5 Aviation Trends to Watch in 2019
Finding new and better ways to serve the public by connecting people and businesses is an ongoing quest in the world of aviation. As we begin 2019, we’ve taken a look at the trends driving the aviation industry and have identified these as ones that stand to have the most impact in the year ahead.
Growth in the Private Jet Market –For several years, both general and corporate aviation saw declines related to the recession and other challenges. However, AviationVoice predicts that the private jet market is poised for growth in 2019.
This growth is the result of increases in the numbers of service providers, clients and the availability of aircraft. Though the aircraft sales market remains a bit flat worldwide, there is a growing pool of used planes, providing opportunities for operators and brokers to enter or expand their presence in the market.
Growth is also expected to come from users, particularly entrepreneurs and Millennials, as they seek the convenience, flexibility, security and more personalized service that corporate jet travel provides.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Approaching –The countdown to utilize Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, rather than traditional radar, is officially on.
Beginning on January 1, 2020, the FAA requires aircraft flying in airspace defined in 91.225 to use ADS-B technology. As the foundation for Next Gen, ADS-B precisely tracks location using satellite signals, enhancing safety and efficiency over ground radar and navigational aids.
ADS-B technology gives pilots indications or alerts of potential collisions via displays that show the location of the aircraft and equipped grown vehicles on airfield. This is especially helpful at night and during heavy rain or snowfall.
Aircraft operating in defined airspace are required to have an ADS-B system that includes a certified position source capable of meeting requirements defined in 91.227. These regulations set a minimum performance standard for both the ADS-B Transmitter and the position sources integrated with the ADS-B equipment in your aircraft.
If you don’t fly into ADS-B designated airspace there is no requirement to equip your aircraft. However, if you have an older aircraft, you will need to upgrade your tracking system by December 31, 2019 to be in compliance.
More Organizations Outsourcing Their Air Travel –With the costs associated with owning and operating corporate aircraft (i.e. maintenance, staff, etc.) on the rise, many businesses are transitioning to fractional ownership, on-demand charters and other means rather than continuing to operate their own corporate flight departments. While it’s not feasible for all organizations to outsource their air travel, reduced cost and risk is a common benefit for those who are embracing this trend
Industry Consolidation –Over the last few years, we’ve seen a number of aviation businesses consolidate, including manufacturers, aircraft operators, FBO chains and other industry suppliers. With the increase in on-demand charter services and rising numbers of companies contracting with businesses to conduct their entire air travel operation, we anticipate seeing additional consolidation in this area in particular.
The Need to Fly Further Distances and Into New Territory –According to PrivateFly, corporate aviation clients are requiring that air travel service will fly them further and directly to their destinations. The convenience and time-savings alone make it easy to see why this is paramount for clients. However, one rising area of private aviation is travel related to fires, floods, hurricanes, natural disasters or humanitarian crises. While both of these general trends may not impact you personally, we think it will be interesting to watch as they evolve.
The need to bring in supplies, emergency personnel or specialized crew members, government officials or members of the media, or evacuate local citizens quickly often translates to the need for aircraft to fly into new, remote or rugged territory. This requires a combination of aircraft agility, pilot skill and an infrastructure that supports the types of aircraft that are utilized for these unique situations.
As a pilot, enthusiast, business owner or member of the flying public, you may be seeing additional aviation trends that will impact how you travel by air. If so, please let us know so we can explore them together.
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