In week 48 of 2024, from 25 November to 1 December, business jet departures reached 67,756 globally, matching the same week in 2023, according to WingX's weekly Global Market Tracker.

Compared to week 47, almost 7,000 fewer flights took place, mainly due to the timing of the US Thanksgiving holiday. So far this year, business jet flights worldwide are still down by 1% compared to last year. In November, flight hours dropped by 2% compared to November 2023.

However, during the US Thanksgiving holiday period from 28 November to 1 December, a record number of business jet flights departed from US airports. There were 24,181 flights overall, a 36% increase from 2019 and 12% more than in 2023. Florida was the busiest state for domestic business flights, with almost 3,500 jets arriving from other areas of the US. International flights accounted for only 7% of US departures, with the Bahamas proving a particularly popular destination.

So far this year, business jet flights in the US remain down by 1% compared to last year, and November followed this trend. In November, US Gulfstream G700 aircraft averaged 30 hours per tail sign, less than a third of the average of other ultra-long-range aircraft. Since the US election, business jet flights from November 6th to December 1st have been 1% higher than the same period last year.

In Europe, business jet activity fell by 2% compared to last year, with the UK and Germany recording notable decreases of 13% and 11% respectively. France and Italy, however, saw increases of 8% and 12%. This year to date, Europe places at 1% behind last year, although its November finished 1% ahead. Germany has continued to see a significant decline in corporate flights, with a November drop-off of 18% compared to last year.

Outside Europe and the US, business jet departures declined 2% compared to last year’s week 48, with the Middle East experiencing a sharp 18% decrease. Africa recorded a 7% decline, while Asia and South America showed signs of growth with a 5% increase.

Richard Koe, WingX managing director, says: “The Thanksgiving holiday saw a record surge in business jet traffic, notably in Florida. Activity in the US since the election is positive year on year, bucking the overall decline in business jet demand in this year compared to last year. European business jet demand is fragile, particularly in the German corporate market. In other regions, Brazil continues to see strong growth this year.”