Aviation News

Why Is China’s Private Jet Fleet Shrinking?

July 7, 2022

The pandemic had a significant impact on the world, but few countries suffered the protracted effects of the virus like China. Until May 2022, the country was subject to a series of stringent lockdowns and quarantines that effectively stagnated the economy and disrupted the broader developed world. Every industry felt the effects of the pandemic, including private aviation. In fact, analysts are expressing concerns of a prolonged period of depression for China’s private fleet. It’s bad news for airframers reliant on APAC (Asia-Pacific) markets to bolster jet sales.

Surveying China’s private fleet

According to year-end figures from China’s 20 largest fleet operators, only four saw growth in 2021. The top five operators saw a combined net reduction in 16 jets. These top 20 operators represent roughly 32% of the country’s total private jets, and their stagnation has been the primary catalyst in dragging down fleet figures across APAC.

According to analyst reports, China’s fleet dropped roughly 5% in 2021, contributing to a 1% decline across the greater Asia-Pacific fleet. Hong Kong — which made headlines for its stringent COVID-19 policies — led China’s diminishing fleet figures, losing 19 aircraft last year.

Factors behind the shrinking fleet

While it’s easy to blame COVID-19 turbulence for China’s lagging jet sales, analysts believe there are other economic factors at play. Namely, we could be entering a pivot period for the region — one that could serve as a springboard for China’s fleet. That pivot? A shift in demand from larger business jets to smaller, lighter aircraft.

In 2021, 114 business jets left the greater APAC fleet and bizjet deliveries were down 13.2% for the year. Large jet airframers like Gulfstream and Embraer saw their market share contract by roughly 5% and 8%, respectively. During this same period, light jet airframers like Textron saw growing market share of more than 5.5%. By class, light jets were up 3.5%, midsized jets remained flat, and large-cabin jets dropped 7.7%; all while, very-light jets ticked up an astounding 16.9%.

China’s lagging fleet appears to be a question of turnover and replacement, rather than pure contraction. Big bizjets are out; small regional craft are in.

China’s demand is important for airframers

APAC is the third-largest private aviation market in the world, with China’s demand for jets outpacing India and Saudi Arabia combined. Pullback from China spells trouble for airframers relying on this market to bolster sales through strong annual deliveries.

The good news is that, while China’s fleet has contracted, this contraction appears temporary. If China truly is pivoting to prefer smaller aircraft, larger airframers could find themselves losing long-held market share in the coming years. It’s a situation worth monitoring.

A Closer Look at the Newer, Faster Cirrus SR Series

June 23, 2022

Among turboprops and ultralights, Cirrus is a respected industry leader. Its SR Series of jets is beloved by owners, and the company continues to improve the line to keep up with evolving technology. This year, Cirrus launched the sixth iteration of its SR Series, proving once again the surest path to market dominance is sticking with what works.

While the Cirrus SR may look like the old familiar airframe, it’s what’s under the façade that’s turning heads. It’s newer, faster, and packed with innovations poised to keep it at the front of the pack.

A beloved aircraft continues to evolve

Cirrus has been diligent in updating its SR jets since the series inception in 2001. Over the past 20 years, the jets have been through six major iterations, with the latest G6 SR airframe hitting the skies in 2022. To date, the company has delivered more than 8,000 SR Series aircraft, and they’re widely recognized as the bestselling high-performance, single-engine piston aircraft.

Part of the reason the Cirrus SR Series continues to enjoy market prominence is the company’s commitment to adding value. As it innovates for newer models, Cirrus doesn’t neglect its fleet. Case in point: the exciting new features available with the 2022 G6 SR Series.

Building on a fan favorite turboprop

In its sixth iteration, the Cirrus SR Series stays true to its original airframe design, with only slight modifications to improve its aerodynamic efficiency. Specifically, the latest design makes small adjustments to wing and tail surfaces and features redesigned wheel pants. According to Cirrus, these minor improvements will reduce drag and improve airspeed up to 9 knots faster than previous models. G6 buyers will also have eight new exterior paint color options.

