Airbus’s recent survey of senior executives of U.S. companies with annual revenue surpassing $500 million shows that 89 percent expect their organizations will increase their use of business aviation in 2023. Of that amount, one quarter believes it will rise by more than 50 percent, 7 percent anticipate no change in usage, 2 percent were unsure of their 2023 usage, while just 2 percent say it will decline.

When respondents were asked why they expect their usage to increase, the highest amount (81 percent) indicated an increasing reliance on business aviation during the Covid pandemic, yet two-thirds attributed it to the increasing ease of reducing the carbon footprint of private aviation flights. More than 60 percent cited continuing problems in the commercial aviation sector and 54 percent viewed the increase as the organization’s growing focus on the well-being of its staff. Lastly, 36 percent of those survey responses indicated they expect to spend more time next year visiting clients and business prospects.

“Our research shows many senior executives want to make greater use of business aviation next year as they recognize the benefits of flying privately,” said Sean McGeough, v-p for commercial Airbus Corporate Jets North America. “However, this growth is also being fueled by the improving sustainability record of the sector.”