Despite some softness in mature markets this week, the fundamental drivers of business aviation remain intact. We’re seeing healthy fleet utilisation and geographic expansion that suggest the industry remains on its sustainable growth trajectory.
Executive Summary
In Week 29, global bizjet activity reached 77,336 departures, an increase of 1% over the prior week and flat against Week 29 of 2024. While still shy of this cycle’s 52week peak of 78,808 flights (recorded in Week 26 of 2025), activity remains well ahead of the 52week trough of 60,521 (Week 2 of 2025). Looking at the rolling fourweek total, global flights are 3% ahead of the same period last year.
Now past the mid-point of July (1 – 20 July), global business jet flights are up 3.6% vs the same period last year. The active fleet of global business jets has also grown compared to 1 – 20 July 2024, with 18,354 active business jets, a 2.2% year-on-year increase.
Chart 1: Global business jet departures by week in the last 12 months
Regional Performance Analysis
North America: Below Average Performance
North American markets delivered sub-par results in Week 29, seeing a 1% retraction in bizjet flights versus Week 29 2024. The key US market saw a slightly worse 2% retraction, while key state Florida performed below the national market trend, -6% year-on-year. The overall North America four-week trend remains positive at +2% compared to last year.
Europe: Mixed Regional Results
Aligning with the North American market, European business jet activity decreased 1% in Week 29 versus the comparable 2024 period, with commercial AOC operations slipping 2% year-on-year. Regional performance exhibited significant dispersion, with Germany dropping 25%, while Italy grew 7%.
Rest of World: Strong Growth with Regional Variations
Business jet activity in regions outside Europe and North America advanced 9.5% in Week 29 versus the prior year. Performance varied significantly by geography: Asian flights declined 4% year-on-year, while South American activity surged 29% ahead of Week 29 2024. Africa also saw a strong week, up 20%, while Middle East activity slid 1%.
Current Events Analysis
The Open Drives Northern Ireland Business Jet Traffic
Historically, professional golf Major Tournaments drive business jet traffic to nearby airports, and The Open Championship held at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland this year was no different. The three closest airports to Royal Portrush are Belfast International, City of Derry, and George Best Belfast City, which saw 88 combined flights from 16 – 20 July, a 252% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Belfast International saw the greatest traffic at 45 flights 16 – 20 July, up 221% year-on-year.