Larger business jets dominate in the Middle East business jet fleet with a 67% share of over 500 aircraft operated in the region. Consultancy ArcosJet says it expects business liners, long range, and large business jets to be the most stable in the market, fuelled by COVID-19's impact on air transportation system, UHNWI growth forecasts and overall economic conditions.

“That is the characteristic of the region. Someone from the Middle East can only reach the closest world economic and financial centres in Asia or Europe with a minimum five to eight-hour flight time, not to mention going to the USA,” says Mikhail Alenkin, ArcosJet CEO and founder. “This and the need to travel in large groups and families with a lot of baggage obviously makes the flight range, cabin size and baggage capacity key parameters when choosing the right aircraft.”

The largest share of the 67% belongs to Turkey, UAE and Saudi Arabia. Bombardier and Gulfstream are the most popular choices, followed by Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft and Dassault. ArcosJet expects high demand for long range business jets in the Middle East to continue at least for the next few months.