ARGUS Releases April Business Aircraft Activity Data

May 11, 2011 6:37 PM

April business aircraft activity declined from March levels, according to ARGUS TRAQPak data. The data indicate April 2011 business aircraft activity was down 7.3 percent from March 2011. Although, historically, April activity is lower than March, this was a bigger decline than expected; high fuel prices and severe spring weather could have contributed to the decrease.

Looking at individual operational categories, the Part 135 market segment saw the biggest month-over-month decrease, 8.1 percent. The Part 91 segment came in second, down 7.5 percent, and the fractional market was off as well, down 4.8 percent. Reviewing aircraft categories, the large-cabin and turboprop markets saw the highest decrease from March. Each were down 8.1 percent. Midsize cabin aircraft followed with a decrease of 7.1 percent, and small-cabin aircraft were also on the downside, off 5.6 percent. The Part 135 turboprop market showed the single largest individual decrease month over month at 9.5 percent.

Comparing year over year results (April 2011 vs. April 2010), aircraft activity decreased only slightly, 0.4 percent. The fractional and Part 91 markets both saw activity increase by 6.5 percent and 2.5 percent respectively. The Part 135 market was the only segment to post a decline in activity, down 7.7 percent year over year. Reviewing aircraft category results, large-cabin and midsize jets were up 4.5 percent and 3.5 percent. The turboprop and small-cabin segments saw a decrease, 4.2 percent and 0.3 percent respectively. Looking at individual market segments, the fractional, large-cabin segment saw the largest gain with a double-digit increase of 15.4 percent. The Part 135 turboprop segment had the largest decline in flights, 13 percent year over year.

ARGUS TRAQPak data is serial-number specific aircraft arrival and departure information on all IFR flights in the United States. The data reflect business aircraft activity data for April 1-30, 2011, vs. March 1-31, 2011, and April 1-30, 2011, vs. April 1-30, 2010, respectively. Note: Part 135 charter certificate flight activity reflects flights of aircraft on Part 135 charter certificates irrespective of the mission type.

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