Other upgrades are available with the Cirrus IQ app. A reconfigured status screen now features a new navigation bar with aircraft status, inspection intervals, and warranty expiration all front and center. Quick sync to mobile devices — as well as USB-A and USB-C port connections — provides instant access to trip and craft information.

Luxury enhancements are another focal point of the 2022 SR models. From all-leather premium interior options to functional improvements to ease cargo loading, the jet enhances the superior user experience Cirrus owners have come to expect.

An attractive jet in the current market

The latest installment of the Cirrus SR Series couldn’t come at a better time. An influx of new buyers in the private aviation market is ramping up demand for light and ultralight craft. Already a bestseller among turboprops, the new SR stands to attract first-time buyers — particularly hobbyists and regional flyers looking for a craft with unparalleled manufacturer support.

As Cirrus continues to emphasize lifestyle, convenience, value, and innovation, the G6 SR remains an appealing choice for long-term return on investment. And with a starting price under $1 million, there’s significant draw for new owners and the potential to entrench the SR Series among the most popular jets of all time.

Textron Acquires Slovenian Electric Aircraft Company Pipistrel

June 16, 2022

Private aviation is on the precipice of an eco-friendly era of innovation, including sustainable aviation fuel and boomless supersonics. Leading the charge into aviation’s new golden age are electric jets, which are rising to prominence around the globe. And established airframers are taking notice.

Textron Aviation recently announced its acquisition of Pipistrel, a Slovenian electric jet company. The startup is well respected for its electric jets and innovative tech, and Textron’s acquisition is a sign of its investment in an electric aviation future.

Breaking down the Pipistrel acquisition

Textron entered an agreement to acquire Pipistrel in March 2022, and the deal officially closed in April, bringing the electric aviation innovator under the same brand umbrella as names like Cessna, Beechcraft, and Bell. The acquisition involved a cash purchase of 218 million euros ($235 million) and an additional clause allowing Pipistrel founder and CEO Ivo Boscarol to remain a minority shareholder for two years.

As a result of the acquisition, Pipistrel gains access to expanded manufacturing and product development capabilities, as well as the technical and regulatory expertise necessary to help it produce next-gen electric aircraft under Textron’s guidance.

Electric aviation is an industry certainty

Textron’s acquisition of an electric airframer signals growing industry sentiment regarding the direction of private aviation — particularly for ultralight and light jet classes. Like many other big-name airframers, the company is committing significant resources to a more sustainable future. In fact, Pipistrel will be a central part of Textron’s newest business segment: Textron eAviation.

Textron hasn’t been shy in voicing its support of sustainable aviation. In a statement regarding its acquisition of Pipistrel, Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly said, “Pipistrel puts Textron in a uniquely strong position to develop technologies for the sustainable aviation market and develop a variety of new aircraft to meet a wide range of customer missions.”

With its established dominance in light and midsized jets, Textron stands to act as a steward for electric aircraft in these classes. Its acquisition of Pipistrel is a big step in the direction of the private aviation market’s trend toward sustainability.

The perfect addition to Textron’s portfolio

Pipistrel is well placed to propel Textron’s competitive vision forward. The startup already has an enviable track record of delivering viable results, and it brings strong prototypes ready to benefit from the wealth of resources Textron offers. In 2020, for example, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro earned distinction as the first all-electric aircraft granted full European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification.

Although Textron has not provided specifics on how it will incorporate Pipistrel into its eAviation plan, it did reveal in its most recent earnings report to shareholders that the budget for its eAviation division will hover between $40 million and $50 million in 2022, and Pipistrel’s acquisition will actually increase research and development costs as it seeks to integrate acquired technologies into its current development pipeline.

Ultimately, Pipistrel is an ideal acquisition for Textron. It creates a confluence of private aviation expertise to lay the groundwork for continued dominance in a future increasingly governed by the demand for sustainable aviation.

