European aircraft management and charter business Axis Aviation has reported strong summer charter demand, as clients sought both luxury Mediterranean favourites as well as long-haul destinations, defying political and economic headwinds.

Fleet movement data from June to September 2025 reveals an upswing in private jet demand for the French Riviera, with Toulon-Hyeres and Nice among the busiest destinations. Paris-Le Bourget also ranked highly, confirming France’s overall strength as a leisure and business aviation hub, despite the recent introduction of a Solidarity Tax.

Across Europe, travellers favoured coastal Mediterranean destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini and Tivat, demonstrating the sustained popularity of exclusive summer escapes. Axis Aviation also notes a considerable rise in one-way bookings, particularly for popular transatlantic routes such as New York, Miami and the Bahamas.

Gareth Owen, head of charter sales, Axis Aviation, says: “Our clients look for exclusive, flexible travel. The French Riviera, Mykonos and Santorini are evergreen favourites, but we’ve also seen a clear rise in demand for one-way charters. Clients also continue to favour long-range jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and G550, aircraft that offer the comfort and performance needed for longer routes to destinations such as Miami and the Middle East.”

Kerstin Mumenthaler, CEO, Axis Aviation, adds: “Despite ongoing political and economic uncertainty worldwide, charter demand remains strong. Our clients are seeking both leisure escapes and reliable business connections, with destinations across the Middle East and southern Africa also accounting for a large proportion of charter flights this summer. Our global fleet strategy ensures we can support travellers across Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and the Americas with the highest levels of service.”