Stats from above #15

As summer comes to an end, it's the perfect time to bring you the latest edition of our monthly blog, Stats from Above. In this series, we explore the compelling statistics from the world of business aviation, including top destinations, busiest routes, leading airports, and the most popular jet types. In this edition, we’re diving into the travel trends from July. If you’d like to review how things were shaping up earlier in the season, were commend checking out June’s Stats from Above for a comprehensive look at mid-summer activity.

Stats from Above

Let’s zoom in on the statistics provided by our partners from the EBAA for July. The increase in numbers continued throughout this month as well. There were 1,108 active airports handling a total of 84,793 arriving flights. Which doesn’t come as a surprise since it was the height of the summer season.

This rise in air travel was mirrored by the number of active airplanes, which climbed to 5,244. Turboprops dominated with 17,217 arriving flights, while Light Jets followed closely with 14,941, and Ultra long-range Jets secured third place with 10,859 arrivals. The warmer temperatures clearly had a strong impact on driving these numbers upward.

Busiest airports and routes

In July, we saw a rather interesting reshuffle in the standings for the busiest airports. Nice-Côte d'Azur airport moved into the top spot with 2,870 arriving flights, pushing Paris Le Bourget to second place with 2,644 arrivals. Additionally, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport made a notable entry into the top three, with 1,701 arriving flights, replacing Geneva Cointrin Airport.

So why has Costa Smeralda jumped up the ranks in July? Well, the Sardinian coast has been a favorite destination for affluent travellers for quite some time. Its pristine waters, white beaches, posh accommodations, and fine dining attract visitors from all over the world, including various celebrities who choose to spend their summer vacations there.

Beyond the lavish hotels and beautiful beaches, Sardinia and its Emerald Coast attract visitors with various events that take place on the island. One of the events that tend to take place in July is the Concorso d’Eleganza Poltu Quatu Classic with car collectors showcasing their prized cars. As for sports, Porto Cervo hosts the Italia Polo Challenge which takes place in the middle of July.

Jet of the Month – Bombardier Global 6000

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July’s Jet of the Month is the Bombardier Global 6000. If you’re a regular reader of our blog you might’ve seen us showcasing other models from the Canadian manufacturer in previous editions of our blog, including the Global XRS, the Challenger 604, and 605. And speaking of successors the Global 6000 model was introduced as an upgrade to the Global Express XRS. It featured upgraded avionics in the form of the Bombardier Vision flight deck and improved acoustic insulation.

The Global 6000 belongs to the long-range family of jets, providing ample comfort for its passengers on long-haul trips. While the number of passengers it can carry may vary depending on the configuration of the jet on average it can fit around fourteen people on board. The 6000 is equipped with a pair of Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofan engines, which allow it to reach an average cruise speed of 0.85 Machs and a maximum range of 6,000 nautical miles or over 11,000 kilometers. That means that you can fly from London to Hong Kong or Sao Paulo in one go.

As is the case with most jets of this caliber the interior can truly be tailored to the owner’s specific style. While common configurations include club seating arrangements with plush executive seats, the interior layout can be configured to even have a private stateroom for meetings or a master bedroom suite.

So, what can you expect to pay for a Bombardier Global 6000? As with any private jet, several factors will influence the final price. The age of the aircraft, its specific configuration, its maintenance history, and the total number off light hours are all key elements that affect the final cost. For a pre-owned Global 6000, prices generally range around the US$28 million mark. Currently, there are over 300 Global 6000 jets in operation. There aren’t many of these jets on offer and when they do appear on the market they usually are sold within 6 months.

If you’d like to purchase a Bombardier Global 6000 and would like advice with the purchasing process, we’d be happy to assist you on your jet-buying journey, so, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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