Bizjet Departures Tick Up in Dec., Remain Even for Year

Global business jet departures remained flat in 2024 but have seen an uptick year over year (YOY) in December, according to market analyst Jefferies.

Citing WingX and its own estimates, Jefferies reported that North American departures in 2024 were level with 2023, but departures slid by a percentage point in Europe and by 3% in Asia-Pacific. For the year, corporate flight department departures were off by 11% from 2023 and aircraft management-related flights by 3%, but private flying jumped by 11% and fractional/charter by 4%.

The year finished out stronger, with business jet departures in North America up 9% YOY in December, seven percent in Asia, and flat in Europe. This culminated in a 7% YOY increase in December globally and put operations 27% ahead of those in 2019. Notably, Asia-Pacific departures were up 77% over 2019 in December.

Meanwhile, fractional/charter departures last month were up 14% YOY, led by a 36% gain from FlyExclusive and 17% from NetJets. Wheels Up also ticked up in December, by 2%, but departures were down 14% from 2019. This compares with a 172% surge in FlyExclusive departures since 2019 and 49% rise at NetJets.

Private departures were up by 15% in December YOY and by 80% over 2019, while aircraft management saw a 3% improvement in the month and a 29% gain over 2019. However, corporate flying malaise continued in December with departures down 7% YOY and by 17% over 2019.

Embraer business jet departures grew the most, up 11% in the fourth quarter, while Gulfstream operations were up by 3%, Bombardier by 2%, and Textron Aviation flat at the same time.