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Global business jet activity totals 80,000 departures in Week 45 which is 11% more than the same week in 2024 according to WingX. Rolling four week activity from Week 42 to Week 45 reaches more than 315,000 departures which is 7% ahead of last year. This four week trend is stronger than the year to date trend of 5% although the pace of growth has eased slightly.
The North American market performs in line with the global trend at 11% more activity year on year in Week 45. The United States matches this 11% rise with California and Florida seeing double digit growth at 17% and 16% while Texas records 9%. The rolling four week trend for North America is 6% ahead of last year with Texas at 7% and California and Florida at 6%.
The European market grows by only 4% in Week 45 compared to the same week last year. Italy sees standout growth at 16% year on year while Germany the UK and France sit at 5% 4% and 2%. Swiss activity drops 10%. Flights out of Milan and Rome lead Italy’s growth with activity up 30% year on year and accounting for half of the country’s demand.
ROW regions continue strong performance with 19% growth in Week 45. The Middle East and Africa both see 24% gains while Asia is up 18% and South America 15%. On a rolling four week basis South America leads at 27% followed by Africa at 26% then the Middle East at 10% and Asia at 6%.
The FAA introduces stricter limits on private jet operations at 12 US airports on 10 November following earlier restrictions linked to the US government shutdown and ATC staffing shortages. From 1 to 9 November there is no clear impact on business jet flights at these airports which actually see 8% growth. On 10 November however business jet activity out of the 12 airports falls 29% while airline departures fall 10%.
Although activity decreases at those airports metro area business jet demand continues to rise. Restrictions cause demand to shift to secondary airports with business jet flights for the metro areas rising 10% on 10 November. Uncertain airline schedules appear to be pushing travellers toward more reliable business jet options from smaller airports.
