NATA asked avAdvisors to assemble 2023 data for the TOP 500 airports. Measured by FAA aircraft movements and comparing 2023 to the previous year show a downtrend.
For 2023, year-over-year Jet arrivals and departures decreased 5%, with a 2% decrease for Turbine activity. And after many years of decline, 2023 Piston activity held its own.
To put 2023 in context we broaden the analyses to the “Post-Covid” 3-year period shown above for “Jet,” “Turbine,” and “Piston.” We all wondered how the 2021 recovery would shake out and the “stickiness” of the new demand. So far, the time-saving and mobility benefits of private aircraft travel appear to be winning out. Jet activity for example has expanded by 11% since a more normal 2019.
The airport-by-airport analyses rank the TOP 500 airports based on 2023 “Jet” activity and also show data and trends for the “Turbine” and “Piston” categories. Airports and FBOs can use the data to track trends and compare activity data with other airports in a particular region.
The TOP 500 airports may prove useful as you plan your business in a post-COVID economy.
Methodology Note: The activity data is available at FAA.gov and the TFMSC database for “Airports.” The data is filtered to include “Business Aviation” (this eliminates other activity like airlines and most flight training) and grouped by “Physical Class,” (i.e., Jet, Turbine and Piston).
By Mark Chambers, Managing Partner, avAdvisors
Mark Chambers is Managing Partner of avAdvisors specializing in developing and managing transactions involving aviation service businesses for over 20 years. Prior experience includes a progression of senior management positions leading FBO services, Part 145 maintenance and avionics operations, and Part 135 charter and management operations. Mark holds airman ratings up to ATP and has flown 3,600 hours as PIC in both Part 91 and 135 operations, in experimental aircraft, and as a flight instructor. Mr. Chambers soloed on his 16th birthday and began his aviation career in line services.
