An uptick in business flight activity last month, particularly in turboprop aircraft, continued to mark an uphill trend so for this year, Aviation Research Group/US found in Wednesday’s report for the U.S. and Canada. The report, which tallies IFR departures and arrivals, shows that flights increased 3.7 by percent between June and July. Turboprop activity climbed 5.2 percent in that period, the fifth straight monthly increase for the category, ARGUS reported. Small cabin jet activity saw a 4.4 percent increase, while the large jet market fell slightly by 0.4 percent.
Compared to July 2014, flights for the month increased by 5.6 percent, the largest year-over-year increase since February 2012, ARGUS reported. Part 135 operations rose 9.6 percent, and flights for all reported categories saw increases year-over-year. Turboprops had the overall largest increase, 7.6 percent, marking the fifth increase for the yearly period. Meanwhile, the fractional turboprop market saw the largest increase in the year-over-year report, rising 19.7 percent from July 2014. ARGUS said it forecasts a 4 percent increase in August compared to the same month last year.
