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WingX Advance

Data Services

Press Release

Issued by WingX Advance.

October 7, 2015

WINGX reports business aviation activity on the slide, especially in the UK

According to WINGX`s latest monthly Business Aviation Monitor there were 72,640 business aviation flight departures in Europe in September 2015, slightly more than August, but -4% year on year, and takes the YTD trend for 2015 to -1.4%.

The UK was the weakest market this month, - 8% YOY, almost 800 fewer flights. Other major markets with similarly large declines this month included Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.

Most secondary markets were also well back this month, with Russia at a rate of 20% YOY, and Turkey back by 11% YOY.

On the brighter side, France and Germany were only slightly down this month, and both, as well as the UK, are still ahead YTD.

Western Europe is relatively the most resilient region, down 2% but holding its own YTD. Southern European activity contracted sharply this month. Inbound traffic from Middle East, US, Africa and CIS was all down YOY.

The core of the decline is in the business jet fleet, with flights down 8% this month. More specifically, the heavy jet segment´s activity was down 15% in September, and heavy jet charters fell almost 20% YOY.

Gulfstream aircraft took the brunt of the decline in heavy jet activity. Gulfstream as well as other OEM jets were more active in the ultra long range and super-midsize segments. The very light jet segment was down.

Turboprop activity was slightly behind this month but has retained its YTD recovery trend. The PC12 continued to grow activity. Piston activity was up this month, especially AOC missions.

Almost all the top 20 airports in Europe saw a decline in activity this month. Le Bourget had the largest drop, but at Ciampino, Farnborough and Vnukovo activity was also substantially reduced. Biggin Hill and Oxford were up.

Richard Koe, managing director of WINGX Advance, comments: “Business aviation activity in Europe relapsed this month. The decline in the CIS market continued to sap the market, but in addition, flight activity was significantly down in the UK, Switzerland, Italy and Spain in September. This may reflect the torrid financial markets and the darkening prospects for the global economy in the last couple of months. The summer´s leisure activity has also been softer this year. There are still a few bright spots. Ultra-long range activity continues to grow, the super-midsize segment is reinvigorated with new aircraft, and the Phenom light jets are in great demand.”