Author name: Aviation World

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 19, 2026 :  Honeywell Aerospace has published its 35th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook, forecasting continued growth in the business aviation sector over the next decade as aircraft deliveries rise, fleet sizes expand and operators increase the hours they fly their aircraft. The forecast reflects an industry that has evolved beyond traditional ownership models, with charter, managed fleets and fractional operators driving a growing share of activity while helping business aviation remain remarkably resilient amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical volatility and energy-market disruptions. In contrast to all previous reports, this year Honeywell Aerospace is broadening the scope of its forecast to encompass additional segments of Business Aviation, including turboprops and personal jets. Key findings in the 2026 Honeywell Aerospace Global Business Aviation Outlook include: Approximately 14,000 total business aircraft deliveries from 2026 through 2035 with 9,950 business jet deliveries and 4,200 turboprop deliveries. The global business aviation fleet is projected to expand by approximately 29% in the next decade — growing from about 39,400 aircraft in 2025 to nearly 51,000 in 2035. Global business aviation flight hours are expected to increase approximately 34% over the next decade, reflecting both fleet growth and increasing utilization, particularly among charter and fractional. In the near term, 9 of 10 operators say they will fly the same or more hours in 2027 compared with “Over the next decade we’re predicting one of the most robust periods ever for business aviation, as corporations, private individuals, charter customers and fractional shareholders are all creating a surge in demand,” said Linnea Whisler, president, Commercial Original Equipment, Honeywell Aerospace. “Business aircraft owners and operators are consistently flying more, ordering new business jets, expanding fleets and investing in innovations that are driving growth across the sector.” Fleet growth driven by expansion rather than replacement Honeywell Aerospace forecasts steady growth in new aircraft deliveries across all major aircraft classes during the next decade. Annual deliveries are expected to increase from approximately 1,280 aircraft in 2026 to more than 1,500 aircraft by 2035, while the value of new aircraft delivered is projected to exceed $37 billion annually by the end of the forecast period. This new aircraft delivery forecast is 4.4% higher than last year’s forecast. Large-cabin aircraft will continue to represent the largest share of industry value, while midsize jets are positioned to deliver some of the strongest growth rates as operators seek a balance of aircraft performance, cabin comfort and operating economics. Midsize jets are forecast to pace fleet expansion, followed by large-cabin aircraft, as operators increasingly prioritize flexibility and longer-range capabilities. By 2035, Honeywell Aerospace expects the global fleet to include approximately 18,000 turboprops, 15,000 light jets, 8,200 midsize jets and 9,700 large-cabin aircraft. Midsize jets are expected to grow 40% over the forecast period, outpacing all other segments and reflecting continuing demand for aircraft that offer intercontinental capability without the acquisition and operating costs associated with the largest aircraft classes. More importantly, Honeywell Aerospace’s analysis indicates the industry is approaching a pivotal inflection point: sustained increases in annual aircraft deliveries coupled with low retirement rates are driving an acceleration in global fleet expansion. The resulting growth in fleet size is expected to support increasing demand for maintenance, upgrades, and other support services across the industry’s installed base. Higher utilization creates even faster growth in flight activity While fleet expansion remains an important industry growth driver, Honeywell Aerospace’s outlook suggests utilization trends may be an even more powerful force. Business aviation is increasingly shifting toward operating models that maximize aircraft use, enabling flight activity to grow faster than the underlying fleet. Private operators continue to represent the majority of aircraft ownership globally, particularly among turboprops and light jets. However, charter and fractional operators employing a larger portion of midsize and large jets account for a disproportionate share of industry flying because their aircraft are utilized at far greater rates. The rapid growth of shared-use models is reshaping industry dynamics. Fractional ownership — once concentrated in specific regions — is becoming an increasingly important component of the broader business aviation ecosystem. Managed fleets and charter operators are also helping unlock unused aircraft capacity while broadening access to business aviation for individuals and organizations seeking operational flexibility. As a result, total industry flight hours are projected to increase approximately 34% between 2025 and 2035, outpacing fleet growth during the same period. Operators expect strong flight activity through 2027 Business aviation demand remains fundamentally supported by a positive macroeconomic