Further research into July’s private aviation activity by industry data tracker WingX Advance shows that the month was the busiest worldwide since the Hamburg, Germany-based company began keeping records in 2006. The previous recorded high of 278,673 departures was set in October 2019, and last month surpassed that level by more than 23,000, exceeding 300,000 flights in a month for the first time. That shows a rising trend as both this May and June’s levels exceeded the previous record at 279,006 and 293,048 departures, respectively.

The company explained that in the U.S., Florida and Texas saw a rebound beyond normal levels of activity by the start of this year, and while California, the Northeast, and the Midwest took much longer to catch up. From May, the momentum has accelerated, however.

“Business jet operators were quick to find their feet and adjust to the new normal after March 2020, with a rapid recovery as the virus ebbed, and an adaptive stance when the virus resurged,” said WingX managing director Richard Koe, adding that the recovery so far has been largely supported by leisure activity. “As the overall virus risk recedes in 2021, and travel restrictions loosen, the utilization evidence is pointing to a much more robust market than pre-pandemic.” Koe noted that when corporations start to fly again they will also look to business aviation for a safe, secure, and convenient alternative to the airlines.