Business aviation flight activity in North America increased by 1.7% in the first half, marking a turnaround after sliding for the past 2.5 years, according to industry safety and data analyst Argus International. “A new environment seems to be taking shape in the North American business aviation market,” Argus reported in its 2025 Mid Year Business Aviation Review.
During the first six months Part 135 moved back into positive territory, with flight activity up 2%, while fractional activity “continues to be a shining star,” marking another 7.9% growth and its fifth year in a row of gains. But Part 91 activity was down a percentage point.
By aircraft type, midsize jets led the increases, up by 2.7%, followed by turboprops and light jets, up 1.7% each. Large-cabin jet activity nudged into the positive side, up 0.3%.
The North American market represented two-thirds of global activity over the first half, averaging 285,000 flights from January through June. During the first six months, there were 2,274,645 business aircraft departures worldwide.
European countries collectively accounted for 14.7% of global departures. In Europe, activity remained down overall, off 1.2% in the first half. Even so, three of the six months during the period have marked increases, including most recently May and June.
In other areas of the globe, business aviation activity remained strong during the first half, jumping by 18.9% from the same period a year ago. Counting all world regions, business aviation activity went up 3.8% during the first half.
Looking forward, Argus anticipates activity to remain slightly above (by 0.3%) second-half 2024 levels, with all sectors remaining off pace from the first half. However, fractional activity is still anticipated to see 5.1% growth, Part 135 is expected to be up by 0.4% and Part 91 is projected to be down 1.7% in North America.