AMSTAT turbine market analysis - as the world turns | Press Release

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Press Release

Issued by Amstat.

April 1, 2011

AMSTAT turbine market analysis - as the world turns

Activity within the business aircraft fleet is a measure of the state of the economy in geographic regions throughout the world. As we spring ahead this season, it is time for AMSTAT to examine where all the business aircraft have landed across the world.

Historically, North America has always been the front runner in business aircraft fleet size and growth. However, AMSTAT statistics indicate that the geographical distribution of the worldwide business aircraft fleet began changing significantly at the onset of the current downturn cycle. In 2007, North America was home to 70% of the worldwide fleet of business aircraft. This number had been relatively constant for at least the past decade. However, between 2009 and 2011 the North American fleet decreased roughly by 1%. While non-Northern American regions combined, experienced a 7% increase in overall fleet size. As a result, North America is now home to only 62% of the worldwide fleet. This represents a major shift in the business aviation landscape.

A detailed look at the growth rate by aircraft category in the non-North American regions reveals which of the aircraft types have been most active. Africa experienced a growth rate of 3% in Light Jets, 11% in Medium Jets, 10% in Heavy Jets, and 7% in Turbo Props. Europe saw an increase in Light Jets of 6%, a less than 1% decrease in Medium Jets, a 7% increase in Heavy Jets and a less than 1% increase in Turbo Props.

The South/Central America region had an increase in Light Jets of 9%, 13% for Medium Jets, 16% for Heavy Jets and 8% for Turbo Props. Growth in the Middle East didn't fare as well. It experienced a decrease of less than a 1% in the Light Jet category and only an increase of less than 1% in Medium Jets. It did however have a slightly higher increase of 3% in the Heavy Jet market and a more impressive increase of 8% in Turbo Props. Although Oceania has a smaller fleet of aircraft than the other regions, its growth is at an upswing. It had an increase of 10% in Light Jets, 2% in Medium Jets, a notable increase of 27% in Heavy Jets and 7% in Turbo Props. Asia had a 9% increase in Light and Medium Jets, 17% in Heavy Jets and 5% in Turbo Props.