Private flying increases 0.9% year-over-year in October

According to TRAQPak’s review of the year over year flight activity for October 2018 versus October 2017, there was an increase of 0.9%. The results by operational category were mixed with fractional activity posting the largest yearly increase, up 4.4% year over year. Part 91 activity posted an increase of 1.8%, while Part 135 activity declined for the fifth straight month, down 1.7%. The aircraft categories were mostly positive with mid-size jets posting the largest increase from 2017, up 2.5%. Light jets posted an increase of 0.3%, while large jets posted a 3.7% year over year decrease. Turboprops increased 1.9%. Looking ahead, TRAQPak analysts estimate there will be a 0.2% decrease in overall flight activity year over year in November 2018.

October business aviation flight activity posted a substantial month over month increase to finish up 8.9% from September 2018. Results by operational category were all positive for the month, with the Part 91 segment posting the largest monthly increase, up 9.5%. Part 135 flight activity posted an increase of 8.9% and Fractional flight activity increased by 6.5% for the month. Aircraft categories were all positive as well, with mid-size jets posting the largest increase, up 10.6%. Light jets followed with an increase of 9.3% while large jets and turboprops increased 8.5% and 7.4% respectively.

In terms of regional breakdown, the Southeast was tops in departures with 61,811 followed by the Upper Midwest at 36,959.