There were 72,640 business aviation flight departures in Europe in September 2015 according to WINGX`s monthly Business Aviation Monitor published today.

Whilst this is a slight improvement on August, the year on year figure is down -4%, taking the YTD trend for 2015 to -1.4%.

The UK was the weakest market this month, - 8% YOY, almost 800 fewer flights. Other major markets with similarly large declines this month included Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. Most secondary markets were also well back this month, Russia at a rate of 20% YOY, Turkey back by 11% YOY.

On the brighter side, France and Germany were only slightly down this month, and both, as well as the UK, are still ahead YTD. Western Europe is relatively the most resilient region, down 2% but holding its own YTD. Southern European activity contracted sharply this month. Inbound traffic from Middle East, US, Africa and CIS was all down YOY.

Flight departures across Europe

The core of the decline is in the business jet fleet, flights down 8% this month, and specifically, Heavy Jets, this segment´s activity down 15% in September. In particular, Heavy Jet charters fell almost 20% YOY.

Gulfstream aircraft took the brunt of the decline in Heavy Jet activity. Gulfstream as well as other OEM jets were more active in Ultra Long Range and Super-midsize segments. The Very Light Jet segment was down. Turboprop activity was slightly behind this month but has retained its YTD recovery trend. The PC12 continued to grow activity. Piston activity was up this month, especially AOC missions.

Almost all the top 20 airports in Europe saw a decline in activity this month. Le Bourget had the largest drop, also Ciampino, Farnborough, Vnukovo activity was substantially reduced. Biggin Hill and Oxford were up.

Richard Koe, Managing Director of WINGX Advance, comments: “Business aviation activity in Europe relapsed this month. The decline in the CIS market continued to sap the market, but in addition, flight activity was significantly down in the UK, Switzerland, Italy and Spain in September. This may reflect the torrid financial markets and the darkening prospects for the global economy in the last couple of months. The summer's leisure activity has also been softer this year. There are still a few bright spots. Ultra-long range activity continues to grow, the super-midsize segment is reinvigorated with new aircraft, and the Phenom light jets are in great demand.”

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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.