Industry Insights

Australia’s vast landscape, coupled with its growing economy, has positioned the country as a key player in business aviation. It is the second largest market in the Asia Pacific, with approximately 230 business aircraft. This fleet has seen significant evolution over the past five years and experienced a net increase of around 10%, spurred by a mix of pre-owned and new aircraft acquisitions. At Corporate Jet Investor Asia last month, decision makers from across business aviation came together to explore topics ranging from the current turboprop market in Australia to the future of the market in the region.

Here are our key takeaways.

Fleet modernization and demand

Older models traditionally dominated the Australian fleet, but today we’re seeing rapid modernization, as owners are upgrading their aircraft. The Australian charter market has also matured significantly and many new clients, particularly those introduced to business aviation during the pandemic, are transitioning f...

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Aircraft acquisition is a capital-intensive and time-consuming process that involves significant technical and financial considerations, while also requiring close collaboration with banks and investors.

Well-structured financial solutions are therefore essential for carriers today to grow their fleets. Firstly, tailored monetary products and credit facilities ensure timely aircraft procurement and flexible payment structures. Secondly, expert advice can help manage interest rate fluctuations and other risks, preserving liquidity or providing tax benefits.

Because passenger demand doesn’t sleep, the aim is to find a path forward for airlines to maintain operational stability and remain competitive.

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Business aviation is sometimes described as a ‘time machine’ because of the efficiency it delivers. It also contributes significantly to the economy, creating jobs, connectivity and business opportunities that would not otherwise exist.

To fully understand the benefits of business aviation, we need to consider the role it plays for individuals, corporations and economies, alongside the data that proves the industry’s value.

Individuals

Business aviation offers control, providing flexibility over travel times and destinations that aren’t always available from airlines. When time is money, business aircraft can travel to multiple locations within the same day, maximizing productivity.

The significant value buyers are gaining from their aircraft is further underlined by our data. Usage among corporate and individual buyers has doubled since 2020, while the average flying time of 184 hours per year over the last five years demonstrates the important role jets play for people with limited time.

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With more than 30 offices worldwide, Jetcraft has the edge in negotiating global aircraft sales. Cross border transactions require a dedicated team to navigate the complexities of differing legal systems and language barriers. That’s why our in-house experts work with local counsel to confirm a timely closing, finding creative solutions when challenges arise. Throughout, protecting the interests of our clients and ensuring a fair transaction is paramount.

In this video, Gemma Downs, Corporate Counsel for Jetcraft in EMEA, shares her insights on the legalities of transacting and how buyers and sellers can avoid a deal falling through.

How do you solve the legal complexity of cross border transactions?

In order to overcome the logistical challenges when you have a buyer in one region and a seller in another, the Jetcraft legal team employ local counsel to ensure that we are available in the designated time zone when each party to the transaction is online and awake.

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Aviation in Latin America is experiencing significant change, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projecting robust 4.5% growth per year over the next decade. For business aviation, Ultra High Net Worth Individuals are also a rising force, with Jetcraft’s latest Market Forecast finding 14.3% of its buyers aged under 45 are from the region, a reflection of increasing wealth.

Meeting the needs of executives, entrepreneurs and communities which are significantly underserved by commercial airlines, business aviation fills a void in Central and South America that no other form of transport can.

Infrastructure gaps

Of Brazil’s 5,500 municipalities, only about 130 are covered by commercial aviation routes (ALTA). This snapshot of an acute necessity for connectivity is replicated across the continent.

With commercial flight options limited, and travel times by boat or train often rolling into days, business aviation’s flexibility and efficiency is fueling its demand across the region. Time-pressured executives conducting operations beyond borders also prefer the privacy and convenience offered by a business aviation terminal, where long queues and scheduled flight times don’t exist.

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When boarding a domestic flight in the United States, it’s easy to see that air travel in the country is thriving – global air travel. Airlines in the US and Canada were the first in the world to return to post-pandemic profitability in 2022 and have done a phenomenal job of matching capacity to demand. Looking ahead, the forecast is bright as carriers in the region are expected to post a net profit of $14.4 billion in 2024 (IATA).

While debates range on whether so-called ‘revenge travel’ is over, for IATA, North America remains “the standout region in terms of financial performance.” Its latest forecast states demand in Revenue per Passenger Kilometer (RPK) was 16% higher in 2023 compared to 2022, with a 6.3% year-on-year rise in March 2024.

Amid such a thriving environment, the region is poised to not only profit from revived travel demand but to also serve as a source of aircraft for other regional airlines.

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During the height of the pandemic, inventory levels for business aircraft dropped to a record low of 3%. Buyers were less demanding, it was easy to find a buyer close to home, and many aircraft were sold before they hit the market.

With demand at an all-time high, selling a listing was more straightforward, especially as many sellers delayed large maintenance projects and internal refurbishments to capitalize on a dynamic market.

Now the market is returning to normal, it’s important that sellers understand the benefits of properly readying their aircraft for sale to maximize its value.

Previously, buyers were willing to invest in the business jet they wanted, even if it was due for maintenance or refurbishment. Today’s buyers expect aircraft to be well maintained and in the early part of their maintenance. Sellers should stay ahead of maintenance requirements to ensure their aircraft’s readiness for a buyer or be prepared to lower their price.

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Jetcraft is the largest worldwide buyer and seller of business aircraft, with 60+ years of experience. We understand that every transaction is personal, and our team of experts work diligently on our clients’ behalf. For decades we’ve been supporting buyers to find the right aircraft for their mission, and ensuring that sellers benefit from our global network and sophisticated promotional tools to capture the attention their aircraft deserves.

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The European commercial aviation industry has rebounded faster than expected following the pandemic, with particularly strong recovery seen in the regional market.

This return to health is underlined by the European Travel Commission (ETC), which has predicted international tourist arrivals to Europe will surpass 2019 levels in 2024, a year earlier than previously forecast.

For major airlines, there’s a challenge in meeting this increased demand at a time when certain narrowbody models are contending with well-publicized Pratt & Whitney GTF engine problems, and globally, narrowbody inventory remains scarce.

The result is a growing trend towards European airlines turning to regional aircraft and seeking longer leases to source the capacity they need.

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