WingX: Bizav Activity in Europe Continues Climb

“Following a blip in April, last month resumed the growth trend in business aviation activity in Europe this year, evident mainly in the largest markets of France, Germany and UK. Activity growth from the UK is notable, with London's light jet departures growing 10 percent year-over-year,” said WingX Advance managing director Richard Koe.

According to the company’s just-released business aviation monitor, there were 77,068 business aircraft departures in Europe last month, a 3.3 percent increase from a year ago and the “busiest month so far this year.” Year-to-date, activity is up 3.2 percent from last year, WingX said.

The largest gains came in the second half of the month, coinciding with the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes film festival. Growth last month was strongest among business jet flights, which climbed 4 percent year-over-year. Business turboprop and piston flights also increased, though WingX did not specify these numbers.

Flights arriving into Europe increased from all regions except North Africa. Arrivals from Russia were up 3 percent, in contrast to a 6 percent decline in the last 12 months. Departures from Europe to North America were up 8 percent, and flights to Asia-Pacific increased 18 percent from a year ago, WingX said.

It noted “modest growth” at Paris Le Bourget and Geneva, with strong year-over-year gains at London Luton, up 6 percent; Farnborough, up 15 percent; and London Biggin Hill and Stuttgart, each recording 18 percent increases from last May.