Global business aircraft flight activity during September came in 2.9 percent stronger than a year earlier but is expected to slow in North America and Europe this month, according to the latest report from business aviation safety specialist and data analyst Argus International.

In North America, flight activity during September was up just 0.1 percent, with 405 more flights logged than a year earlier. Before Hurricane Ian, flights in North America had been on track to finish up by 2.3 percent.

The results by aircraft category and by operation were uneven year-over-year in September, with turboprop, small cabin, and midsize cabins down by 0.2 percent, 0.5 percent, and 1 percent, respectively. Flights involving large-cabin aircraft, meanwhile, increased by 4.5 percent.

By operation, Part 91 flights continue to rebound, up 5.7 percent year-over-year in September, driven by the 8.8 percent improvement involving large-cabin jets in that operational category. Part 135 activity was down 8.2 percent as midsize jet on-demand activity dropped 16.3 percent year-over-year. Fractional operations were up 4.9 percent as a result of an 8.2 percent gain in midsize cabin activity in this category.

In Europe, flights were down 0.8 percent overall as midsize cabin activity dipped 7.4 percent year-over-year. Large-cabin operations, however, improved by 6.7 percent last month, from a year ago. In the rest of the world, flights surged by 34.2 percent, with turboprop activity climbing 62.6 percent.

As for October activity, Argus estimates there will be a 3.3 percent year-over-year dip in North America and flights in Europe will be down 0.6 percent at the same time.