TRAVEL | BUSINESS AVIATION
Few industries have to battle misconceptions and misplaced public uproar quite as much as business aviation . Tabloid headlines scream about the costs of private jets when used by public officials , or the carbon footprint of what they see as a means of transport purely for the elite .
Earlier this year , Microsoft founder Bill Gates was pulled up on his use of private jets while in Kenya – working on solutions to eradicate malaria and improve food production . Actor and climate change activist Leonardo DiCaprio has also been slated for flying into the World Economic Forum in Davos by private jet .
The fact is , while there are celebrities and HNWIs that flaunt the pleasures of flying private , there are many more senior executives who rely on these aircraft as a ‘ time machine ’ – enabling them to make more vital meetings and cement stronger relationships than using any other form of transport .
With 300 % carbon offsetting offered by some jet charter companies and a growing use of sustainable aviation fuel ( SAF ), those environmental concerns are also being tackled .
It ’ s not surprising to see lobbying groups from business aviation associations and aircraft manufacturers championing their industry , yet the facts put forward are compelling .
EVEN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC , THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA WAS THE FASTEST- GROWING REGION IN BUSINESS AVIATION . WE HAVE DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH HERE
The No Plane No Gain initiative between the US-based National Business Aviation Association ( NBAA ) and General Aviation Manufacturers Association ( GAMA ), highlights the importance of business aviation in the US – by far the world ’ s largest market .
In June 2023 , aircraft activity across the US was a staggering 20 % higher than prepandemic levels in 2019 . There are some 22,000 business aircraft in the US , with the next highest figure being just 1,600 in Brazil . In China , there are less than 500 . The Middle East and Africa region combined accounts for a healthy 800 aircraft .
The US being the dominant and most mature market also sheds light on the key benefits of business aviation . No Plane No Gain says business aircraft can reach 5,000 US airports , while commercial airlines only reach 500 . That means being able to fly closer to your final destination , saving time on ground transportation .
Companies needing to reach multiple destinations in a single day rely on business
108 September 2023