Business aviation departures last month in Europe climbed 1.87 percent year-over-year, to 80,954, according to data released today by Hamburg, Germany-based WingX Advance. Piston and turboprop activity accounted for these gains, rising 10.9 percent and 4.7 percent, respectively, while business jet flying decreased by 1.5 percent. Year-to-date, flights in the region are still lagging by 1.1 percent from last year.

The growth last month was largely driven by activity in Western Europe, which was up 6 percent from a year ago, WingX said. In particular, Germany and France shined; they accounted for 37 percent of all flights in the region last month and overall activity in these two countries rose by more than 2,300 flights versus last year. In Germany, the strongest growth came in turboprops; in France, it was piston activity. Business jet flying increased 8 percent in Germany, but was flat in France.

Meanwhile, WingX said that activity in the Mediterranean was weaker, with flights from Spain receding and also fewer connections with North Africa and Turkey. The Russia market continued to subside, falling 15 percent last month, and flying in the CIS region is down 30 percent year-to-date.

“This is encouraging, although it should be noted that turboprops and pistons are providing the impetus, with business jet activity still behind,” said WingX managing director Richard Coe. “Mainly this is due to the still-floundering CIS market, also waning connections with the Middle East and North Africa. Inside Europe, the summer season appears to be maintaining demand for ultra-long-range aircraft, also stimulating charter activity on super-midsize and very light jets.”