Global business jet demand for the first half of August was 4 percent lower than a year ago, according to industry data tracker WingX Advance. The activity is still running 15 percent above the levels seen in pre-pandemic 2019.
In North America, 92 percent of business jet departures thus far this month have been from U.S. airports, although departures trailed 2022 numbers.
“Bizjet demand in the key U.S. market is down by 4 percent compared to August 2022 and August 2021, with both previous years setting high points for flight activity,” said WingX managing director Richard Koe. “The earlier 2023 declines versus last year appear to be narrowing, with the market holding at least 10 percent gains compared to 2019.”
For the week ending August 13, business jet activity in Europe was 9 percent below the same dates last year. Several top European markets are seeing double-digit growth compared with August 2019, notably Italy, the UK, Spain, and Switzerland.
“Europe is the weakest regional market,” added Koe. “Asia is seeing a strong rebound compared to last year.”
Business jet activity in Asia continues to trend well above last year, with departures up 16 percent over August 2022, and 46 percent compared with 2019. China is seeing triple-digit growth versus last year, 32 percent above 2019.