Slow Labor Day private jet travel and Hurricane Florence dip private flying 5.2% during September

The strong growth trend for private flying hit a speed bump in September

It was a September not to remember, at least for business aviation, according to TRAQPak’s review of year over year flight activity which revealed a 5.2% year over year decline. According to a press release, the results by operational category were mixed with fractional activity providing the only yearly increase, up 1.1% year over year. Part 135 activity (on-demand charter and jet cards) posted a large drop of 10.0%, while Part 91 activity recorded a decline of 3.1% for the period. The aircraft categories were all negative with light jets posting the largest decline from 2017, down 8.1%. Large jets posted a decrease of 6.8%, while mid-size jets posted a 2.5% year over year decrease. Turboprops decreased 4.7%. 

Month-over-Month Private Flight Activity

September business aviation flight activity posted a month over month decrease

to finish down 7.2% from August 2018. Results by operational category were all

negative for the month, with the Part 135 segment posting the largest monthly

decrease, down 8.5%. Part 91 flight activity posted a decrease of 6.7% and

Fractional flight activity decreased by 5.8% for the month. Aircraft categories were

all red as well, with turboprops posting the largest decrease, down 9.7%. Light

jets followed with a decrease of 6.7% while mid-size and large jets decreased

6.1% & 4.3% respectively.

Overall, the disappointing September numbers ending a multi-year winning streak in terms of year-over-year growth (see below).

October Private Flight Predictions

TRAQPak analysts estimate there will be a 2.2% increase in overall flight activity year over year in October 2018.