There has been no let-up in the demand for private jet flights in Europe coming into September, with the first week seeing 27% more flights than in the same week of 2019. That’s according to the latest report from WingX.
“The European summer season was still going strong in the first week of September, notable that even UK airports are seeing record business jet departures,” says Richard Koe, managing director of the aviation tracking firm.
Germany saw the most modest growth trend, which is still 12% stronger than for the first week of September 2019. From Spain, private jet departures are up by 85% compared to last year and 45% compared to two years ago.
Croatia has been a hot spot for business jet arrivals all summer. Record traffic was up 80% in the first week of September. Arrivals into Greece and Turkey are up by 50% compared to September 2019.
At least 30% growth above pre-pandemic trends is being recorded across Italy, Sweden, Switzerland. Private jet departures from Russia are up by 44%. Flights between France, Switzerland, and Italy are trending 40% above normal.
The UK was behind the recovery in the first half of the year. It is now seeing private jet movements trending above the norm. Outbound flights in the first week of September were up by 15%, with France the most popular destination. London Farnborough Airport is up 50% on last year and 30% compared to September 2019.
The next busiest UK airport is Biggin Hill, which had 300 private jet departures in the first week of the month, 77% ahead of 2019. Over the last three months, London Biggin Hill, Oxford, Jersey, Bournemouth, and Bristol each saw record-breaking summers.