Private Aviation Experiences a Boom in Post-COVID Travel Demand
The private aviation industry has seen a significant increase in demand since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many leisure travelers opting for private flights instead of commercial airlines for health reasons. According to George Mattson, CEO of Wheels Up, many of these first-time private aviation customers have been so impressed with the experience that they have become frequent flyers. However, business travel, which remained low during the pandemic due to remote work policies, is now picking up as companies resume in-person operations.
Private jet activity has shown a consistent year-over-year increase for 20 out of the last 24 weeks, according to WINGX data. Additionally, VistaJet has reported a three-fold increase in requests for private aviation solutions from corporations in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Apart from business travelers, leisure travelers are also contributing to the surge in demand for private flights. Private carriers have always been a popular option for reaching destinations with limited or no commercial connections. This summer, destinations like Scotland’s Hebrides, the French and Italian islands of Corsica and Ischia, the Hamptons, and Ibiza are trending, according to aircraft charter specialist Chapman Freeborn. The busiest periods for private jet activity in recent months have coincided with major sporting events and holidays. For example, over Memorial Day weekend, private jet flights in the US hit an all-time high compared to previous years.
Despite the increase in demand, there is still room for growth in the private aviation industry. According to data from 2021, the majority of US households that can afford private flights do not use them. One of the factors contributing to this is the relatively manual booking process for private flights. It can be easier to purchase a $10,000 business class ticket than to go through the process of reserving a private flight, which involves contacting brokers, comparing jet card memberships, or purchasing fractional ownership models.
To address these pain points, the industry is introducing new products and technologies. Several start-ups are competing to become the “Uber of private jet travel,” such as Kinectair, which offers real-time pricing and route search features without charging membership fees. This summer, Uber itself launched a helicopter booking feature in the Amalfi Coast.
Furthermore, there is a growing intersection between commercial and private aviation. In a first for the industry, Delta Air Lines now offers its international business class passengers connections to Wheels Up charter flights throughout Europe. This partnership allows travelers to experience the comfort and exclusivity of private flights while also enjoying the convenience of commercial air travel.
Semi-private carriers, such as JSX, XO, and Aero, have also gained popularity among premium travelers. These carriers offer scheduled services aboard private aircraft that can be booked by the seat.