European Flights Up, US Flights Down

Newly-released Argus TraqPak data shows that US business aviation flight activity in July saw its first year-over-year decline since February 2021, with usage in key markets down 4.4 percent.

In contrast, Europe saw a monthly record of more than 102,000 business aviation flights, an increase of 12.7 percent, led by the large cabin category which was up by nearly 20 percent. Activity in Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America was also up by more than 16 percent compared to July 2021.

All operational categories in the US were down for the month, led by Part 135 activity which was down 8.8 percent. Part 91 saw a 1.6 percent decrease, while fractional usage was off by 0.4 percent.

The July Global Business Aircraft Activity report says that all aircraft segments posted declines, with the large cabin segment experiencing the largest drop from July 2021 at 4.7 percent, with turboprops, midsize jets, and light jets off by 4.4, 4.3, and 4.2 percent, respectively.

The biggest dips in the US till July 24 were seen in California and Florida, which were down 5% and 1%, respectively. The largest uptick in flight hours came from Ultra-Long-Range and Very Light Jets, both segments seeing double digit growth this July compared to last year, according to WINGX Global Market Tracker. Most regions of the US are still seeing more demand than than they were pre-pandemic, with New Jersey a notable exception.

“Overall global activity was up year over year and Europe was the busiest that we have ever seen,” said Travis Kuhn, Argus International’s Senior V-P of Market Intelligence. “Within North America, we did see a yearly decline but it’s important to point out July 2022 was still up 13 percent from July 2019.”

Events such as the Farnborough International Air show and French Grand Prix in Europe have seen strong bizjet demand this month. Fights into Le Castellet’s nearby airports were up by 37% compared to the same event back in 2019.

Both European and US business aircraft activity witnessed a record-setting pace in the first half of the year, according to the Argus International mid-year review.