The booming economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China will lead the recovery in the business jet market, with large-cabin, long-range aircraft and new-generation light business jets topping the shopping list, market data released by Ascend Worldwide has revealed.
China, the Middle East and Russia are leading the charge for large-cabin, long-range types - including the Dassault Falcon 7X, Gulfstream 550, Bombardier Global XRS/6000 and Challenger series.
"In China, cabin volume and range capability is key," said Ascend, while in the Middle East "large cabins, high-end models and bizliners dominate, although entry and light cabin Embraer Phenoms are starting to arrive".
These types have already made their mark in their home market of Brazil - "which is focused on smaller aircraft sizes" - and India, where there is a "mixture of business jet categories from Phenoms to Globals", Ascend said. "It remains to be seen if any one cabin size prevails," it added.
The global order intake for 2011 reflects a continued "positive" trend towards medium and large cabin aircraft, Ascend said.
In contrast, sales of "small aircraft" continue to suffer from the effects of the turbulent economic climate. The situation is particularly acute in the used aircraft market, where the inventory for older, small-cabin business jets remains stubbornly high as bargain-savvy customers seek out new-generation models.
Source: Flight International
