Business Aviation Demographics

Perhaps it is not surprising that North America is home to more than half the world’s turbine-powered business aircraft (mostly registered in the USA) - but did you know that about 40 per cent of the global fleet consists of turboprops- not jets- asks Jack Olcott?

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Jack Olcott | 1st September 2013

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Jack Olcott

Possibly the world’s most recognized advocate, if not expert on the value of Business Aviation,...
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Business Aviation Demographics

Perhaps it is not surprising that North America is home to more than half the world’s turbine-powered business aircraft (mostly registered in the USA) - but did you know that about 40 per cent of the global fleet consists of turboprops- not jets- asks Jack Olcott?

Business aircraft are the utility vans of companies with places to go and people to see. While popular media focus on the long-range- large-cabin models- the typical business aircraft in use throughout the USA and the rest of the world is a small- to medium-sized machine that can accommodate five to eight passengers. Only 60 per cent are business jets- per se; the rest are powered by turbine engines turning propellers—i.e.- turboprops.

Not included in our Quick Look at Business Aviation demographics are the tens of thousands of General Aviation aircraft powered by internal combustion engines not too dissimilar to those found in automobiles. Like business jets and turboprops- they also enable access to places not served- or under-served by scheduled air transportation.

It is true that the larger- long-range business jets in the $50m+ category are selling well and generating significant revenue for their manufacturers- thanks to market dynamics that demand access to distant lands that are difficult to reach via commercial Airlines. But the true face of Business Aviation is a smaller aircraft- and its primary purpose is to link companies to customers- often within less than two hours flying time from the aircraft’s home airport.

As the US and global economy recovers- demand for Business Aviation will likely trend toward its traditional norms of makes and models. Directors can be confident that the need for business aircraft in all shapes and sizes is enduring.

Do you have any questions or opinions on the above topic? Get them answered/published in World Aircraft Sales Magazine. Email feedback to: Jack@avbuyer.com