Global private jet operations recorded 65,940 departures during the second week of 2026, establishing a new record for weekly flight activity, according to data from WingX. The figure represents a 4% increase from the opening week of the year and a 9% rise compared to the same period in 2025.
The performance continues a trend that has made the first 11 days of January 2026 the strongest start to any year tracked by WingX. Through two weeks, the year-over-year scorecard shows one week of growth, one week flat, and zero weeks of decline, with 35 consecutive weeks since the last downturn.
North America Drives Growth
The United States led global activity with 45,653 flights during Week 2, marking an 11% year-over-year increase and a 4% climb from the previous week. North American operations as a whole totaled 46,896 departures, matching the U.S. growth rate at both weekly and annual comparisons.
| Market | Week 02 Flights | WoW Change | YoY Change | Last 4 Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global | 65,940 | 4% | 9% | 272,571 |
| North America | 46,896 | 4% | 11% | 192,536 |
| USA | 45,653 | 4% | 11% | 187,218 |
| Florida | 7,855 | -13% | 11% | 32,668 |
| California | 4,334 | 1% | 1% | 17,499 |
| Texas | 4,782 | 11% | 9% | 19,392 |
| Europe | 6,819 | 5% | 0% | 29,539 |
| UK | 975 | 3% | -6% | 4,306 |
| Germany | 716 | 36% | -11% | 3,048 |
| France | 1,061 | 0% | -5% | 4,746 |
| Switzerland | 698 | -5% | 6% | 3,045 |
| Italy | 612 | 11% | 7% | 2,629 |
| Middle East | 1,338 | 18% | -6% | 5,016 |
| Africa | 895 | 11% | 2% | 3,761 |
| Asia | 2,420 | 22% | 4% | 9,489 |
| South America | 2,286 | 44% | 18% | 9,863 |
Source: WingX for Private Jet Card Comparisons. Data includes jets and VIP airliners. WoW = Week-over-Week, YoY = Year-over-Year.
Florida recorded the highest absolute flight volume among U.S. states with 7,855 departures. Despite this, the state experienced a 13% week-over-week decline, even while maintaining an 11% annual increase. Over the past four weeks, Florida has generated 32,668 flights, up 5% year-over-year.
Texas posted 4,782 flights during the week, reflecting an 11% weekly increase and a 9% annual gain. California reported 4,334 departures, showing minimal weekly growth at 1% and matching that figure year-over-year. However, California’s first 11 days of January saw a 2% decline in activity.
Other major U.S. markets including New Jersey, New York, and Illinois each showed notable gains since December, contributing to the overall North American performance.
European Market Holds Steady
Europe recorded 6,819 flights during Week 2, a 5% increase from the prior week but flat year-over-year at 0% growth. The region has generated 29,539 flights over the past four weeks, representing a 2% annual increase.
Regional performance varied significantly. Germany posted a 36% weekly surge to 716 flights but remained 11% below last year’s levels. The UK recorded 975 departures, up 3% week-over-week yet down 6% year-over-year. France logged 1,061 flights with no weekly change and a 5% annual decline.
Italy and Switzerland showed positive momentum. Italy’s 612 flights reflected an 11% weekly increase and a 7% annual gain. Switzerland recorded 698 departures, down 5% from the previous week but up 6% year-over-year.
Regional Contrasts Emerge
South America experienced the sharpest year-over-year expansion, with 2,286 flights representing an 18% increase compared to Week 2 of 2025. The region also posted a 44% week-over-week surge, the highest sequential growth rate globally.
Asia recorded 2,420 flights, up 22% from the prior week and 4% year-over-year. Africa logged 895 departures with an 11% weekly increase and a 2% annual gain.
The Middle East was the only region to decline year-over-year, recording 1,338 flights. This represented an 18% weekly increase but a 6% annual decrease.
Charter and Fractional Operations
Part 91K and Part 135 operations, which include fractional ownership and charter flights, totaled 33,623 departures globally during Week 2. This marked a 9% year-over-year increase but a 7% decline from Week 1.
| Market (Part 91K & Part 135) | Week 02 Flights | WoW Change | YoY Change | Last 4 Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global | 33,623 | -7% | 9% | 146,264 |
| North America | 25,512 | -7% | 8% | 110,924 |
| USA | 25,017 | -7% | 8% | 108,726 |
| Florida | 4,545 | -20% | 10% | 20,202 |
| California | 2,767 | -5% | -4% | 11,674 |
| Texas | 2,143 | -6% | 5% | 9,377 |
| Europe | 4,818 | -2% | 4% | 21,782 |
| UK | 738 | -2% | -1% | 3,319 |
| Germany | 511 | 28% | -3% | 2,150 |
| France | 714 | -12% | -6% | 3,446 |
| Switzerland | 506 | -15% | 1% | 2,389 |
| Italy | 427 | 1% | 2% | 1,967 |
| Middle East | 688 | 8% | -2% | 2,640 |
| Africa | 244 | -9% | -2% | 1,121 |
| Asia | 338 | -3% | 10% | 1,416 |
| South America | 59 | 16% | 18% | 240 |
Source: WingX for Private Jet Card Comparisons. Part 91K and Part 135 operations include fractional ownership and charter flights.
The U.S. dominated this segment with 25,017 flights, maintaining the 8% annual growth rate seen across North America while experiencing a 7% weekly dip.
Florida’s charter and fractional activity declined 20% week-over-week to 4,545 flights despite a 10% annual increase. California recorded 2,767 flights in this category, down 5% weekly and 4% annually.
Europe saw 4,818 Part 91K and Part 135 flights, down 2% from the previous week but up 4% year-over-year. Within Europe, the UK, Germany, and France each posted small annual decreases, while Switzerland and Italy recorded gains.
Operational Implications
The 4% year-over-year increase over the past four weeks, totaling 272,571 flights, suggests sustained demand for private aviation services. For charter operators and fractional providers, the data indicates steady baseline activity with regional variations requiring market-specific fleet positioning.
Maintenance providers should anticipate continued high utilization rates, particularly in North American markets where growth has remained consistent. The European market’s flat year-over-year performance may reflect capacity constraints or shifting demand patterns that warrant closer analysis.
Fleet managers operating in South America and Asia should prepare for continued expansion given the double-digit growth rates in those regions. The Middle East’s year-over-year decline contrasts with its strong weekly performance, suggesting potential volatility or comparison against an unusually strong 2025.
Outlook
Private aviation has opened 2026 with its strongest performance in WingX’s tracking history. With no down weeks recorded through mid-January and consistent year-over-year gains, the sector appears positioned for continued growth.
However, the week-over-week decline in charter and fractional operations, coupled with regional disparities in Europe and the Middle East, indicates that operators should monitor market-specific trends rather than relying on aggregate growth figures alone.
The data confirms that private aviation demand remains concentrated in North America while emerging markets in South America and Asia show accelerating activity. Whether this trajectory continues will depend on economic conditions, seasonal travel patterns, and capacity adjustments across key markets through the remainder of Q1 2026.
