Global business jet activity reached 73,356 departures in Week 44, up four per cent against the same period in 2024, according to WingX’s Weekly Global Market Tracker. On a rolling four-week basis, business jets accumulated more than 312,000 departures, reflecting a five per cent increase over last year and matching the global year-to-date trend.

October became the busiest month on record, with more than 348,000 flights, a five per cent rise compared with October 2024, an eight per cent increase on 2022 and a 36 per cent increase on 2019. The United States accounted for 70 per cent of global activity, with New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Houston representing 17 per cent of US departures. Light and super midsize jets led the market, supported by leading operators such as NetJets, Flexjet, Wheels Up and flyExclusive.

North American growth reached three per cent in Week 44, with Texas leading at nine per cent, while California and Florida expanded by five and one per cent respectively. Europe outperformed North America for the second consecutive week, achieving eight per cent year-on-year growth. Germany and Switzerland recorded strong gains of 20 and 14 per cent, while Italy, the UK and France followed with six, five and three per cent. NetJets Europe drove much of this activity, contributing more than 200 combined flights in Germany and Italy.

The rest of world region grew 10 per cent, led by Africa and South America at 16 per cent each. In Africa, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and Nigeria accounted for 71 per cent of flights, while Brazil and Mexico made up 72 per cent of South American activity.

Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica on 28 October as a category five storm with winds up to 185 mph, forcing widespread airport closures. Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport remained open for emergency relief operations, receiving 26 aid flights led by Helidosa Aviation Group. Business aviation has continued to serve as a crucial lifeline for those affected.

Nick Koscinski, analyst at WingX, says: “October smashed records with over 348,000 flights, the busiest month in our 20-year records. Growth has slowed in the US, but picked up in Europe and is surging in ROW markets. Hurricane Melissa has also brought into focus a very active role for business aviation in humanitarian and emergency support.”