Stats from above #16

Autumn may have begun, but we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. In this latest edition of our monthly blog, Stats from Above, we delve into the fascinating statistics from the world of business aviation. From top destinations to the busiest routes, leading airports, and the most popular jet types, this month’s edition highlights the travel trends from August. If you’re curious about how the summer season shaped up earlier, be sure to check out July’s Stats from Above for a mid-summer overview.

Stats from Above

Let’s take a closer look at the statistics provided by our partners at the EBAA for August. Unlike the previous months, there was a slight decline in activity as the summer began to wind down. A total of 1,096 active airports handled 72,356 arriving flights, reflecting the tapering off of the peak summer travel season. While still busy, the numbers showed the expected dip as the season drew to a close.

This decline in flights was reflected in the number of active jets, which dropped to 4,895. Turboprops still led with 15,439 arriving flights, followed by Light Jets with 12,955, and Super-Light Jets in third with 9,448 arrivals. Despite the hotter temperatures in August, the end of summer likely contributed to the dip in overall activity.

Busiest airports and routes

In August, we witnessed a remarkable first in the rankings of the busiest airports. The three busiest airports weren’t in just one country, but they all fall under one city – London. London Farnborough Airport soared to the top spot with 1,252 arriving flights, and London Luton Airport came in second place with 1,117 arrivals. Meanwhile, London Biggin Hill made an astounding debut in the top three, recording 916 arriving flights. A pretty amazing feat for the British capital.

So the question, you’re probably asking yourself what made London such a sought-after destination in August? What could’ve possibly attracted so many private jets to the UK’s capital? Well, the question isn’t what, but rather who.

And the answer is, Taylor Swift. Indeed, Taylor Swift wrapped up the European leg of her Eras Tour in the Wembley stadium, where she played five sold-out concerts in August. She also previously played three concerts at Wembley in June, all of which were sold out as well. According to estimates, the concerts were able to boost London’s economy by about GBP 300 million.  

Jet of the Month – Gulfstream G280

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on the Gulfstream G280, a remarkable aircraft in the world of business aviation. If you’ve been following our blog, you may recall our previous features on other standout models, including the Gulfstream G550, which has reached iconic status. The G280, however, brings its own unique offerings to the table, making it a worthy companion to its older brother.

The Gulfstream G280 belongs to the super-midsize jet class. It is considered to be quite a versatile jet with its ability to tackle challenging conditions such as high-altitude airports or landing on short runways. And it does so with style providing its passengers with a comfortable cabin. The G280 comes equipped with a pair of Honeywell HTF7250G jet engines, allowing cruise at a long-range speed of 0.80 Mach and a maximum range of 3,600 nautical miles or around 6,600 kilometers. That means that you can fly from London to New York or Dubai in one go.

As for the cabin, depending on the owner’s taste, it can be configured to seat up to 10 passengers. The different configurations can include a club seating arrangement with a divan option. Or the arrangement can be reconfigured to four pairs of executive seats. The private jet can also be divided into two living areas, depending on the future owner’s preferences. 

Taking all of that into consideration, how much would a Gulfstream G280 cost? Like any private jet, various factors will impact the final price of the Gulfstream G280. When it comes to pre-owned models, key elements include the aircraft's age, its specific configuration, maintenance history, and the total number of flight hours logged. Each of these aspects plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost. For a pre-owned G280, you will be looking at prices starting at around US$ 15 million and going up to approximately US$ 21 million. There are over 250 G280 jets in service, however, only about 4% of the active fleet is on sale. They also don’t stay on the market for that long and are usually sold within a period of 4 to 6 months.

If you’d like to purchase a Gulfstream G280 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.