Argus: Bizav Flying Up in May, but Momentum Slowing

Global business aircraft flying last month climbed 3.1% year over year (YOY), with North America up 2.1% from May 2025 and Europe seeing a more anemic 0.5% gain, according to the latest TraqPak data from Argus International. For this month, Argus is forecasting 1% and 0.4% YOY increases, respectively.

“All signs point to a slower growth rate in June, but we do expect it to be a positive month for activity,” said Argus senior v-p for software Travis Kuhn. “The two biggest areas for concern are Part 91 and large-cabin jet activity.”

North American activity in May was buoyed by strong fractional growth of 12.5%, eclipsing the 3.5% rise in charter flying. Meanwhile, Part 91 flying fell by 3.5%. By aircraft category in the region, turboprops led the pack with a 4.8% YOY gain in May, followed by light jets and midsize jets, which were up 3.6% and 1.8%, respectively. Large-cabin jet flying dipped 5.2%.

In Europe, light and midsize jets provided much of the momentum last month, climbing 2.2% and 2%, respectively. Turboprop flying eked out a 0.1% gain, while large-cabin jets were in the red, falling 2%.

The rest of the world reported an 8.9% YOY increase in activity, with all aircraft categories in the positive. Light jets led the surge with a 20.3% rise, followed by midsize jets, +12.9%; turboprops, +7.9%; and large-cabin jets, +0.7%.