As we delve into the dynamics of business aviation this week, a fascinating picture of resilience and growth emerges. The industry, navigating through the complexities of a post-pandemic world, shows a promising uptick in activity. This overview provides a comprehensive analysis of the current trends in business jet traffic, comparing the latest data with previous years. We highlight the busiest aircraft, examine regional variances, and offer insights into how the industry is faring this November, especially in light of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. 

Trends of the Week: 

Overall, global business jet and turboprop sectors are 2% ahead of November 2022 and 16% ahead compared to four years ago. Specifically focusing on business jets, activity this month is 1% ahead of last year and 19% ahead of four years ago. For Week 47, business jet flights globally were up by 6% compared to the same period last year. However, year-to-date global business jet activity is trailing last year by 4%, although it’s 19% ahead of 2019. 

Busiest Aircraft: The Embraer Phenom 300 emerges as the busiest aircraft type within European fractional fleets, with activity surpassing any November in the last four years. 

Regional Highlights: 

Europe: Business jet flights in Europe are 7% fewer than November last year and slightly below November 2019. The busiest fractional bizjet operator airport pair is Paris Le-Bourget to Farnborough. 

North America: Business jet activity is 3% above last year and 19% ahead of four years ago. Washington Dulles shows significant growth in bizjet activity, being the busiest for fractional operators. 

United States: During the Thanksgiving holiday, business jet activity dropped 18% compared to the previous week. Light Jets and Super Midsize were the busiest aircraft types. The busiest airport pair was West Palm Beach to Teterboro. 

Asia: Business jet activity is 4% below last year but 45% ahead of 2019. The majority of flights are under 90 minutes, which are 13% below last November. 

Middle East: Activity has fallen 13% compared to last November but is 40% ahead of four years ago. Corporate Flight Department fleets are flying less than any November in the last four years. 

In summary, the business aviation sector is exhibiting robust growth and resilience, with global activity slightly ahead of last year and significantly surpassing figures from four years ago. The Embraer Phenom 300’s prominence in Europe, the surge in North American business jet activity, and the fluctuating trends in Asia and the Middle East paint a diverse and dynamic picture of the industry. As we move towards the end of the year, these trends not only reflect the current state of business aviation but also hint at the evolving preferences and operational patterns within the sector. With an eye on the future, the industry continues to adapt and thrive, signaling a positive outlook for business aviation globally.