Global business aviation flight activity last month climbed 25.7 percent year-over-year, boosted by more than 321,000 flights in North America and more than 74,000 flights in Europe, according to Argus International’s TraqPak monthly report. TraqPak analysts expect that trend to continue in April with flight increases of 13.3 percent in North America and 79 percent in Europe.
North American activity rose 18.2 percent in March compared with the same month in 2021, which the report attributed to spring break. Additionally, all three categories of operations in North America contributed to the expansion, led by Part 91 operations with a 21.8 percent rise, followed by fractional at 15.9 percent and Part 135 operations at 15 percent.
Utilization among business aircraft types was highest among large-cabin jets ascending 35.7 percent. Midsize jet activity was up 19.5 percent from March 2021, while light jet activity increased 16.1 percent and turboprop flying was up 10.3 percent.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, European flight activity jumped 69.8 percent, led by large-cabin activity, which saw a year-over-year rise of 142.9 percent, followed by midsize at 54.4 percent, light jet at 48.4 percent, and turboprop at 41 percent. Activity in Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America also saw an overall increase of 27.4 percent, to more than 54,000 flights during March.