US business aviation sector sees over 367,000 more flights in 2022 than in 2019

Analysis of industry data by Airbus Corporate Jets reveals there were some 4.06 million business aircraft departures in the U.S. in 2022, an increase of around 367,400, or almost 10%, when compared with 2019. Each month in 2022 saw a rise in the number of business aircraft departures in the U.S. over the corresponding month in 2019. In terms of utilization of business aircraft in the U.S., the average number of hours flown increased by 3.5% when compared with 2019. Focusing only on heavy jets, ultra-long-range and bizliner aircraft, the number of departures in 2022 was more than 562,000, an increase of 19.4% versus 2019. In addition, 99.9% of these flights are operated on routes of less than 5,500nm.

ACJ offers a range of large business aircraft, the latest of which is the ACJ TwoTwenty, launched in October 2020, creating a whole new market segment, ‘The Xtra Large Bizjet.’ The ACJ TwoTwenty is a new and unique valueproposition for business aviation buyers. It combines intercontinental range, enabling the aircraft to fly more than 12flight hours (up to 5,650nm), with unmatched personal space, providing ample comfort for each passenger with 786square feet of floor space. It is the only business jet featuring six wide VIP living areas, each measuring 130 square feet.

Looking at some of the busiest airports for large and long-range business aircraft departures in the U.S., PalmBeach International Airport in West Palm Beach saw an increase of 69.5% in 2022 when compared with 2019. At thesame time, Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in Miami saw an increase of 64.2%, and Scottsdale in Phoenix saw an increase of 55.6%.

Research with senior business leaders in the U.S. commissioned in 2022 by ACJ suggests the majority plan to increase their use of business aircraft in 2023. Nine out of 10 (89%) said they expect the organizations they work for to increase their use of business aviation this year, with one in four predicting it will rise by over 50%.

Sean McGeough, VP Commercial ACJ for North America, commented: “The U.S. business aviation market enjoyed strong growth last year, and a key factor behind this was more people using private jets during COVID-19 and a reluctance among many to give up the considerable benefits they offer. The pandemic resulted in a significant increase in people using business aviation for the first time. This will have a long-term positive impact on the growth of the market.”

The ACJ TwoTwenty, which is the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in its category, offers unbeatable economics and unrivaled reliability at the same price as ULR business jets. It occupies the same parking footprint as competitive ULR jets and can take off from the same airports, but the ACJ TwoTwenty operating costs are one-third less. As with all ACJ aircraft, the ACJ TwoTwenty is certified to fly with a 50% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The goal is to achieve 100% SAF certification by 2030. More than 200 Airbus corporate jets are in service worldwide, flying on every continent, including Antarctica.