Pilots Blog

Green shoots?

In a new study, just released by Forecast International, "The Market for Business Jet Aircraft", the authors predict 11,277 business aircraft (worth $1.97 Billion) will be produced between 2009 and 2018. They anticipate orders steady at just over 700 for 2010 and 2011, with a rise in 2012 and thereafter. What we don't necessarily know is how world events will impact on the industry or, indeed, where all the new orders will come from, although Asia is looking a good bet. In the US, the lead market, there are a large number of relatively modern aircraft in operator and corporate fleets, but with uncertainty over fuel costs and the Obama adminstration's approach to business aircraft, the manufacturers are having to be creative with new designs and particularly with regard to fuel efficiency.

With the US wrestling with a budget deficit of $1.6 trillion, or 10% of GDP, it seems unlikely that any US Government departments will be ordering new aircraft anytime soon!