9 Riveting Facts About Private Aviation for 2022

March 24, 2022

On the heels of explosive growth in 2020 and 2021, the private aviation sector is already reaching new heights in 2022. But to understand exactly how big the industry is, and what its growth potential looks like in the years to come, it’s essential to view it in context. What facts and figures do private flyers, jet buyers, and aviation afficionados need to focus on as the industry reaches new heights in 2022?

Here’s a look at nine high-flying facts to consider as we look at the potential of private aviation:

1. There are roughly 22,000 active private jets in service. And this figure is growing faster than ever. Low used jet inventory was one of the major industry headlines in 2020 and 2021, and airframers have rushed to answer the call. Expect jets to enter service at an unprecedented rate in the years to come.
2. North America has the largest private jet fleet in the world. The North American fleet represents roughly 15,500+ jets, accounting for about 70% of the world’s total in-service jets. Here again, demand is sure to grow even higher as more Americans turn to private and semi-private air travel post-pandemic.
3. The global private jet market was valued at $24.21 billion in 2020. Even during the harshest economic year of the pandemic, the global market for private jets was thriving. While down from its 2019 valuation, figures are already rebounding. In 2021, the market was back up to $23.6 billion — and rising.
4. The market is expected to reach $36.94 billion by 2028, a 5.22% compound annual growth rate. Speaking of market growth, analysts expect private aviation to grow at a healthy rate of 5.22% for the next six years to reach a value of $36.94 billion. This growth will come on the heels of increased deliveries and additional interest from regional charters.
5. Florida, Texas, and California are the busiest states for charters. It’s no surprise the busiest states for domestic charters are home to some of the country’s largest urban epicenters. Also in the top 10 states, and for the same reason, are New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Arizona.
6. There were 2.15 million private charters in 2020. 2020 marked a spike in private charters as droves of people turned to private air travel during pandemic uncertainty. Many first-time private fliers have continued to seek the comfort of charters, and some have become private jet owners themselves.
7. Seven of the top 12 business jet manufacturers are based in the United States. It’s no surprise that the United States leads the way in every major private jet growth metric. After all, this is where the world’s largest airframers reside. Boeing, Textron, Gulfstream, Cessna, and others all reside on U.S. soil, with strong production to anchor them.
8. Gulfstream’s G500 & G600 series were the bestselling jets in 2020. On the subject of strong deliveries, Gulfstream takes the cake as the most popular deliverer in recent years. Specifically, its G500 & G600 series accounted for 105 units in 2020. Coming in second was the Cirrus Vision jet, followed by Bombardier’s Global series.
9. Data predicts private aircraft sales will top $235 billion by 2030. If nothing else, these facts illustrate one thing: Private aviation is on an upward trajectory. Sales will top $235 billion within the decade. For private aviation, the sky is the limit, and there’s certainly enough momentum to propel this industry up, up, and away.

Are BizAV and Private Aviation Growing Too Big Too Fast?

January 20, 2022

Even five years ago, private aviation was a walled garden of travel opportunity. Reserved for corporate travelers and high-net-worth individuals, private jets were a niche market. But post-pandemic, the industry finds itself at center stage — an object of attention from new and seasoned travelers alike. The result is booming, unprecedented demand, and measured by all prior industry standards and metrics, it’s forcing private aviation into a sink or swim situation.

The pandemic state of private aviation

Prior to 2019, the cost of chartering a private jet was anything but cheap, but rates have risen astronomically since COVID-19 pushed a new audience into the industry. According to some reports, clients are paying $5,000 to $25,000 per hour for private jet travel, and the average deposit for some charter company jet cards is encroaching on a quarter of a million dollars.

What’s the reason for these mind-boggling rates? As Michael Silvestro — CEO of Flexjet — said in a recent webinar on the state of chartered aviation in 2021, “We’re seeing 25 to 40 percent more volume than previous years.” Flexjet, Netjets, and other industry leaders simply aren’t equipped to handle this rapid influx of demand.

Earlier this year, Netjets suspended new jet card sales in an effort to cap demand. According to company president Patrick Gallagher, “The vast number of flights is taxing the air-travel infrastructure in ways we haven’t seen in years.”

