ACC Aviation’s 2026 charter trends report has outlined how regulatory changes, fuel costs and global volatility are reshaping the private aviation sector, with significant implications for planning and demand.

Global business jet usage remained strong in 2025, with 3.9 million flights recorded from January to August. However, ACC says that entering 2026, new taxation and geopolitical pressures are likely to redefine how charter services are used.

In Europe, France’s solidarity tax introduced in 2025 levies €210 to €2,100 per passenger depending on flight details. The UK will raise Air Passenger Duty on private flights from April 2026, adding over £1,000 to some itineraries. ACC expects clients to favour jurisdictions with lower levies as these costs are factored into trip planning.

Fuel prices may remain stable, but EU sustainability rules are likely to increase operator costs. The ReFuelEU Aviation regulation requires all fuel uplifted at EU airports to include sustainable aviation fuel, which remains considerably more expensive than Jet A-1.

North America is expected to continue growing due to its large domestic market and lack of national departure taxes, while Europe’s tighter regulatory environment may limit growth.

ACC highlights geopolitical volatility as a defining force for charter aviation. Developments in regions such as Ukraine and Venezuela could reshape airspace access and cause sudden shifts in demand for flexible, secure options.

Customer behaviour is evolving. Corporates are becoming more price-sensitive, while first-time users such as fintech and tech firms are turning to private charter for speed, control and reliability.

ACC advises clients to remain flexible on routing, choose aircraft that balance cost and resilience, and work with experienced providers to ensure reliability amid uncertainty. The full report is available on the ACC Aviation website.