Global business jet activity slipped 1.5% year-on-year during Week 17, according to the latest WingX Weekly Global Market Tracker, although year-to-date activity remained 4.6% ahead of last year.

The global figure edged down from the 4.7% growth reported through 19 April, with North America softening despite remaining by far the largest business aviation market. Accounting for 72% of all business jet sectors flown during the week, North America recorded a 1.7% year-on-year decline.

Europe provided the strongest regional performance, expanding 9.4% year-on-year while accounting for 14% of global business jet sectors flown during Week 17.

Elsewhere, the Middle East continued to suppress overall market performance, falling 30.7% year-on-year and reducing the global growth trend by roughly 0.4 percentage points. Africa also declined 15.7%.

Alongside the weekly market figures, WingX highlighted the likely impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, describing the tournament as one of the most significant business aviation demand events in recent history.

Analysis of previous World Cups in 2006, 2018 and 2022 showed business jet fuel uplift demand consistently rising as tournaments progressed. Host city airports averaged a 1.5x surge factor during the group stage, increasing to 1.9x during quarter finals, 5.2x during semi finals and peaking at 12.9x for the final.

With 16 host cities spread across three countries and matches taking place throughout June and July, WingX expects concentrated periods of elevated demand across the region.

Richard Koe, managing director at WingX, will host a webinar on 14 May discussing operational and demand implications for the sector alongside airport, FBO and charter market representatives.

“This week we saw softer activity globally, with North America pulling back and the Middle East still stuck well below pre-conflict levels,” says Nick Koscinski, analyst at WingX. “Looking ahead, we are turning our attention to the World Cup and are anticipating strong surges in business jet activity across all sixteen host cities.”