September bizav flying beat forecasts as fractional jets led

North American business aviation activity rose 0.9% year over year in September, while large-cabin fractional flying jumped 13.9%, according to Argus TraqPak data.

• North American activity rose 0.9% year over year in September
• Global business aviation activity increased 1.5%
• Fractional operations in North America rose 7.2%
• Large-cabin fractional flying climbed 13.9%
• Argus expects October activity up 1.1% in North America

September was expected to be softer, but business aviation flying came in ahead of the forecast. Argus TraqPak data showed North American activity up 0.9% from a year earlier, with global flying up 1.5%.

The strongest signal came from fractional operators. North American fractional flying rose 7.2%, and the large-cabin fractional segment climbed 13.9%. By contrast, Part 91 private flying fell 3.4%, and North American large-cabin jet activity overall slipped 7%.

The split shows how different parts of private aviation can move in opposite directions. Fractional fleets are still getting strong use, while wholly owned corporate and private operations look more cautious in some heavy-jet categories. For charter buyers and fractional members, the data points to a busy fourth quarter rather than a cooling market.