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ACE 2026 - September 8th

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South America and Africa lead gains as global traffic holds steady
Flight volumes in Week 29 remained level with last year, but regional disparities widened as Latin American and African activity surged while North America and Europe dipped.

Global business jet activity reached 77,336 departures in Week 29, according to WingX's Weekly Global Market Tracker. This figure marked a 1% increase over the previous week and was flat compared to the same week in 2024. Activity remained below this cycle’s 52-week high of 78,808 recorded in Week 26, but well above the trough of 60,521 in Week 2.

The rolling four-week total showed global flights running 3% ahead of the equivalent period last year. For 1–20 July, business jet movements were up 3.6% versus 2024. The number of active jets globally rose to 18,354, a 2.2% year-on-year increase.

North American activity fell 1% compared to Week 29 in 2024, with the United States down 2% and Florida dropping 6%, underperforming the national trend. However, the four-week trend remained positive at +2%.

In Europe, flights declined 1%, and commercial AOC operations dipped 2% year-on-year. Performance diverged regionally, with Germany falling 25% and Italy up 7%.

Outside North America and Europe, business jet departures advanced 9.5% over the same week last year. South America saw the most significant rise, up 29%, followed by Africa at +20%. Asia was down 4% while the Middle East dipped 1%.

Major golf tournaments continue to influence traffic trends, with The Open Championship at Royal Portrush driving a sharp increase in flights to nearby airports. Between 16–20 July, Belfast International, City of Derry and George Best Belfast City airports saw 88 flights, a 252% increase year-on-year. Belfast International accounted for 45 of those movements, up 221% over 2024.

Richard Koe, WingX managing director, says, “Despite some softness in mature markets this week, the fundamental drivers of business aviation remain intact. We're seeing healthy fleet utilisation and geographic expansion that suggest the industry remains on its sustainable growth trajectory.”

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