Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Global business aircraft flight activity last month rose 1.1% year over year (YOY), with North America and Europe seeing declines of 2.6% and 4.8%, respectively, while the rest of the world climbed by 10.6%, according to TraqPak data from Argus International. When corrected for the leap day last February, flying was up 4.7% globally last month, it added. Argus analysts are predicting a 0.6% YOY increase in North America and a 2.9% traffic decrease in Europe this month.
In North America, results by operational category were mostly positive last month, with fractional activity once again leading the way with 3.6% YOY gains. Part 135 flying inched up by 0.4%, marking the third consecutive month of increases, while Part 91 plunged 7.5%. But aircraft categories in the region were all negative versus last February: large-cabin jets, -4.4%; light jets, -4%; turboprops, -2.7%; and midsize jets, -0.5%. The largest and only double-digit increase in individual categories in North America was fractional large-cabin activity, which climbed 10.2% YOY.
According to Argus, European activity was “sluggish” last month, with aircraft categories in the red: turboprops, -7.3%; light jets, -5%; large-cabin jets, -3.9%; and midsize jets, -3.1%. But it was the complete opposite in the rest of the world: turboprops, +43.6%; midsize jets, +20.1%; light jets, +16.8%; and large-cabin jets, +7.5%.
“Overall demand continues to remain strong in North America. Activity was technically down in February, but it was up when adjusted for the extra day in 2024. Part 135 activity has now produced three straight monthly increases, and, while there is no guarantee of gains every single month, we still expect activity to be positive for that segment in 2025,” said Argus v-p of software Travis Kuhn. “Part 91 and large-cabin activity continue to be areas of focus as we see some continued softening in demand.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Business Aircraft Flying Climbs in February, Says Argus International

Activity buoyed by Asia-Pacific, South America, and Africa as Europe and North America see declines

Global business aircraft flight activity rose 1.1% year over year in February 2025, but North America and Europe lagged while the rest of the world soared.

Argus: Business Aircraft Flying Climbs in February

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Globally, business jet departures were down a percentage point

Global Bizjet Flights Dip in February

Neelam Mathews

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

The e200 aircraft should have a range of up to around 60 nm

India’s ePlane Set To Start Flight Testing Two-seat eVTOL Aircraft

Charles Alcock

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Lilium, Volocopter, and Airbus all now appear to be out of the advanced air mobility running

Cash Crunch Forces Consolidation among eVTOL Contenders

Matt Thurber

French manufacturer aims to be closer to customers in Asia

Dassault Falcon 8X Shines on BAAFEx Static Display

Hanneke Weitering

JetZero aims to fly a full-scale demonstrator in 2027

Delta and JetZero Partner on Blended-wing-body Airliners

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

More In Aircraft

Global Bizjet Flights Dip in February

Globally, business jet departures were down a percentage point

India’s ePlane Set To Start Flight Testing Two-seat eVTOL Aircraft

The e200 aircraft should have a range of up to around 60 nm

Cash Crunch Forces Consolidation among eVTOL Contenders

Lilium, Volocopter, and Airbus all now appear to be out of the advanced air mobility running

Dassault Falcon 8X Shines on BAAFEx Static Display

French manufacturer aims to be closer to customers in Asia

Delta and JetZero Partner on Blended-wing-body Airliners

JetZero aims to fly a full-scale demonstrator in 2027

Tariffs Threat Rippling Throughout Aviation Industry

Industry believes tariffs apply to aviation products despite earlier trade agreements

Beta’s New Alia CX300 Electric Aircraft Has Flown Coast to Coast in the U.S.

An electric CTOL aircraft will be easier to certify than an eVTOL, and has many applications.

Beta Rolls Out Alia CX300 Electric Airplane Bound for Norway

Demonstration flights over Norway could begin this summer

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN