A study commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets found that 79% of polled U.S. senior business executives from companies that lease or own private jets said sustainability and the use of sustainable fuels was one of their top three reasons for considering upgrading their fleets within the next five years.
The second biggest factor driving potential upgrades is an increased emphasis on operating costs. Respondents also cited that newer, better models have recently been launched. Notably, only 14% cited more range as a reason to upgrade, implying that OEMs with aircraft that can fly 7,500 to 8,000 nm at subsonic speeds have reached the endurance limits of passengers.
Among senior U.S. business executives surveyed whose companies do not currently own or lease business jets but may consider doing so within the next five years, the primary reason cited is their organization's increasing reliance on business aviation. The introduction of innovative business jet models and their enhanced appeal comes in second.
“The business aviation sector has experienced significant innovation with the launch of more efficient and technologically advanced aircraft, aligning with employers' heightened focus on employee well-being,” said Sean McGeough, Airbus Corporate Jets v-p of commercial for North America.