European business jet departures continued their downward trend last month, with August’s totals down by 10,000 departures compared to July, according to data released last week by industry monitor WingX. Year-over-year, August’s activity was down by 2.3 percent, with a trend of -1.9 percent so far for 2019. Only Spain has bucked that trend, showing growth for the year.
Germany, the UK, Italy, and Switzerland saw year-over-year declines in August between 6 and 10 percent, while Greece, Austria, Turkey, and Russia saw increases over the previous August. Flights from Russia into Europe saw a strong boost, while domestic European activity was down 2.4 percent.
“August rounded off a slower summer than last year, flights down by 2 percent but still busier than other summers since the 2009 crisis,” said WingX managing director Richard Koe. “The overall decline is due to a prolonged dip in light aircraft activity, especially owner and private missions.” He added that geographically the decline is more severe in Germany and the UK, which reflects the deteriorating conditions faced by the economies in both countries.
Overall, the light to midsize jet sector was down by 4 percent, with declines of 11 and 8 percent in Germany and the UK, respectively. The ultra-long-range and large-cabin jet segments rose year-over-year in August, with flights up by 3 percent, according to WingX data.
