Argus: Business Aviation Flying Up in April despite Mideast Turmoil | Aviation International News

Argus: Bizav Flying Up in April despite Mideast Turmoil

Usual March-April dropoff proved true for North America

Cessna Citation CJ2+ takes off from Geneva Airport in Switzerland — Business aircraft flying hit turbulence in May 2023, falling 1.6 percent globally from a year earlier. But activity is up 8 percent month-over-month and still trending above pre-pandemic 2019 levels. (Photo: David McIntosh/AIN)

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

May 5, 2026

Business aviation flying last month climbed 3.4% year over year, according to industry data tracker Argus International’s latest global aircraft activity report.

North America, the industry’s leading market, posted a 3.5% YOY increase in April, led by the fractional segment, which posted a 13% gain. While Part 135 operations rose by 4.5%, Part 91 usage fell into negative territory, down 1.5%. Across all aircraft classes, light jets had a nearly 8% boost in the region, while large-cabin use fared the worst, off by 5.8%.

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