US business aviation stays strong despite economic headwinds, data shows

Demand for business aviation in the United States remains firm despite an uncertain economic backdrop. New aircraft deliveries rose in the first half of 2026.

Figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association show business jet deliveries up 8.2% year on year to 383 units, while turboprop shipments rose 7.8% to 289. Billings also increased over the same period. The association's data covers the global market, though roughly three in five new aircraft are sold to US buyers.

High interest rates, persistent inflation and higher fuel prices have weighed on consumer and business confidence, according to the report. Equity markets, by contrast, have traded near record levels.

Adam Cowburn, managing director at aviation consultancy Alton, said the sector has held up because it is not especially sensitive to high oil prices, and because wealth generated in strong equity markets has been moving into private flying.

Two trends stand out. Fractional ownership is expanding quickly, and much of that growth appears to come from new customers rather than from taking business away from whole-aircraft ownership or block charter. Both of those have also grown over the past six years, but more slowly. The used aircraft market also remains strong, a trend the report links in recent years to airframers struggling to raise production quickly enough to meet demand for new aircraft.