Airbus Corporate Jets has linked the international expansion of family offices to stronger demand for private aviation, after a survey of senior executives managing a combined US$303 billion in assets found business jet use is now central to their cross-border operations. The study showed nearly 70% of respondents opened new offices in different jurisdictions over the past five years, while 70% of family office business aviation travel is already carried out by private aircraft.
Chadi Saade, president of Airbus Corporate Jets, described business aviation as a strategic necessity as family offices globalise. The main reason for opening overseas offices was the rise in family members living abroad or across multiple countries, cited by 90% of respondents, followed by diversified investment portfolios at 72% and geopolitical risk management at 28%.
Usage trends point to further growth. Some 96% of executives increased private jet travel over the past two years, and all expect it to rise again over the next two years, with 85% forecasting a 50% to 100% increase. The survey also found that 89% save two to three hours per trip versus commercial flying, while 92% report at least 25% higher productivity onboard private aircraft.
Operational patterns are shifting as well. About 67% said between a quarter and half of private aviation trips go to destinations not served directly by commercial airlines. Family offices are also widening access to aircraft across their organisations, with 92% already doing so and 97% expecting that to expand over the next three years. Demand is expected to rise across the fleet mix, led by large and medium jets.