Charter Market Report 2018

Robust growth in charter flight activity outpaced gains in both private and fractional business aviation flying over the past year. Global charter operations increased as a surge of consolidation among major providers (Vistajet, XOJET etc.) redefined the market landscape. Technology was the enabling force behind much of the industry progression and is a primary focus amongst charter providers as they seek to maximize efficiencies and opportunities.

The fact that major operators far outpaced the industry’s 4.5% growth rate, with total hours for the top 25 rising almost 15% between 2017 and 2018, is a representation of the impact of charter operation market consolidation. Although flying a lot more hours, the increase is not so much driven by new aircraft deliveries but by efficiency increases, as operators optimize their fleets and move to rid the previous problem of empty legs.

Gama Aviation, which operates Wheels Up’s Citation Excel/XLS and King Air 350i aircraft, in addition to its managed fleet, retained the top spot in charter flight time with 72,885 flight hours. The 18 percent rise over the prior year was in line with the 18 percent growth in its charter fleet from 99 to 117 aircraft. 

BizAv Value

NBAA and GAMA have jointly released updated survey findings that demonstrate people are notably more productive on business aircraft, and most such operations involve small companies.

Explore BizAv for small businesses here.

An online poll demonstrates BizAv provides “safe, efficient transportation to companies of all sizes, particularly those located in smaller communities with little to no commercial airline service”. Some of the findings include 57 percent of business aircraft pilots say their companies employ 500 or fewer workers; 62 percent of pilots and flight department leaders say their companies use just one turbine-powered aircraft; and 31.5 percent of flights went to destinations lacking scheduled service.

As for productivity, passengers spend an average of 63% of their time engaged in work activities while aboard business jets, but 42% when traveling by airline. Two-thirds of passengers say they are more productive on business aircraft flights, and 51.6% say that business aircraft travel enables them to meet work schedules that they otherwise could not meet efficiently.

Luminous Bizjet Cabins

Rockwell Collins is bringing a new concept in cabin lighting to business aviation based on micro LED technology. Already introduced to the commercial aviation market, the electronics and interiors specialist demonstrated its Secant Luminous panel for business jets during this year’s NBAA event.

The Secant Luminous technology will enable a variety of general or specific lighting displays to the cabin, with options such as showing environmental scenery or possibly even brand or other messaging on standard panels. It can also adjust lighting to improve sleep.

“Business jet owners can customize the Secant panel to create virtually any lighting environment they desire, whether it's imagery to help passengers sleep or a source of general lighting,” said Steve Scover, vice president and general manager of Lighting and Integrated Systems at Rockwell Collins. “The Secant panel sets the tone for the passenger’s visual expedition.”

Want to chat? Get in touch!

msaunders@txtav.com