SOARING BUSINESS AVIATION ACTIVITY

According to the latest JSSI Business Aviation Index released by Jet Support Services Inc for the second quarter of 2018, business aviation activity is on an upward trajectory. The index tracks utilisation of approximately 2,000 business aircraft worldwide, including jets, turboprops and helicopters and reports average flight hours flown on a monthly basis by region, industry and cabin type. Average per aircraft flight hours in the second quarter of 2018 exceeded the 30hour ceiling for the first time in a decade.

Key findings in aviation in the second-quarter data include: • Average flight hours increased 4.6 percent year to date. • Average aircraft utilisation of 30.35 hours for the second quarter was only the fourth time activity has surpassed 30 hours, with the previous three occurrences all taking place in 2008. • The growth was primarily driven by the business services sector, which saw a 15.8 percent increase in flight activity compared to first quarter of 2018. The aviation sector reported an increase of 11.3 percent and the consumer goods sector reported an increase of 7.7 percent.

• Significant quarter-over-quarter increases were reported in Europe, with an 18.3 percent increase in average flight hours; and the Middle East, with 16.4 percent increase. Decreases were seen in South America, with a drop in average flight hours of 3.1 percent; and Africa, with a 1.6 percent decrease.

• All seven regions reported increases in year-over-year flight activity. Significant growth was seen in AsiaPacific, with a 12.6 percent increase in average flight hours; and Europe, with a 13.3 percent increase.

• North America flight hours increased 4.5 percent quarter over quarter and 2.4 percent year over year.