Compounding problems for BizAV

An influx of general demand isn’t the only struggle for private aviation. Low inventory of quality used aircraft is driving up demand for charters and pushing orders for new aircraft higher than they’ve been in years. “We have buyers with funds to purchase, but demand for late model aircraft with attractive configurations exceeds supply,” said Wayne Starling, Executive Director of the International Aircraft Dealers Association.

There’s also a persistent shortage of pilots on staff. BizAV customers with their own jets can afford to retain private staff, but charter companies are struggling to find qualified pilots. And the short notice and sporadic nature of many chartered flights only makes coordinating schedules among available pilots more difficult.

Finally, there’s an educational component to this growing industry. New customers have unrealistic expectations about private aviation, and they’ve introduced an unprecedented level of inefficiency into charter operations. Major providers are working hard to adjust to demand, but in the meantime, private aviation is subject to disruption, cancellation, and higher costs.

Growing pains are part of getting bigger

Industry reports for private aviation’s growth put the figure as high as 30% in 2020-2021. Forward-looking projections cite a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.4% by 2025. All signs point to a sector growing at an explosive rate. Will charter providers and jet brokers be able to keep up?

While the market is currently rife with struggle, many believe relief is on the horizon. Charter CEOs are in apparent agreement: There’s a demand plateau on the horizon. Combined with increasing deliveries from airframers, and new service models from operators, and at least some congestion relief  is in sight.

While it looks like private aviation will continue to as the de-facto mode of travel for many jetsetters, it’s only a matter of time before the sector adapts to meet this new demand.

The HondaJet 2600 Prototype is Ready to go Coast-to-Coast

December 9, 2021

Light jets are great for regional travel, and a favorite of many charters, but they’re limited in range — typically to 1,000 nautical miles or a three-hour radius. The need to go farther usually pushes private jet buyers into the midsized category, but now, Honda is pushing boundaries and blurring lines between light airframes and midsize ranges. Its new prototype, the HondaJet 2600, is light in stature, but it could make coast-to-coast flights to rival the range and speed of its midsized counterparts — and it’s a potential game-changer for both categories.

A prototype with exciting possibilities

HondaJet is well-known for its high-performing regional jets, including its Elite S and original HondaJets. It’s a strong contender in the 1200-1400 nautical mile range. Now, it’s looking to double that range with its prototype 2600 model.

The HondaJet 2600 is designed to meet the demands of transcontinental jetsetters. It builds on the success of the Elite S and its over-the-wing engine mount design — as well as its composite fuselage. It also represents continued innovation of an already efficient design with its improvements to Natural Laminar Flow technology on the nose and wings.

According to HondaJet officials, the 2600 stands to be the first-ever light jet capable of transcontinental flight. It’s expected to reach a maximum cruising speed of 450 knots and an impressive flight ceiling of 47,000 feet.

Blurring the lines between market segments

HondaJet is pulling out all the stops in pursuit of light jet market dominance. The 2600 will offer the range of midsized models in a light jet package and come equipped with some of the most advanced features in both markets. It’s a true hybrid with the potential to disrupt both market segments.

With seating for up to 11, the HondaJet 2600 will come with one of three pre-configured cabin arrangements, suited to the individual owner. Featuring the tallest cabin height in the light jet class and an unmatched cabin altitude of 6,363ft, it’s a jet designed as much for comfort as performance.

In the avionics department, pilots benefit from auto-throttle, auto-brake, advanced steering augmentation system (ASAS) and runway overrun awareness and alerting system (ROAAS) features. These innovations make for smoother, safer flights and blend well with the tremendous efficiency features factored into the 2600’s design.

Efficiency like no other

While still a prototype, the HondaJet 2600 already has the industry and its followers buzzing — because of its potential distance, yes, but also because of its clear emphasis on efficiency. It’s this efficiency that will enable the 2600 to go the transcontinental distance.

Over-the-wing engine mounting and performance fuselage design are set to make the 2600 up to 20% more efficient than other light jets — and more than 40% more fuel-efficient than a midsized jet during a typical flight.

