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Demand for luxury air travel grows.

Private jet manufacturers such as Gulfstream and Dassault are experiencing increased orders by targeting wealthy customers rather than mass-market passengers.

Global private jet flights increased by 5% in 2025, reaching 3.7 million flights, 35% higher than pre-pandemic levels. This growth matches the rise in numbers of people worth over $30 million (‘ultra-high-net-worth individuals’).

Companies argue that private jets offer efficiency for frequent business travellers, with improved cabin pressure and reduced noise to minimise fatigue. Jets can also reach smaller airports that commercial airlines cannot serve.

Whilst commercial airlines typically operate on profit margins of just 2-4%, private jet manufacturers sell fewer aircraft at much higher prices (often tens of millions of pounds) and earn additional revenue from maintenance and parts.

However, the industry faces criticism for environmental concerns, as private jets are among the most carbon-intensive forms of travel. Manufacturers respond by developing more fuel-efficient aircraft and promoting sustainable aviation fuel, though this remains expensive and difficult to source.