Week 27 2024 almost exactly matched Week 27 2023, with variable geographic trends, the US seeing a bump up, in contrast to declines in June, and was especially strong in Part 135 and 91K operations, most notably in Texas. Europe saw a 3% slide, mainly in private and corporate activity. Germany and the UK are seeing stronger YOY activity, tied directly to the draw of major sporting events.
Global
In Week 27 (1st – 7th July), total global business jet departures were on par (0.3% up) compared to Week 27 in 2023, ahead of the last 4-week trend of 2% decline. Global Part135 & 91K activity was 4% ahead of W27 in 2023, the 4-week trend 2% ahead of last year. Globally there have been 12,520 active bizjets this month, down from 12,732 last July. Year to date (1st January – 7th July), bizjet activity has fallen 1%, 31% ahead of 5 years ago. Combined bizjets and turboprop activity is down 2% compared to last year, 37% ahead of 5 years ago.
Chart 1: Global bizjet overview Week 27 2024 vs comparable 2023.
United States
In the United States, bizjet activity in Week 27 grew 3% compared to Week 27 in 2023, the last four-week trend now 1% behind last year. Part 135 & 91K activity jumped 7% in Week 27 compared to Week 27 last year, the four-week trend is now 4% above last year. Florida, California and Texas were all ahead of Week 27 in 2023, Part135 and 91K activity in Texas jumping 17% ahead of W27 last year.
One week into July, US bizjet activity is 3% ahead of last year, 32% ahead of July 5 years ago. Top State Florida accounts for 11% of all US bizjet departures this month, with just under 7,000 flight hours flown out of airports in the Sunshine State. Florida bizjet departures are up 3% year on year, up 55% compared to 5 years ago. California is the busiest State to start the month behind last year, although NetJets and Flexjet bizjets are still seeing double digit growth, Vista Global departures falling 10% year on year.
Chart 2: US Bizjet States, 1st – 7th July 2024
Across the US Independence Day holiday this year (Thursday 4th – Sunday 7th July), 19,166 bizjets departures were recorded across airports in the United States, 8% more compared to the 2023 holiday period (Saturday 1st July – Tuesday 4th). Just over 4,600 Fractional departures during this year’s holiday, compared to the 3,825 during last year’s holiday. Connections between New York and Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard were popular, particularly for the Fractional fleets. NetJets flew almost 3,500 departures, making them by far the busiest operator. Wheels Up bizjet fleet flew 393 departures, down significantly compared to the 579 sectors flown during the 2023 holiday period. Just over 5,000 light jets were active this holiday period, the Embraer Phenom 300 the most popular light jet.
Chart 3: US Independence Day Holiday 2024, bizjet city flows vs scheduled airline city flows.
Europe
In Week 27 European bizjet activity dropped 3% compared to Week 27 in 2023, the last 4-week trend 2% down compared to last year. As the UEFA EURO tournament enters its final few matches, Germany’s bizjet operators continue to benefit, with W27 activity 6% above W27 in 2023. In contrast to most major European markets, the UK saw a 3% uplift in Week 27 compared to Week 27 in 2023.
So far in July, European bizjet activity has fallen 5% compared to last year, 4% ahead of July 2019. Bizjet activity in France has fallen way back, sectors trending below July 2019, with large erosions in corporate flight activity. Even so, fractional programs in France are busier than the start of any July in the last 5 years, Paris to Nice the busiest Fractional city flow this month.
In other key markets, United Kingdom and Germany buck the European trend at the start of this month, both markets likely benefiting from sporting events such as Wimbledon tennis, the UK F1 Grand Prix and the ongoing UEFA Euros tournament in Germany. Despite 11% growth in June, leisure market Greece has started this month slower than last year, departures currently 9% below the first 7 days of July 2023. The domestic market in Greece appears to be weighing down the country wide trend, domestic flights down 15% year on year in July, in contrast to a +17% growth in June. Bizjet arrivals into Greece from Italy, France and Switzerland have significantly fallen this month, although arrivals of Ultra-long-range, light and super midsize jets are ahead of last year.
Chart 4: European Business jet departures by OEM fleets, 1st – 7th July 2024
Rest of World
Some 5% of global bizjet flights in July are being tracked out of the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America. Respectively, week 27 trends YOY are -7%, -5%, +1% and -2%. Bizjet activity out of Dubai is holding up, with Tel Aviv the weak spot, activity down 29% YOY. Twenty percent of the ROW flights were either part 135 and part 91K operations, with strong growth in Asia and South America. Within Asia, there is strong growth in India, with activity out of New Delhi 26% ahead of last year.
Chart 5: Business jets vs scheduled airline departures, Dubai, July 1st – 7th 2024.
