Trump’s Tax Revamp: How It Could Reshape the Aircraft Market

Here’s why the latest news from the White House might shake up the aviation industry.

Keller Laseter

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 08:18 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent walking to a interview at the White House [Courtesy: Shutterstock | DT phots1]

Key Takeaways:

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the reinstatement of 100 percent bonus depreciation is likely, allowing businesses to immediately deduct the full purchase price of eligible assets like business aircraft.
This policy, which could be retroactive to January 20, is expected to significantly boost the aviation sector by making aircraft purchases much more tax-attractive.
While not yet finalized and requiring Congressional approval, this potential return of 100 percent bonus depreciation represents a significant shift from current phasing-out rates and is advocated by groups like the NBAA.

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In a recent press briefing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confidently stated that the return of 100 percent bonus depreciation is likely to be enacted, a tax incentive that could significantly impact business aircraft owners and the aviation industry as a whole. This development marks a shift in tax policy that could have far-reaching implications for businesses looking to invest in new assets, including aircraft.

What Is Bonus Depreciation?

Bonus depreciation, for those unfamiliar with the concept, is a tax incentive that allows businesses to immediately deduct a large percentage of the purchase price of eligible assets, rather than writing them off over their useful life.