Business Aviation Trends in 2024

From the relentless quest for greener aviation, to revolutionary technological advances, regulatory challenges and postpandemic health safety imperatives, the business aviation landscape is in a state of flux.

- Athol Franz

The year 2023 was marked by a period of notable stabilisation for business aviation. After the unprecedented challenges encountered in previous years, notably due to the pandemic and its repercussions on the sector, 2023 was a year of consolidation and gradual recovery. Despite continuing uncertainties linked to the health situation and global economic fluctuations, business aviation demonstrated its resilience by maintaining a degree of stability. Industry players have adapted to new health and safety standards, implementing strict protocols to ensure the protection of passengers and staff.

On the economic front, although there was some turbulence, the industry managed to maintain a degree of regularity. Companies were cautious in their investments and business decisions, which helped to stabilise the market. In addition, business travel gradually picked up, albeit cautiously, with a marked preference for private flights offering greater control over the travel environment and greater respect for sanitary measures. Despite persistent challenges, the sector has demonstrated its ability to adapt and overcome obstacles.

WingX, the aviation data specialist released its global business aviation figures. At the end of 2023, the global business aviation market was down by 6%. In Europe, the business aviation market performed very well. In fact, the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has announced an 8% drop compared with 2022. A total of 740,152 business aviation flights were recorded in Europe in 2023. Industry players (air brokers and airlines) note a slowdown towards the end of 2023, but the market is stabilising, returning to 2019 levels.