Argus: Business Aviation Ops Soar Globally in February

Global business aviation flight jumped 6.3% year over year (YOY) in February, with North America finishing up by 5.3% and Europe by 2.2%, according to TraqPak data and safety specialist Argus International. Argus is forecasting a 3.9% increase in North American flight activity this month, with Europe forging ahead by 2.8%.

“February couldn’t have looked much better in terms of activity,” said Argus senior v-p of software Travis Kuhn. “When we see activity in a 28-day month exceeding activity in a 31-day month, that is a sign that our industry is operating in very strong territory. The lone sluggish spot—Part 135 large-cabin jets—is still an area to monitor, but we do expect the overall industry to have a very strong March.”

In North America, business aircraft recorded about 500 more flights a day in February than a year earlier. Fractional activity continues to surge, once again posting the largest increase at 9.5% YOY. Part 91, however, posted a 5.9% increase, while Part 135 saw 2.4% gains.

Likewise, all aircraft categories in the region were up YOY in February, with small cabins leading the way at 7.6%. Midsize-jet activity increased by 5.1% and turboprops by 4.9%. Large-jet operations posted a 2.9% gain.  Out of the 12 specific segments, only large-cabin Part 135 activity slid, by 1.3%. The largest increase came with light-jet fractional operations, which skyrocketed by 16.2%.

In Europe in February, large-cabin activity surged by 8% and midsize and small-cabin activity each edged up by 1.6%. However, turboprop activity was down 3.3%. In the remaining regions, business aircraft operations jumped by 11% YOY with demand up across all four aircraft categories. Small-cabin jets led the way with a 22.3% gain.