Report: Global Business Jet Activity Up 2 Percent

Business jet and turboprop activity has risen 38 percent this year compared to 2019, WingX reported.

According to WingX’s weekly analysis, global business jet activity is up 2 percent compared to the same dates in March 2023. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Global business jet activity was up 2 percent in Week 11 this year over last year, according to data from WingX. 

The aviation data company reported that 72,223 business jets were flown around the globe in Week 11, ending March 17, a 1 percent drop compared to the previous week. Business jet and turboprop activity has risen 38 percent this year compared to 2019. 

WingX reported from January 1 through March 17: 

  • 5.9 million scheduled operations flights, up 15.6 percent from last year. 
  • 1.1 million business aviation flights, a jump of 2.1 percent from last year. 
  • 225,170 cargo flights, down 2.2 percent from last year.

In the U.S., 49,406 business jets were flown in Week 11, a 2 percent increase from Week 11 in 2023. Business jet departures from the U.S. are 1 percent ahead of March last year and 31 percent ahead of 2019. 

Florida has seen 20,353 business jet departures this month, up 4 percent over March last year. Texas is seeing 4 percent more departures over last March, while California has seen a small dip of less than 1 percent. 

Airports near popular spring break destinations in Florida are seeing growth, such as Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL), Miami International Airport (KMIA), Ocean Reef Club Airport (07FA), and Pompano Beach Airpark (KPMP). 

WingX reported from March 1 through March 17:

  • Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (KOPF) saw 1,612 business jet arrivals, down 2.3 percent from last year but up 91.4 percent from 2019.
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport had 1,187 business jet arrivals, up 16 percent  from last year and up 62.8 percent from 2019.
  • Miami International Airport saw 919 business jet arrivals, up 8.5 percent from last year and a gain of 59.8 percent from 2019. 
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) had 845 business jet arrivals, down 1.9 percent from last year but an increase of 48.8 percent from 2019. 
  • Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (KECP) saw 429 business jet arrivals, down 7.3 percent from last year but up 88.2 percent from 2019. 

European business jet activity was down 4 percent in Week 11 compared to this time last year. Activity in France fell 11 percent year over year, while departures in Italy are up 16 percent. 

WingX reported from March 1 through March 17:

  • France saw 14,098 business jet departures, down 4.9 percent from last year and 2.6 percent from 2019.
  • The U.K. had 13,033 business jet departures, down 1.2 percent from last year but up 2.7 percent from 2019.
  • Germany saw 11,770 business jet departures, down 5.2 percent from last year and 9.8 percent from 2019.
  • Switzerland had 9,003 business jet departures, down 3 percent from last year but up 7 percent from 2019.
  • Italy saw 8,076 business jet departures, up 6.6 percent from last year and 27.5 percent from 2019. 

Business jet activity in the Middle East fell 32 percent in Week 11 compared to 2023. Activity in China is 44 percent ahead of last year. Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore are the top connections outside of mainland China, WingX reported. 

Brinley Hineman covers general assignment news. She previously worked for the USA TODAY Network, Newsday and The Messenger. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and is from West Virginia. She lives in Brooklyn with her poodle Franklin.

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