Flight activity of large business jets in the Middle East could increase by as much as 83% by 2030, according to new research from Airbus Corporate Jets. The manufacturer surveyed 35 business aircraft financiers and brokers in the region, who also forecast 80% growth for light jets and 78% for midsize jets.
Airbus Corporate Jets, which makes VIP-configured ACJ bizliners based on its parent company’s narrow- and widebody airliners, said the Middle East already accounts for around one-third of demand for this class of business jet. It is looking to capitalize on anticipated strong demand for fleet renewal, with around 40% of business aircraft in that part of the world now at or approaching 15 years in service.
The professionals surveyed for the manufacturer all reported stronger business aviation demand over the past two years, with almost a fifth of respondents seeing 15% growth over that period and reports of strong interest from government customers. The rising demand projections were made in the wake of reports last week from industry data specialist WingX that flight activity in the region has continued to decline since the start of the Iran war in late February.
“Business aviation is evolving rapidly in the Middle East,” Airbus Corporate Jets president Chadi Saade said. “Organizations value the flexibility, security, and productivity that private aircraft provide.”
The Airbus research also highlighted the growing importance of new technology for business aircraft buyers. Almost all survey respondents predicted increased use of artificial intelligence for flight optimization, and they indicated increased demand for high-performance airborne connectivity and the ability to use sustainable aviation fuel.
In addition to ACJ models based on the A320, A330, and A350 airliners, Airbus Corporate Jets is emphasizing the ACJ TwoTwenty, based on the A220. The manufacturer claims this model represents a separate, new market segment—the Xtra Large Bizjet. With a range of 5,650 nm, the TwoTwenty can reach anywhere in Europe, Asia, or Africa from the Middle East.
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