✈️ Tightening Inventory Forces High Turnover of Existing Fleets
Avi-Go data shows that from January to May 2026, the average flight duration per leg for global business jets saw its year-on-year increase expand month by month: +1.3% in January, +8.8% in March, +13.3% in April, and +13.4% in May, with April reaching a peak of 1.62 hours—whereas the same period in 2025 showed a downward trend from 1.50 hours to 1.42 hours. In contrast, flight volume remained largely flat—512,191 legs in May versus 514,016—indicating that nearly all capacity growth came from improved single-aircraft utilization. Against a backdrop of supply tightening, with used inventory down approximately 12% year-on-year, operators are more inclined to squeeze existing fleets rather than expand fleet size.
Impact: High-intensity fleet operation directly raises MRO turnaround demand and inspection frequency, while rising utilization supports firm residual values for used aircraft and strengthens sellers' bargaining power.
Recommendation: Operators should schedule preventive maintenance slots before the end of the third quarter of 2026 to avoid unplanned groundings during peak-season high utilization; buyers with acquisition plans should lock in quality aircraft sources and prices before inventory tightens further in the second half of 2026.