CJI DASHBOARD: ANALYSIS
Vital signs – at a glance
Key indicators for global business aviation are gathered together in our handy guide. From jet utilisation to aircraft shipments and more, our snapshot briefing delivers the numbers you need to know. Words: Fayaz Hussain
Jet Utilisation (1Q 2024)
Light Jet
Super Midsize Jet
Heavy Jet
Ultra Long Range Jet
Super Light Jet
Midsize Jet
Very LightJet
Entry Level Jet
Airliner/Bizliner (Jet)
DATA FROM WingX on jet utilisation rates reveals longer-range jets leading the business jet fleet in the first quarter of 2024. According to the data, Ultra Long-Range Jets enjoyed the highest utilisation rate at 25%.
Very light jets saw the lowest utilisation rate at 3%. Light Jets also lagged, hovering at a 5% utilisation rate. This shows a rise in long-distance flights with the increasing popularity of international business travel after the pandemic. In line with this trend, the airliner/bizliner category also displayed a healthy utilisation rate of 15%.
Midsize jets and super midsize jets followed closely with 10% and 11% utilisation rates respectively, suggesting continued steady demand for mid-range travel. Entry Level Jets, typically used for shorter regional flights, showed a modest utilisation rate of 9%.
Further analysis of the data shows the demand for long-distance travel appears to be driving jet usage. Businesses seeking to resume pre-pandemic travel patterns may be favouring larger jets capable of reaching farther destinations without refuelling.
Aicraft Shipments (By Type)
Aircraft Shipments (By Region)
Regional aircraft shipments data from General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reveals North America pulling away from the global fleet. The graph, which tracks deliveries from 2012 to 2023, shows a steady rise in North American market share in aircraft shipments, reaching a commanding 77% in 2023.
This dominance is in stark contrast to other regions. Europe, once a major player, has seen its market share dip to just 10% in 2023. Asia Pacific, which previously held a promising 16% share in 2012, has dwindled to 7% in recent years. Similarly, Latin America and Middle East & Africa (MEA) shares have also halved to 4% and 2% respectively from 2012.
OEM Backlog
In terms of growth over the past five years, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer saw most growth in backlog with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40% to $4.3bn in 2023 from $0.8bn in 2018. Textron followed closely behind at 32% CAGR, according to CJI research.
Dassault and Gulfstream backlogs grew at 17% and 12% CAGR respectively over the last five years.
Meanwhile, Bombardier’s backlog remained flat.
