In the week of 18 to 24 November 2024, global business jet departures reached 74,156, reflecting a 13% increase compared to the same week last year, as reported by WingX’s Global Market Tracker. This rise is attributed to later Thanksgiving celebrations this year, and a four-week trend indicates a 3% growth over 2022. However, year-to-date activity is down 1% overall through 24th November.

In North America, airports near Las Vegas, namely Harry Reid International (KLAS), Henderson Executive (KHND) and North Las Vegas (KVGT), saw rises in business jet arrivals last week due to the hosting of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. During the Grand Prix dates (22 to 24 November), a total 533 business jet arrivals were recorded. However, this is lower than the 928 recorded during the race last year (17 to 19 November 2023). On last year's peak day, there were 350 active business jet tails, while this year's maximum was capped at 202. Almost all of the arrivals were from US points of departure, with super midsize, heavy and ultra long-range jets accounting for over three-quarters of arrivals during the Grand Prix weekend.

Business jet activity in the United States overall jumped 19% compared to week 47 in 2023, with large growth recorded in Texas (+33%) and California (+16%). An earlier US Thanksgiving holiday date in 2023 was the driving factor in these large swings, with a Thanksgiving lull likely to occur next week. But as November draws to a close, business jet activity in the US remains buoyant, with departures 3% ahead of last year. Post-US election (from 6 to 24 November), business jet activity has pushed 7% ahead of last year. California ́s business jet traffic was an outlier this month, with departures falling 2% compared to last year. Notably, corporate fleets in California are flying 16% less than last year, and large declines are evident in Los Angeles to Las Vegas and San Diego to Los Angeles routes.

In Europe, business jet activity rose 5% compared to the same week last year, maintaining a 3% four-week gain. Business jet departures in Germany rose 5% compared to week 47 in 2023, ending a three-week decline. Activity in Switzerland fell for a second week in a row, declining 8% versus week 47 in 2023. Strong growth trends in the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain were offset this week by declines in Germany, Switzerland and Sweden. The UK government is currently looking into extending Air Passenger Duty to smaller aircraft, below the current 20 ton aircraft level. Although business jet activity in the UK is up this year, the active number of aircraft flying on the UK G-register has fallen 28% compared to last year and 33% compared to 2019.

Business jet activity in the Middle East rose 8% compared to week 47 last year, with the four-week trend rising to 3% above last year. Activity in Africa fell for a third week in a row, with the week 47 trend coming in 32% below week 47 last year and dragging the last four-week trend down 18%. Mexico is the busiest business jet market outside of the United States and Europe this month, with departures falling 2% compared to last year, and small declines also being recorded in Australia. There was strong growth this month in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Richard Koe, WingX managing director, says: “Business jet activity is trending up by 7% since the US election, and follows a strong October, compared to 2023. This may suggest a post-election bounce, especially as Trump is expected to lower taxes and may generally be favourable towards the sector.”