Stats from above #13

As the month wraps up we’re slowly but surely entering the first days of summer. And what better way to kick off the summer season than with the newest installment of our monthly blog, Stats from Above. In this series, we delve into the fascinating statistics from the world of business aviation, covering popular destinations, busiest routes, airports, and the most commonly used types of jets. In this month's edition, we’ll be looking at the intriguing data from May. If you’d like to get up to speed on the previous statistics we suggest you take a peek at the Stats from Above from April.

Stats from Above

Let’s dive into the stats provided by our partners at the EBAA. May, being one of the warmest months of the year, brought a notable increase in activity across the skies. A total of 1,531 active airports buzzed with 68,557 arriving flights, a clear indication of the bustling travel season. As temperatures rose, so did the number of flights, continuing a consistent upward trend. This surge in air travel was matched by a boost in the number of active airplanes, which reached 4,922. Turboprops continued to dominate the scene, leading with 16,123 departing flights. Hot on their heels, Light Jets recorded 12,325 departures, while Super Light Jets secured a strong third place with 8,833 departing flights. The warmer weather undeniably played a role in ramping up these numbers.

Busiest airports and routes

We’ve looked at some of the basic statistics now let’s move on to the busiest airports and routes. Carrying on from the previous month there was not much of a reshuffle on the list, all of the busiest airports from the previous month have remained on the list and and only two switched positions. Paris Le Bourget came in first with 2,548 flights, Nice-Côted'Azur airport came in second with 2,274 flights and the Geneva Cointrin Airport came in third with 1,654 flights.

With the temperature starting to slowly but surely rise the French Riviera is starting to see an increase in visitors. So it should come as no surprise that Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport was the second most frequented airport by number of arrivals.  So let’s take a peek at what events piqued the interest of jet setters visiting the French seaside. 

In May the French Riviera hosted one of the biggest and most important film festivals, the 77th Festival de Cannes. So you can expect that the world’s A-listers and premier actors, producers, and artists flocked to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Another major event taking place the same month was the Monaco Grand Prix, which saw the Monegasque Charles Leclerc win the race at home. The Grand Prix is one of the biggest events of the season so there is little doubt that it was attended by fans from all around the world.  

Jet of the month Pilatus PC-12 NGX

May’s jet of the month is the Pilatus PC-12 NGX, a very popular turboprop-powered business aircraft. The PC-12, a single-engine turboprop, has been produced in various versions since 1991 and remains a symbol of versatility and efficiency in the world of private aviation.

Designed for performance, efficiency, and a reasonable level of comfort, the Pilatus PC-12 NGX typically accommodates around eight passengers, ensuring they travel in style and comfort. This turboprop aircraft is powered by a single Pratt& Whitney Canada PT6E-67XP engine, allowing it to cruise at speeds of approximately 290 knots or 537 kilometers per hour. With a range of about 1,803 nautical miles or 3,339 kilometers, the PC-12 NGX is perfect for both short and medium-haul flights.

Inside, the PC-12 NGX boasts a luxurious cabin featuring versatile seating arrangements, allowing around eight passengers to sit comfortably with generous legroom. The usual arrangement for eight passengers consists of forward-place club seating and 2 aft forward-facing seats. The cabin is equipped with modern amenities, including foldable tables, ideal for work or dining, which can be stowed away when not in use. A lavatory is included on board, and depending on the configuration, passengers can enjoy inflight entertainment on the installed screens. If you’d like to see how the plane looks on the inside you can take a 3D tour of its interior.

If you’re considering purchasing a Pilatus PC-12 NGX, several factors will have an impact on the final price – the aircraft’s age, design and configuration, maintenance history, and total flight hours it has incurred over its service. On average, you’d be looking at a price somewhere around US$ 6,5 million. The PC-12 NGX is quite popular, typically spending only two or three months on the market once listed. Therefore, if you’re interested in acquiring one, it’s advisable to act swiftly.

If you're in the market for a Pilatus PC-12 NGX and need guidance on the purchasing process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We already have one on offer and we would be happy to assist you on your journey to owning this exceptional aircraft.