outlook as well as the productivity, flexibility, privacy and time-saving advantages the sector provides. Even as economic and geopolitical conditions evolve, operators continue to view business aviation as a critical business tool rather than a discretionary expense. Recent flight activity data and operator survey responses indicate that the positive momentum established in recent years is expected to continue. Business jet activity remains above historical norms, posting +4% growth in flight hours year-to-date compared with the same timeframe last year. The most positive outlook comes from operators of midsize and large-cabin aircraft, where demand for longer-range travel and premium business transportation continues to Large-cabin and midsize jets are posting particularly strong year-over-year flight hour growth during 2026 at +5% and +7%, respectively. Honeywell Aerospace’s survey findings show that nearly one-third of operators expect to increase flight activity in 2027, reflecting a positive sentiment among operators for the year to This is a 4 percentage point increase over the portion of operators who had the same positive sentiment in 2026. Regional Outlook U.S. & Canada The U.S. remains the center of global business aviation activity and continues to set the pace for industry growth worldwide. The U.S. and Canada account for approximately 63% of global deliveries and fleet size, while generating nearly 68% of worldwide business aviation flight hours. Strong economic fundamentals, a growing high-net-worth population, extensive airport infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment continue to sustain demand. The region has also become the global leader in shared-use operating models, particularly fractional ownership. Today, approximately 83% of global fractional flight activity originates from airports in the

Savannah, Ga., October 20, 2026:  Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced it has earned reaccreditation through the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program, recognizing the company’s continued leadership in advancing sustainability across its global operations. The reaccreditation reflects measurable progress made across Gulfstream’s flight, ground support, infrastructure and operational activities. With this achievement, Gulfstream—the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to hold accreditation in all four program categories—becomes the first OEM to earn reaccreditation. “At Gulfstream, sustainability is not a standalone initiative—it is integrated into how we operate, innovate and lead,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “This reaccreditation reflects the dedication of teams across our company who are driving meaningful progress, embracing continuous improvement and helping position Gulfstream and business aviation for a more sustainable future.” As part of the reaccreditation process, Gulfstream demonstrated significant environmental achievements compared to its 2019 baseline, including a 44% reduction in fuel consumption and flight emissions across the Flight Department fleet, a 21% improvement in emissions per flight hour and nearly 719.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions improvement through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) utilization in 2025. Additional accomplishments include an 18% reduction in ground support emissions driven by the deployment of electric tugs, electric golf carts and EV charging infrastructure; a 25% reduction in emissions intensity per square foot; and more than 2.3 million square feet of LEED- and BREEAM-certified facilities. Gulfstream also achieved a 43% reduction in employee air travel emissions and a 55% improvement in emissions per employee. NBAA Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program The NBAA Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in environmental stewardship and sustainable operations. Gulfstream’s reaccreditation showcases its ongoing efforts to advance operational efficiency, support the adoption of SAF and invest in technologies and practices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance. The program is now managed by 4AIR, working into aviation sustainability solutions, under a strategic partnership with NBAA announced in March. 4AIR provides technical oversight, independent data validation and sustainability expertise to strengthen the program’s rigor. “Gulfstream continues to lead by example, showing that real sustainability leadership is built on measurable data, accountability and continuous improvement across every part of an operation,” said Nancy Bsales, chief operating officer, 4AIR. “Reducing emissions step-by-step, from flight to ground support to facilities, is how business aviation will meet its commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Gulfstream’s achievement across all four accreditation categories shows the whole industry what that path looks like.” “Business aviation has always led in innovation, and Gulfstream’s reaccreditation shows that leadership extends to sustainability,” said NBAA interim chief operating officer, Dan Hubbard. “Through efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel and smarter operations, Gulfstream’s results show what a sustainable business aviation industry looks like.”