Airbus sees Middle East large-jet flying up 83% by 2030

Airbus Corporate Jets says large business jet activity in the Middle East could rise 83% by 2030. Its survey also found the region already represents about one-third of demand for VIP airliner-size business jets.

• Airbus survey covered 35 financiers and brokers in the Middle East
• Large business jet activity forecast to rise up to 83% by 2030
• Light jet activity forecast to rise 80%
• Midsize jet activity forecast to rise 78%
• About 40% of regional business aircraft are near or past 15 years old

Airbus Corporate Jets is pointing to the Middle East as one of the strongest growth markets for big private aircraft. Its latest regional survey forecasts that large business jet flying could grow by as much as 83% by 2030.

The study also put expected growth for light jets at 80% and midsize jets at 78%. Airbus says the Middle East already accounts for roughly one-third of demand for the very largest business jets, including VIP-configured airliners.

The fleet age is the important clue. Airbus says around 40% of business aircraft in the region are at or approaching 15 years in service, which could push owners toward replacement aircraft. For private aviation, that means the next Middle East boom may be as much about renewal as first-time growth.