8 March 2017
There were 53,526 business aviation departures in Europe in February 2017, 0.9% growth compared to Feb-16 (which was 1 day longer). The YTD trend is now +2.6%; so far, 2,602 more flights in 2017 than in 2016. Business jets operated 62% of business aviation flights in February, increasing activity by 4% YOY. The overall trend was held back by Turboprop and Piston activity, down 4% YOY. The rolling 12-month trend in business jet activity is just above 2%. February’s activity was bolstered by stronger activity in Germany, flights up by 5% YOY. AOC activity from Germany is generating the growth, up 10% YOY. Mainly the recovery is coming in business jet rather than in turboprop activity. France continued to grow, less than in January, but still up by 473 flights a month so far this year. Much of the growth came from Le Bourget, departures up 4%, of which AOC missions gained 11% YOY. UK was also up, with daily departures to Europe +2.8%. Flights from Western Europe were up 1%, +2% from Southern Europe, but down 6% from Eastern Europe. Departures from Middle East and North America into Europe were down, but arrivals from Russia climbed 10% YOY. Private flights comprised 47% of all activity in February, volumes down 3%, in contrast to AOC sectors, up 6% YOY. Jet and Prop Private flights declined 1% and 5% respectively. Business jet AOC sectors increased by 8.5% YOY. AOC activity was up in all 7 top markets, including Italy. AOC departures from Spain increased 10% YOY, from Russia, +14%, and from the Netherlands, 28%. Apart from Germany, Private missions declined across the same top 7 markets. In terms of operated hours, all business jet segments except heavy jets were up this month. ELJ & VLJ hours increased >10%. ULR flights were up 10%, reflected for example in a big pick-up for Falcon 7X and Global Express aircraft. Business aviation activity declined at 3 of the busiest 4 airports – Luton, Geneva and Zurich. But apart from Zurich, AOC activity was up in the top 7. Largest growth in AOC activity came from Nice and Vnukovo, respectively growing 21% and 30% YOY.
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