunately, we are in such a period and the prevailing sentiment in the marketplace remains cautious. 

Market conditions have become noticeably more favorable for buyers over the past quarter. Supply of EX, FX, XCub, and NXCub models has settled around market norms of 4% of the fleet, with 38 aircraft currently available. At the same time, demand has softened as the market moves through the heart of the summer flying season. Higher-than-normal fuel prices, broader economic uncertainty, and the fact that many recreational buyers are focused on flying rather than shopping have all contributed to slower transaction activity. As a result, buyers have gained additional negotiating leverage, while sellers are encountering increased competition and price their aircraft accordingly if they hope to achieve a timely sale.

Key Takeaways:

• Price it right, move it quicker: Lower demand requires more precision on pricing, and matching expectations to meet lower demand.
• Stable pricing: Most Carbon Cubs, especially the -2 and -3 variants continue to transact in the low $300,000s, with premium aircraft pushing higher depending on time and equipment. XCubs and NXCubs are demanding north of 400k, but if the value is right, they continue to move. 
• Getting ready to move: If the thought of selling has crossed your mind, it is a worthwhile exercise to get logbooks and documentation in order, as well as taking care of any squawks.

As the largest independent brokerage in the experimental backcountry space, Aerista can help sell your plane with unmatched scale and expertise. With experience in building, flying, owning, and transacting experimental backcountry machines, we look forward to the opportunity to work together.

Blue Skies,

Clay Simmons

Sales Associate

CubCrafters Specialist