Global flight activity in May ticked up month-over-month by 2 percent and was 17.8 percent more than a year ago as European activity continues to strengthen, according to the latest Argus Global Business Aircraft Activity report.

European activity last month soared 46 percent year-over-year. More than 84,000 business aviation flights were recorded last month in Europe, and large-cabin jet operations led the surge, up 82.8 percent. Small-cabin jets followed in improving year-over-year operation, increased by 37.2 percent, followed by midsize cabins at 36.6 percent, and then turboprops at 31.8 percent.

In North America, May business aviation flight activity was up 11 percent year-over-year. Part 91 operations saw a 14.8 percent jump from May 2021, while fractional activity was up 11.5 percent and charter by 6.7 percent. As in Europe, large-cabin aircraft marked the biggest increase in operations, up 20.3 percent from a year earlier. Midsize cabins saw a 13.8 percent increase, small cabins 8.7 percent, and turboprops 5.9 percent.

In the rest of the world, Argus recorded nearly 50,000 business aviation flights, up 20.1 percent from May 2021.

Argus forecasts activity in June will come in at 5.3 percent above that of a year ago in North America and up 27.4 percent in Europe.