The business jet market continues to show strong demand, with activity at all-time highs. While we’re seeing some ups and downs in different regions, the overall trend remains positive. Events like the Hungarian Grand Prix and the UEFA Women’s Euro final in Basel show how premium sporting events continue to drive consistent traffic to our sector.
Executive Summary
In Week 30 (21 – 27 July), global bizjet activity reached 76,267 departures, a decrease of 1% over the prior week and increase of 1% compared to Week 30 of 2024. Week 26 2025 remains the most active week on a last 52 week rolling basis. Looking at the rolling four week total, global flights are 2% ahead of the same period last year.
Year-to-date (1 January – 27 July), global business jet flights are up 3.0% vs the same period last year and +2.0% vs YTD 2023, representing sustained demand for business jet travel. Estimated JET A fuel uplift is following a similar trend, up 3.3% versus YTD 2024 and +2.1% against YTD 2023.
Chart 1: Global business jet departures by week in the last 12 months
Regional Performance Analysis
North America: Steady growth with Florida softening
North American markets expanded slightly compared to Week 30 last year, with 1% growth in bizjet flights versus Week 30 2024. The top US market was in line with the overall North America trend at +1%, while key state Florida performed below the national market trend for a 2nd consecutive week, -2% year-on-year. The overall North America four-week trend remains positive at +2% compared to last year.
Europe: Regional disparities as Italy outperforms
European business jet activity underperformed its North American counterpart, decreasing 1% in Week 30 versus the comparable 2024 period, while demonstrating strong regional variances. France and Switzerland both realized notable retractions in Week 30, -11% and -9% respectively, while Italy continued its strong above market trend at +9%.
Rest of World: Emerging markets drive double-digit growth
Business jet activity in regions outside Europe and North America advanced 10% in Week 30 versus the prior year. Asia’s -1% contraction was the largest drop amongst ROW regions, while South America grew 12% and both the Middle East and Africa expanded 18%.
Current Events Analysis
UEFA Women’s Euro final drives Basel airport traffic
The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final at St. Jakob-Park in Basel this past weekend generated notable business aviation activity at the nearby Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg airport. England’s dramatic victory over Spain in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time drew significant crowds to the match. During the four-day period surrounding the final (24 – 27 July), the airport recorded 43 business jet movements, representing a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. This uptick reflects the continued draw of premium sporting events for business aviation travellers.
Hungarian Grand Prix boosts Budapest traffic
Looking ahead to The Hungarian Grand Prix, scheduled for 3rd August in the outskirts of Budapest, WINGX data tells a compelling story in event-driven business jet demand. Historical data reveals a consistent pattern of elevated activity at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport during the three-day window surrounding the race.
The event’s impact becomes particularly evident when examining year-over-year comparisons, which account for the race’s varying annual dates. In 2023, the airport recorded 74 business jet movements during the race period, a 57% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2022. The following year maintained this momentum, with 73 flights representing a 20% year-over-year gain versus the comparable 2023 period.
This sustained growth pattern underscores the enduring appeal of premium sporting events as drivers of business aviation demand, with the Hungarian Grand Prix serving as a reliable indicator for the sector’s performance during major international competitions.