In a survey commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) of board directors and senior executives at S&P 500 companies and other major US corporates with annual revenue of at least US$500m, 60% said the companies they work for own at least one private jet. Of those that do not, 58% think they could buy one in the next three years.
When asked to select their top three reasons for why their companies might buy a jet, 86% cited a big increase in their company’s use of business aviation; 71% credited a growing focus on the health and well-being of managers; and 43% mentioned a growing focus on sustainability within the private jet sector. Some 43% highlighted difficulties in the commercial aviation sector, including cancelled routes and flights, as one of their top three reasons, as did 38% who highlighted new models of business jets that have recently launched, made purchasing one more appealing.
Of those senior US business executives interviewed whose companies own private jets, 90% said they believe they may want to upgrade over the next five years, with the main reason being the existence of newer and better models that have recently launched, a view cited by 76% of respondents. Some 67% said it is because they will look for newer models that can make greater use of sustainable fuel; and 44% said it will be because of a growing focus on operational costs; while 44% said they need a bigger aircraft because more executives will want to use it.
ACJ’s research found that of the business executives interviewed whose companies own business jets, 34% anticipate their utilisation of these will increase dramatically over the next two years, and a further 38% expect their use to increase slightly.
“Given the growing use of business aircraft by large US corporates, it can make sense for some to own their own aircraft as opposed to using charter services,” said Sean McGeough, VP commercial ACJ for North America. “Our research shows that more US companies are considering buying their own jets and this is being fuelled by a number of factors including greater usage, and a growing focus on the well-being of managers.”
ACJ offers a range of large business aircraft, the latest of which is the ACJ TwoTwenty. This launched in October 2020, marketed as ‘The Xtra Large Bizjet’. The aircraft can fly for over 12 flight hours, and offers 786ft² of floor space. It features six wide VIP living areas of around 130ft² each.
The ACJ TwoTwenty occupies the same parking footprint as competitive ultra-long-range (ULR) jets and can take off from the same airports, but is designed to offer reduced operating costs. As with all ACJ aircraft, the ACJ TwoTwenty is certified to fly with a 50% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The goal is to achieve 100% SAF certification by 2030.
Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) commissioned the independent research company Pureprofile to survey 53 senior executives of S&P 500 companies, and 47 senior executives of USA-based companies with an annual revenues of over US$500m. Of the respondents, 26 were CEOs, 27 were CFOs, 33 were senior executives and 14 held other board director roles. The study was conducted in June 2022.
