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North America Business Aviation Activity to See Slight Growth in 2025
Modest Growth Forecasted for 2025
Business aviation in North America is poised for modest growth in 2025, with Argus International projecting a 0.2% increase in total flights. As private jet owners and operators look to the future, key trends indicate changing preferences in aircraft ownership and operations.
Flight Activity Trends
- Estimated 2025 Flights: 3.4 million flights in North America (up from 3.1 million in 2024).
- Global Business Aviation: A total of 4.8 million flights were recorded in 2024.
Experts forecast steady growth, with seven months in 2025 experiencing improved flight activity. January is expected to see the most significant rise at 5.2%. This positive outlook follows post-COVID stabilization, signaling a return to normalcy for the industry.
Shift Away From Part 91 Operations: What Does It Mean for Private Jet Owners?
Private jet ownership under Part 91 (owner-flown aircraft) continues to decline. In 2024, Part 91 operations dropped by 4.8% compared to the previous year, marking a significant shift in the aviation landscape.
What Is Part 91?
Part 91 refers to private, owner-flown aircraft operations — traditionally favored by individual jet owners. However, this model is seeing a steady decline.
Key Insights:
- 2019 vs. 2024: Part 91 represented 50.6% of business aviation in 2019, but now accounts for only 45% of total activity.
- Flight Reduction: Despite an overall increase in business aviation, Part 91 saw 30,000 fewer flights compared to 2019.
This change suggests that more business jet owners are exploring alternatives to full ownership, such as fractional ownership and managed fleet solutions.
What It Means for Jet Owners
The decline reflects a shift in owner preferences. More are exploring fractional ownership and managed fleet programs, which offer cost-efficiency, operational ease, and professional management.
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Fractional Ownership Grows: A Boom for Private Jet Operators
The Rise of Shared Ownership Models
The rise of fractional ownership programs is a key trend for 2024. Fractional aircraft programs have surged, accounting for 18.5% of business aviation activity in 2024, up from 13.1% in 2019.
Fast Facts:
- Increase in Flights: Fractional ownership saw an impressive 225,000 additional flights in 2024.
- Appealing to Owners: This shift reflects a growing preference for shared private jet ownership among businesses seeking flexibility and cost-efficiency.
Operator Opportunities
For operators, offering fractional ownership and jet management services could be an attractive option for customers looking for more operational efficiency without the commitment of full ownership.
Large-Cabin Private Jets: Flight Hours Increase Despite Decline in Flights
The large-cabin private jet segment faced a tough year in 2024, with 6.9% fewer flights compared to the previous year. However, flight hours in this category increased by 2.4%, indicating longer travel distances per flight.
- Increased Efficiency: Fewer flights but more operational hours across Part 91, fractional, and Part 135 operations reflect a trend toward greater utilization of each aircraft.
- High-Demand Segment: While flight numbers are down, large-cabin jets remain a sought-after choice for business executives, corporate travelers, and luxury private jet services.
2025 Outlook: Uncertainties and Opportunities in the Private Jet Market
Several factors could shape the future of business aviation in 2025:
Global Market Contrast
- Regulatory Changes: The impact of new U.S. policies on private jet operations remains uncertain, and companies like JETBAY must stay ahead of regulatory developments.
- European and Global Trends: While Europe shows signs of decline, other regions, particularly in the Middle East, are experiencing positive growth, suggesting global opportunities for business jet operators.
Despite these uncertainties, the private jet market shows strong overall resilience, with North America leading the way in growth. As the demand for luxury business travel continues, the private jet industry remains on track for a positive 2025.
Conclusion: The Future of Private Aviation in 2025
The business aviation sector continues to evolve, with private jet operators, fractional ownership programs, and managed fleet solutions taking center stage. The growth of companies hinges on adapting to these market shifts and offering tailored solutions for business aviation needs. With steady growth expected in 2025, the outlook remains positive for the private jet industry as new trends and customer preferences continue to shape the future.
Reflections
Thus, these trends indicate that North America’s private jet industry is poised for modest growth in 2025, despite challenges. A key shift is the decline in Part 91 operations (owner-flown aircraft), reflecting a growing preference for fractional ownership and managed fleets. This is complemented by increased utilization of large-cabin jets, with more operational hours per flight despite fewer total flights. Companies like JETBAY are well-positioned to capitalize on these evolving trends, driven by demand for flexible ownership models. However, regulatory changes and global market dynamics, especially in Europe, remain key uncertainties. Overall, the 2025 outlook is positive, with North America continuing to lead the sector’s steady recovery.
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Source:
Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit - Argus Sees Business Aircraft Ops Ticking Up in 2025