Large-cabin fractional flying jumps 13.9% in September

Argus TraqPak data show North American business aviation activity rose 0.9% year over year in September, beating a forecast decline. The strongest slice was large-cabin fractional flying, up 13.9%.

• October 8, 2026: AIN reported Argus TraqPak September figures
• North American business aviation activity rose 0.9% year over year
• Global business aviation activity rose 1.5%
• Fractional operations in North America rose 7.2%
• Large-cabin fractional activity rose 13.9%

September was better than expected for business aviation activity. Argus TraqPak had forecast a decline in North America, but the final data showed flying up 0.9% year over year.

The details show a split market. Fractional operations rose 7.2% in North America and Part 135 charter flying rose 3%, while Part 91 owner flying fell 3.4%. The strongest individual segment was large-cabin fractional flying, up 13.9%.

That says a lot about where demand is sitting. Companies and wealthy travelers may be cautious about owning and operating jets outright, but they are still buying access, especially at the upper end. Fractional providers benefit when customers want predictable aircraft availability without taking on a whole airplane.