As per the latest WINGX Business Aviation Bulletin, global business jet activity stayed steadfast in Week 30 (July 21-27). Around 76,267 flights worldwide were recorded-slenderly down 1% from the prior week but above 1% compared to the same week last year. Week 26 of this year is the best currently, Independent Flight Services operated the most flights during the previous 12 months. The rolling four-week based data indicates the positive development of 2% increase year on year.
From January to July 27, global business jet departures are 3% higher than the last year and also are 2% more compared to 2023 in exactly the same period. Fuel consumption changes parallel these trends, Jet-A demand grew by 3.3% likening it to the last year's figure and 2.1% over 2023 thus, its stable consumption for private aviation.
Regional Results
North America: Broad-based Growth, Florida Weaker
North American region is still in the lead with the business jet traffic increasing by 1% in Week 30as compared to the same period last year. The whole U.S. is reflected in the same way while Florida reported its second week in a row of downturn, by being 2% behind last year. Over the past 4 weeks, the regional trend has been solid at +2%.
Europe: Mixed Outcomes, Italy Tops
Overall in Europe, total business jet activity of this week decreased by 1% as compared to the same week of 2024, however, the scenario is inconsistent. France and Switzerland met with heavy losses—down 11% and 9% respectively—on the other hand, Italy performed well, gaining 9% and overtaking the average for the region.
Rest of World: Daring Growth
Besides North America and Europe, business jet activities increased by 10% year-on-year in Week 30. The biggest drop was in Asia that was down by 1%, however, this figure was eclipsed by other regions: South America had a tremendous rise by 12%, while the Middle East and Africa prospered by 18%.
The story of the week
UEFA Women's Euro 2025 Final Gathers Basel Traffic
The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final, which will be held at Basel's St. Jakob-Park, has generated a substantial increase in the number of private aircraft at Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport. The VIP influx strikingly included England's thrilling victory over Spain in a penalty shootout.
For the four days right before the event (July 24-27), there were 43 business jet flights at the airport which is 10% more than the same time last year thus highlighting the popularity of high-profile sports events among private aviation passengers.
Hungarian Grand Prix Produces Budapest's Demand
Ahead of the Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix, which is happening on August 3, the demand for private flights to Budapest has mushroomed again. The historical WINGX data indicates that there has been a regular increase in the traffic at Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport during the three days before the race.
The effect is obvious if you take a look at the year-on-year comparisons: in 2023, the race week was marked by the influx of 74 business jets, being 57% more than in 2022. The next year, the number of aircraft remained stable at 73, achieving another 20% increase. Durably these events, severely affected demand drivers, show that the business aviation industry is growing year after year.
Market Outlook
WINGX Managing Director Richard Koe commented:
“Business jet demand remains robust, with overall activity near record highs. While performance varies across regions, the global trend is clearly upward. Events such as the Hungarian Grand Prix and the UEFA Women’s Euro final in Basel highlight how premium sporting occasions continue to attract consistent traffic to our sector.”
