In the last decade, private aviation has seen significant growth in the United States. From the number of aircraft in operation to the revenue generated by the industry, executive aviation has proven to be a booming market. Let’s check the numbers behind the growth of private aviation over the past decade and what we can expect for the future.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the number of private aircraft in operation in the US has grown by over 20% in the past decade. In 2010, there were approximately 199,000 private aircraft in operation in the US, while in 2021 that number had grown to over 240,000. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including an increase in the number of high-net-worth individuals and the overall growth of the economy.
The revenue generated by the private jet industry has also seen significant growth. According to the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the total economic impact of the industry was $219 billion in 2021, up from $150 billion in 2010. The industry also supports over 1.2 million jobs in the US.
The trend of private jet charter has been growing steadily in the past decade. According to ARGUS International, a leading provider of data and analytics for the aviation industry, the number of private jet charter flights grew by an average of 4% per year between 2010 and 2021. This trend is likely to continue in the future as more and more people choose to fly privately for convenience and flexibility.
Leading private jet operators
NetJets
NetJets is the largest private jet operator in the US, with a fleet of over 700 aircraft. It was established in 1964 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. NetJets offers fractional ownership and lease programs, as well as on-demand charter services. The company operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including light jets, mid-size jets, heavy jets, and turboprops. NetJets is known for its exceptional safety standards and unparalleled customer service.
Flexjet
Flexjet is the second largest private jet operator, with a fleet of over 250 aircraft. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Flexjet offers fractional ownership and lease programs, as well as on-demand charter services. The company operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including light jets, mid-size jets, heavy jets, and turboprops. Flexjet is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly operations.
XO
XOJET is a private jet operator that offers both jet card and on-demand charter services, with a fleet of over 90 aircraft. The company was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Brisbane, California. XOJET operates a fleet of light jets, mid-size jets, and heavy jets. The company is known for its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, as well as its advanced technology and data analytics capabilities.
Wheels Up
Wheels Up is a membership-based private jet operator with a fleet of over 300 aircraft. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Wheels Up offer a unique membership model that provides access to private jets at a lower cost than traditional charter services. The company operates a fleet of light jets, mid-size jets, and turboprops. Wheels Up is known for its innovative technology and user-friendly app, which makes booking private jets fast and easy.
Delta Private Jets
Is a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, which operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft for private charter services. The company was established in 2008 and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Delta Private Jets offers on-demand charter services and is known for its seamless integration with Delta Air Lines’ global network of flights. The company operates a fleet of light jets, mid-size jets, and heavy jets.
Magellan Jets
The private jet operator offers jet cards and on-demand charter services, with a fleet of over 50 aircraft. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Magellan Jets operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including light jets, mid-size jets, heavy jets, and turboprops. The company is known for its customizable jet card program and its commitment to customer service.
OneSky
OneSky Jets is a private jet operator that offers jet cards, on-demand charter, and aircraft management services, with a fleet of over 30 aircraft. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. OneSky Jets operates a fleet of light jets, mid-size jets, and heavy jets. The company is known for its comprehensive approach to private aviation, which includes aircraft management, maintenance, and support services.
Technology has also played a significant role in the growth of private aviation. In recent years, we have seen the development of new aircraft models, sizes, and more sustainable specifications for thrusters and fuel consumption, which have the potential to reduce emissions and make private aviation more sustainable. Additionally, the use of data analytics and automation has improved the efficiency and safety of private aviation operations.
The future of private aviation
The future of private aviation looks bright. The industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for private air travel and the emergence of new companies and charter operators. The popularization of private aviation also faces challenges such as increasing regulations.
