Global Jet Capital has announced new analysis that states that the importance of financing in business aviation is driving a shift towards larger aircraft.
The report states: “Since the beginning of 2016, Global Jet Capital estimates that there have been over 8,600 new and used business aircraft transacted around the globe, with the value of financing used to support those purchases totaling almost $23bn.
Notably, over 60% of that financing, some $14bn, has been towards acquisitions of new and used large/heavy aircraft. This financing has helped increase the proportion of larger aircraft within the global fleet.
Since 2016 the total number of mid-sized aircraft around the world has fallen by 8%, or 415 planes. However, these aircraft have been almost exactly replaced in number by larger models as the heavy/large jet segment has grown by 419 aircraft, a 6% increase.
As the average purchase value of new aircraft in this larger segment was over $48.2m between 2016-2018, compared to an average of $12.5m for the balance of the market, this focus on larger aircraft provides a significant boost to the overall industry.
Indeed, the overall value of deliveries of new large or heavy jets since 2016 totals $26.4bn, compared to a total figure of $14.3bn for the balance of the market.
Global Jet Capital estimates that operating leases to the value of over $5bn are held against new and used aircraft transacted since 2016. The company has seen a significant increase in enquiries for operating leases, with clients attracted by advantages including flexibility and reduction in residual risk.
Global Jet Capital expects to see growth in operating leases of over the coming five years, helping drive further aircraft acquisition.
Of all global regions, only Africa has seen a drop in the size of its large aircraft fleet with a 2% decrease since 2016.
The Middle East has remained static over this period, while all other regions have seen growth, the most significant in Latin America and the Caribbean, North America and Asia Pacific (with 8%, 7% and 6% increases respectively).
North America has witnessed the largest increase in real terms, adding 317 aircraft to its large and heavy fleet, consolidating its position as the global leader for business jets.