European Air Charter Operator Axis Reports Strong Q3

Having experienced strong summer travel demand, European aircraft charter and management provider Axis Aviation analyzed the top destinations chosen by its clients. Third-quarter fleet movement data showed an uptick in demand for the French Riviera, with Toulon-Hyères and Nice among the most frequented destinations, Axis reported, based on 500 flight movements between the start of June and the end of September.

Paris-Le Bourget also placed highly, confirming France’s position as a leisure and business aviation hub, despite the imposition of a solidarity tax in place on business aircraft flights since March. Other destinations favored by European customers include coastal Mediterranean playgrounds such as Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, and Tivat, as well as Athens and Paros.

Axis also reported strong growth in one-way bookings, particularly for popular transatlantic locations such as New York, Miami, and the Bahamas. Gareth Owen, Axis’ head of charter sales, said its clients also continue to favor long-range jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and G550, which offer the comfort and performance needed for longer routes to destinations such as the Miami and the Middle East.

“Despite ongoing political and economic uncertainty worldwide, charter demand remains strong,” said Axis CEO Kerstin Mumenthaler. “Our clients are seeking both leisure escapes and reliable business connections, with destinations across the Middle East and Southern Africa also accounting for a large proportion of charter flights this summer.”