North American business aviation activity rose 0.9% year over year last month, according to TraqPak data from Argus International, which had forecast a decline in September. Global activity increased 1.5%, and Europe returned to growth with a 0.7% gain.
“Fortunately, that forecast didn’t turn out to be correct, and activity was positive,” said Argus senior v-p of software Travis Kuhn. “This continues to point to the strength and resiliency of the business jet market in North America and abroad. We do have concern areas, but overall, demand has held firm heading into what is usually a busy quarter-four season for activity.”
Fractional operations led North America, up 7.2%, followed by Part 135 activity at 3%. Part 91 flying fell 3.4%, as midsize and large-cabin jets in this category posted consecutive monthly double-digit declines. By aircraft category in the region, turboprops posted the largest gain at 4.8%, followed by light jets at 3.6%. Midsize and large-cabin jet activity in North America slipped 1.1% and 7%, respectively. But large-cabin fractional flying led individual segments, climbing by 13.9%.
In Europe, every aircraft category gained except large-cabin jets, which fell 6.7%. Turboprops led at 11.4%. Activity in the rest of the world rose 9.6%, with all four aircraft categories up.
TraqPak analysts project October activity will rise 1.1% in North America and 1.4% in Europe.
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