Almost 74,000 business jet departures were recorded globally in Week 49 of 2024 (2 – 8 December), representing a 7% increase from the same period in 2023. This uptick also pushed the four-week trend up to +3%. Business jet activity in global Part 135 and 91K operations grew 11% year-on-year, contributing to a four-week trend of +5%. Despite these gains, the year-to-date trend remains 1% below 2023 levels, although business jet movements are up by 9% compared to December 2023.

According to WingX's weekly Global Market Tracker, business jet activity in North America rose 10% compared to Week 49 in 2023, with a 14% increase from the previous week. The US-wide four-week trend is now 5% above last year, with Florida matching this figure, California at +3% and Texas at +8%. Florida also the USA's was the busiest departure state, representing 15% of the overall market share. All top states saw year-on-year growth, particularly California, which recorded an additional 400 departures compared to the previous week, marking a 14% increase YOY. Growth primarily stemmed from Part 135 and 91K activity, which increased by 20% in California. NetJets held an 18% market share in California, with almost 600 more departures than Flexjet. There was significant growth on the Los Angeles - San Francisco route, where 245 departures were recorded, with NetJets capturing 22% of the market.

After the US election, business jet activity is 3% ahead of last year, with gains in Florida, Texas and New York state. Post-election, aircraft management fleets are especially busy. Fractional fleets are flying 12% more compared to the same period last year, while corporate activity has decreased by 14%.

In Europe, business jet activity fell 4% compared to Week 49 in 2023. Germany experienced a 13% drop in flights year-on-year, remaining stable from the previous week. Despite declines, Switzerland saw a seasonal spike as ski season begins. Sion and St Gallen airports recorded some growth compared to last year, consistent with the last 12 months. December to March is the busiest period, with peak activity seen in February. Weekend traffic is predominant, especially on Sundays. Over the past year, aircraft management fleets operated 40% of business jet flights into Sion and St Gallen, while fractional and branded charter accounted for 45% of arrivals. Most arrivals in this timeframe originated from France, with Germany as the top aircraft registration.

Outside Europe and the US, business jet activity remained stable year-on-year. In the Middle East, activity rebounded by 14% compared to the previous week, representing a 1% gain over the same week last year, mainly due to the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix. During the event weekend, 95 business jet arrivals were recorded, with the UK being the leading international origin followed by Qatar and India.

In the rest of the world, business jet activity in Africa fell 19% compared to 2023, while Asia grew by 5% and South America by 2%. Brazil’s business jet activity increased by 11%.

Richard Koe, managing director of WingX , says: “The post-election bounce continues, with Week 47 seeing the largest YOY increase in flight activity so far this year, closing almost all the deficit accumulated earlier this year. California has seen an especially strong recovery. In Europe, demand is sagging in leading markets, with Italy the year-long exception. Business jet demand in South America continues to thrive.”