A recent report from Forecast International predicts that 2012 will see a turnaround in the business-jet market, with modest growth expected, ending a three-year trend of declining sales. The recovery will be slow, according to analyst Raymond Jaworowski. The improvement in 2012 will be “minor,” he said, and “more substantial growth in build rates will have to wait until 2013.” The production total in 2008 of 1,313 business jets may not be seen again until 2018.
“The worst of the industry downturn is over,” said the company’s news release, “but much of the business jet market remains sluggish, especially the light and medium jet segments of the market.” Demand is considerably stronger at the top end of the market, in the large-cabin and long-range sectors. Forecast International’s market forecast showed that through 2020, the top producers of business jets will be Cessna, Embraer, and Bombardier. When measured in monetary value of production, the top three companies are projected to be Gulfstream, Bombardier, and Dassault. In October, Forecast International also predicted slow growth for piston and turboprop sales through next year, with stronger growth starting in 2013.
