Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) commissioned research finding that 91% of 280 business aviation financiers and brokers surveyed had seen increased interest from governments or government departments in buying or chartering business aircraft. Conducted by Pureprofile in May across the US, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America, the survey measures industry respondents’ reported experience, not confirmed government procurement or future sales.
Reported increases were highest in the US, at 95%, followed by the Middle East at 94%, Asia at 92%, Europe at 88% and Latin America at 80%. Eight per cent of respondents saw no increase and 1% were unsure. ACJ president Chadi Saade attributed the trend to geopolitical complexity and increased diplomatic activity, as well as governments’ need to move officials and specialist personnel quickly and securely and respond to crises. About half of ACJ’s customers are government entities.
The findings point to government use beyond conventional executive transport, including diplomatic travel, crisis response, humanitarian missions, medical evacuation and repatriation. Germany’s Special Air Mission Wing operates 18 aircraft, including ACJ319, A321neo and ACJ350 models, for government transport and medical evacuations. Slovakia operates two ACJ319s. Its Flight and Shelter programme, run with nonprofit partners, has completed more than 12 missions and transported over 900 people in two years, including evacuations from Gaza and repatriations.