“With the HondaJet 2600 concept, which enables efficient transcontinental flight, offers new level of cabin comfort and capacity and dramatically reduces CO₂ emissions, we are introducing a new generation of business jets,” said Honda Aircraft CEO Michimasa Fujino.

Before we can dub the HondaJet 2600 a market-busting hybrid, it’s important to remember that at its current stage, it remains a prototype — with no set dates for flight testing or production. In all likelihood, the 2600 concept will evolve into a new iteration before coming to market — one with even more exciting possibilities.

Has the Billionaire Space Race Set a New Precedent for the Aerospace Industry?

September 16, 2021

In 1969, the United States won the space race when Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon. Space travel is picking up again, but it’s not nations racing for the stars — it’s billionaires. Within two weeks of each other, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Virgin Group’s Richard Branson both breached Earth’s atmosphere, and they’re not the only ones aiming for the stars. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has already sent a car into space and is reportedly reserving an interstellar ticket aboard Virgin Galactic. So, is the sky really the limit for billionaires?

The billionaire forefathers of the next space race

There are several key players in today’s space race, with Elon Musk’s SpaceX project leading the pack. While Bezos’s Blue Origin and Branson’s Virgin Galactic have made great strides in terms of civilian space travel, they’ve stayed suborbital — running behind Musk’s SpaceX achievements as the company prepares to launch an all-civilian orbital mission within months.

Dubbed Inspiration4, the mission is an ambitions 3-day journey funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman as a charity project for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It’s set to be the first crewed orbital mission without government employees onboard. Isaacman, along with a trained jet pilot, will command the mission. Currently, seats aboard Inspiration4 cost approximately $50 million each.

Compared to the moon landing in 1969, space travel is much less restrictive today. Technology is advancing at a rapid rate and allowing those with the financial means to build their own craft and achieve successful, highly-celebrated excursions beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The door is wide open for companies like SpaceX to transport wealthy individuals on joyrides into space.

Private aviation’s role in a race to the stars

With these forays into space by private entities, is it possible for airframe manufacturers like Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer or other well-known companies to get in on the action of commercial space travel?

It’s possible, but not likely — at least not yet. But leading companies are considering it. If Musk’s September launch and Bezos’s crewed flights succeed, it’s likely space tourism flights will begin sooner than we think. It’ll be a fierce competition with many eyes watching — including the world’s leading private airframe manufacturers. It’s not a huge leap to think companies like Bombardier, Dassault, or Embraer will soon become players in a commercialized space race — likely in partnership with its billionaire forefathers.

The space race is on (again)

If there’s one takeaway from today’s space race, it is this: Taking to the skies — and even breaching orbit — is coming within reach for a larger number of people. A little bit closer to Earth, private jet travel is giving more people more access to travel for business, leisure, and personal exploration. Everyone is climbing the ladder, and the next rung up is just above Earth’s atmosphere.

Bizjet Market: Post-Pandemic Growth Anticipated at $162.1B Over Five Years

August 5, 2021

After global interruptions to the market, new outlooks for business aviation (bizjet) depict a clear picture of growth over the next five years. New and pre-owned jet sales are anticipated to combine for $162.1 billion by the end of 2025 — an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%.

Growth is expected to arise from several key factors, including a resurgence of global travel, several new jet models, and higher demand for private travel in a post-pandemic world.

Bizjet forecast by the numbers

Market forecast data, courtesy of a report by Global Jet Capital (GJC), details several critical factors within the bizjet industry, such as regional trends and both new and used markets across aircraft sizes. Standout figures from the report include:

• Total bizjet transactions will rise slightly from 3,308 to 3,743 annually by 2025.
• Total transacted volume could top $36.3 billion in 2025, up from $29.3 billion in 2021.
• Total dollar value per transaction is expected to climb 17.5% by 2025.
• Heavy business jets are forecast to see a 6.2% CAGR by 2025.
• Medium jets could see strong growth of 7.6% over the next five years.

These figures are derived from examination of nearly 30 years of market data and account for the unprecedented disruption of the past year and a half. No matter which way you spin it, this data shows stronger recovery and growth prospects for bizjet with each passing year.

