Honeywell Aerospace has projected continuing strong near-term demand for new business jets in Europe for the period 2001-2005.

Honeywell’s 2000 business aviation survey revealed that European operators are expected to expand or replace the equivalent of 15 per cent of their current fleet in the next five years, compared with an average of 17.5 per cent over the last five years. Requirements for improved cabin size and aircraft age were most frequently mentioned as reasons for expecting to purchase new jets. The anticipated age at which new aircraft will be replaced by European operators increased by one year. Deliveries in Europe are expected to remain above the 80-100 aircraft level for the next several years.

Honeywell expects European operators to take delivery of approximately twelve per cent of all new business jet aircraft sold in the next few years, an increase of one per cent over the share projected a year ago.

“The vigorous development and introduction of numerous new jet models across business aviation, which represent higher levels of customer value as well as the improving regulatory and business environment in Europe are key factors fuelling business jet demand,” said Steve Loranger, president of Honeywell Engines and Systems.

Honeywell’s year 2000 outlook showed European deliveries of new business jets for the five-year period at approximately 400 aircraft across the continent.

A growing contribution comes from the fractional ownership market as demonstrated by the recent purchase of 50 Citations by NetJets’ European operation. Honeywell projects that by 2011, the fractional ownership fleet could comprise 9-14 per cent of the active business aircraft in Europe. Globally the 2000 survey noted that traditional European corporate flight departments remained the most interested in fractionals, with 11 per cent expressing potential interest in share ownership. Another 13 per cent of European flight departments indicated uncertainty as to the future possibility of participating in a fractional ownership programme.