Global Yacht Transaction Value Surges 70% in 2025, First-Time Private Jet Flyers Under 45 Reach Record High - Knight Frank Wealth Report

Recently, UK real estate consultancy Knight Frank released its latest annual wealth report 《The Wealth Report 2026》. The report shows that “mobility” is becoming increasingly important to the wealthy, with yacht and private jet transactions being very active over the past year.

Yacht Market Sales Grow 70% in 2025

The superyacht market staged a remarkable rebound in 2025, with total transaction value surging 70% year-on-year to US$8.5 billion, a figure second only to the post-pandemic peak in 2021, and the number of new yachts entering the market in 2025 was the highest in seven years.

The US market saw the most significant growth. The US is by far the largest global market, accounting for approximately 45% to 50% of total transaction volume. While all segments experienced steady growth, the mega-yacht segment once again outperformed, with sales of yachts over 70 meters increasing 60% year-on-year, pushing the average asking price of sold yachts to US$16.6 million. Last year, several historic mega-yacht transactions took place, most notably the 118.8-meter “Breakthrough” built by Dutch shipyard Feadship, which sold for a record nine-figure US dollar price.

Executives at BOAT International magazine noted that this was due to necessary “price adjustments” that brought asking prices closer to market reality, thereby boosting buyer activity, and indicated that the growth momentum in yachts has continued into early 2026. As of mid-February, 58 transactions generated US$647 million in sales, up 34.6% year-on-year. As long as prices are reasonable and inventory is sufficient, the demand for yacht living among ultra-high-net-worth individuals will drive continued market activity in 2026.

Private Jets Connect Financial Hubs and Leisure Destinations

The wealthy are increasingly owning properties and running businesses in multiple cities, and moving between them more frequently. Data from global private aviation company VistaJet confirms that activity on routes connecting financial hubs and leisure destinations is increasing across the board.

Connections between New York, London, and Miami remain dominant, but some non-traditional route combinations have seen sharp growth, such as Milan to Paris, routes linking Alpine resorts, Mediterranean second-home markets, and secondary US cities. This highlights a shift toward multi-location lifestyles. The profile of users is also changing. In the first quarter of 2026, first-time private jet passengers under 45 accounted for 47%, a record high.