Recovery is ongoing

While private aviation escaped the fate of commercial airlines during the 2020 downturn, bizjet suffered in comparison to charter airlines and the personal use market. The downturn ushered in a 24.2% drop in bizjet deliveries and a staggering 16.4% drop-off in dollar volume. But bizjet is poised to bounce back.

GJC believes recovery will continue through 2022, and deliveries will reach pre-pandemic levels again in early 2023. Forward-looking projects are more impressive if we are projected to reach 2024 before the market shows truly substantive growth. Why the lag? The GJC report cites depleted supply chains and optimistic caution from airframe manufacturers.

An aging fleet that’s only getting older

Bizjet has another tailwind propelling it to new heights in the coming years: age. According to a another industry report from Fortune Business Insights, the average business jet is 17.6 years old. As maintenance and upgrade costs continue to increase and newer, more efficient jets hit the market, there’s strong incentive for businesses to upgrade. With prospects like the Gulfstream G700 and the Dassault Falcon 6X set to enter service soon, it’s hard not to find the idea of an upgrade enticing.

Bizjet is a maturing industry

Commentary from the GJC report notes part of the reason bizjet is expected to see such strong growth is the maturation of the industry. As new technologies loom, the world grows more connected, and travel needs ramp up again, bizjet and private aviation stand to capitalize on a growing segment of the travel industry. With 30 years of data and consumer trends to draw from, bizjet’s upward trajectory appears to have been a long time in the making.

BizAV Recovery Continues Its Climb to Pre-Pandemic Levels

July 29, 2021

A full 14 months on from the start of lockdowns and border closures, business aviation (BizAV) is beginning to rebound to pre-pandemic levels. Data released by aviation analytics company WingX Advance shows more and more corporate jets taking to the skies in an attempt to get back to life as it was before COVID-19. Recovery is likely to continue heading into the second quarter, though not quite up to pre-pandemic levels. And that’s not just the United States. Europe is also seeing surges in business flights, and there is a healthy pickup in international travel.

Breaking down recovery data

Business jet markets show signs of significant recovery. The U.S. is seeing increasing demand for charter flights, with month-to-date activity down by only 3.5% compared to the same period in 2019. Some states, including Colorado and Arizona, are experiencing higher demand than they did before the pandemic. Florida leads the pack with a 22% increase in demand for business charters compared to 2019.

In Western Europe, BizAV activity is down by 8% from May 2019 levels — but up 144% from May 2020. Even regions like Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East are showing a significant rebound from pandemic demand levels. And demand is expected to increase throughout the summer as the world continues to return to normal.

BizAV headwinds hampered corporate travel in 2020

While private aviation held up well during the pandemic, BizAV faltered. Desire to charter, and even purchase, private planes grew by leaps and bounds in response to depressed commercial air travel. People still wanted to travel, but they didn’t want to share a plane with hundreds of potentially infected strangers. But business travel ground to a halt.

Closed borders and travel restrictions made business travel impractical. Zoom calls took the place of face-to-face meetings. Businesses went lean in the face of economic uncertainty, and a conservative approach to spending led to fewer jet purchases. Conservative financial operations meant fewer travel expenses overall. And the rise in private travel for personal purposes made it  difficult to find crew for BizAV charters.

Strong recovery prospects abound

BizAV stands poised for a strong recovery in the coming months, but there are as many potential challenges as opportunities. The talent shortage is one hurdle. It is particularly difficult to find qualified corporate and charter pilots. Many major airlines offered attractive retirement incentives as operations slowed during the pandemic, and as corporate airlines move to rehire pilots, they’ll look to charter pilots first. There’s also the question of rising salaries as pilots use increasing demand as leverage for better pay.

Challenges are opportunities. Scheduled commercial services to midsize markets dried up during the pandemic, and companies that relied on such services are now turning to BizAV. As domestic business travel thrives, the light jet and turboprop sectors of the market are responding accordingly. Forecasts of economic growth for the foreseeable future fuels expectations for these trends to continue.