WINGX`s latest monthly Business Aviation Monitor reports a total of 63,308 business aviation flights in October, a 1.9% YOY increase equivalent to 1,265 additional flights. This 2nd consecutive growth month leaves the 2014 trend very slightly below that of 2013.

October´s activity illustrated a strong recovery in activity in Western Europe, with UK and Germany the leading markets. Flights also picked up slightly in other large markets such as France, Spain and Switzerland.

The positive growth picture in the west was overshadowed by continued decline to the east, with activity tumbling in former ´growth´ markets Russia, Ukraine and Turkey. Overall, flights between Europe and the CIS slumped 23% in October.

The jet fleet´s activity grew slightly in October, and the YTD trend suggests this market is finally in recovery. Turboprop activity is gaining much faster this year, mostly due to private flight activity, which was 12% up YOY in October.

Business piston activity was particularly strong in Germany, +20% YOY, whereas for France and Netherlands, turboprops boosted growth, and in the UK and Spain, most of the growth was business jet related.

The Ukraine crisis continued to have repercussions, as flights from Eastern Europe fell 13%, from Russia, 10%. Flight connections with the Middle East also fell back, 7% YOY. This contrasts with transatlantic flights, October reinforcing the YTD growth trend.

VLJs in demand

Very Light jets and Ultra Long Range jets continued their YTD increase in activity. The lightest aircraft were in demand, with turboprops and pistons also flying more. The midsize segment continues to lag, but light jets made a slight YOY recovery.

Of the largest OEMs, Cessna aircraft had a relatively busy month but the YTD trend is still behind 2013. Gulfstream aircraft are flying more, and Embraer aircraft, for both private and charter purposes, continue to increase activity this year.

For AOC flights in general, the Mustang and Challenger 300 were the most popular aircraft. Overall, VLJs are the segment with fastest growth in charter activity. For private flight activity, the PC12 fleet showed by far the most growth in October.

Richard Koe, Managing Director of WINGX Advance, comments: “The long-awaited recovery in business aviation activity in Europe looks well set in Western Europe, with more solid growth in the UK and resurgent activity in Germany. Private flights, particularly on turboprops and pistons, are leading this comeback in activity. The overall YOY increase is narrow due to the continued negative repercussions of the Ukraine crisis. Unfortunately this situation will not improve any time soon.”

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WINGX Advance is a data research and consulting company based in Hamburg, Germany. WINGX analysis provides actionable market intelligence for the business aviation industry. WINGX services include: Market Intelligence Briefings, Customised Research, Strategic Consulting, Market Surveys. WINGX customers range from aircraft operators, OEMs, airlines, maintenance providers, airports, fixed base operators, fuel providers, regulators, legal advisors, leasing companies, banks, investors and private jet users.