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Rolland Vincent Associates releases report on the structural divide between Super Mid-Size and Large Business Jet markets

Rolland Vincent Associates (RVA), a consultancy specializing in business aviation intelligence, strategy, and forecasting, has released a groundbreaking market analysis entitled Tailored to Fit: Decoding the Structural Break Between Super Mid-Size and Large Business Jets.

This in-depth study examines the clear differences between the two segments and their implications for future aircraft design, product strategy, and investment decisions.

RVA publishes occasional deep-dive commentaries on key business aviation topics, aiming to spark informed discussion and encourage product innovation - long proven to stimulate demand for business jets. The first in this series examined tariffs, concluding that the sector’s future is best served by preserving a zero-tariff regime.

This second report tackles another central question for the future of business aviation: Where is the next clean-sheet business jet platform most likely to emerge?

Based on RVA’s analysis, the most likely candidates are either the upper end of the Super Mid-Size (SMS) segment or within the Large Jet class.

“Our analysis shows that SMS and Large Jets are not points on a smooth continuum - they are separate markets with their own rules of engagement”, said RVA President Rollie Vincent. “Misreading this structural divide can lead to costly missteps in product planning. Our report offers clear guidance for OEMs and investors on where and how to compete in the next generation of business jets.”

Drawing on the latest data and decades of industry advisory experience, RVA’s research finds that while SMS and Large Jets are often grouped together in strategic discussions, they are in fact distinct markets - serving different customers, missions, and value propositions.

Two key findings from the report:

Two Distinct Markets: SMS buyers are more cost-conscious and value-focused, while Large Jet buyers prioritize capability, brand prestige, and global reach.
4,200 Nautical Miles as a Breakpoint: This range marks a step-change in cabin size, price, and mission profile, reflecting fundamentally different design and customer expectations.

“Understanding where demand truly lies is essential for smart capital allocation”, said Dr. Dean Roberts, RVA Vice President, Strategy, Sustainability & Development. “This report confirms that buyers in these segments think, behave, and invest differently. Strategies that work in one segment will not necessarily translate to the other—and the market rewards those who design with these differences in mind.”

The full public version of Tailored to Fit: Decoding the Structural Break Between Super Mid-Size and Large Business Jets is available for download at:

https://rollandvincent.com/research-reports