As of July 1, 2024, the Bahamas Customs & Excise Department has imposed substantial and egregious fees on pilots flying General Aviation aircraft on recreational flights. Pilots should be mindful of these new and additional fees before considering flying to the Bahamas. Read More
Get extra lift from AOPA. Start your free membership trial today! Click here

Honeywell predicts weakened global demand for business jets

Honeywell's closely watched forecast for the corporate jet market predicted a slightly weaker global demand for new business jets and increasing competition from the used market.

AOPA file photo.

Honeywell's Global Business Aviation Outlook released Oct. 8 at the start of the National Business Aviation Association's annual convention in Las Vegas said global economic and political uncertainty, combined with low commodity prices and stiff competition from the used-jet market, will restrain new aircraft deliveries.

"Declining used aircraft prices, continued low commodity prices, and economic and political uncertainties in many business jet markets remain as near-term concerns for new jet purchases," said Ben Driggs, a Honeywell Aerospace executive. "That said, there are several new and exciting aircraft models coming to market which will drive solid growth in new business jet purchases in the midterm and long term."

Honeywell estimates up to 8,300 new business jet deliveries valued at $249 billion will take place in the next 10 years.

Other highlights of the report estimated:

  • New aircraft deliveries of 640 aircraft in 2017, down about three percent from the previous year;
  •  Large-cabin airplanes will account for about 57 percent of new business jet deliveries and 85 percent of revenue in the next five years;
  •  Russia, India, and China have seen a significant drop in demand for new business jets, while Brazil is a "bright spot";
  •  Asia as a whole has seen a significant drop in business jet demand due to increasing regional tensions;
  •  The Middle East and Africa forecast for new sales is down, too, due to low oil prices;
  •  Europe saw an 11-percent decline in new business jet purchases in 2017 compared to the previous year due to sluggish economic growth, concern about Brexit, and political turmoil;
  •  North America, which accounts for 61 percent of global demand for new business jets, is expected to see a 9-percent reduction in new business jet purchases to roughly the same levels as 2014 and 2015.

In the used-jet market, asking prices declined about 7 percent this year and are still falling. Used jet inventory has dropped, but sales remain soft.

"We expect roughly similar delivery levels in 2018 compared with 2017," Driggs said.

Dave Hirschman
Dave Hirschman
AOPA Pilot Editor at Large
AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Dave Hirschman joined AOPA in 2008. He has an airline transport pilot certificate and instrument and multiengine flight instructor certificates. Dave flies vintage, historical, and Experimental airplanes and specializes in tailwheel and aerobatic instruction.
Topics: National Business Aviation Association, Jet

Related Articles