North American business flying beat forecasts in September

Argus TraqPak data showed North American business aviation activity rose 0.9% year over year in September, beating a forecast decline. Fractional flying led the market, with large-cabin fractional activity up 13.9%.

• North American activity rose 0.9% year over year in September 2026
• Global business aviation activity increased 1.5%
• European activity returned to growth with a 0.7% gain
• North American fractional operations rose 7.2%
• Large-cabin fractional flying climbed 13.9%

Business aviation had a better September than expected. Argus International’s TraqPak data showed North American activity rose 0.9% from a year earlier, even though the company had expected a decline. Worldwide activity was up 1.5%.

The strongest pocket was fractional ownership. In North America, fractional flying rose 7.2%, while Part 135 charter activity gained 3%. Part 91 private-owner flying fell 3.4%. The standout segment was large-cabin fractional flying, up 13.9%.

For JetAtlas readers, the split is the story. Private owners pulled back in some larger aircraft categories, but fractional providers kept flying more. That suggests travelers still want access to larger private jets, but many are choosing shares, programs or managed access instead of owning the whole aircraft.