24 May 2016, Geneva
New research1 from Global Jet Capital, a provider of financing solutions for large-cabin, long-range private jets, reveals that 41% of Europe’s fleet of business aircraft are mid to heavy, and the corresponding figure for the global fleet is 32%. Overall, there are around 1,691 mid to large private jets in Europe and further research shows that the UK dominates this with a market share of 15% (249), which is more than any other country in the region.
The majority (81%) of Portugal’s 134 business aircraft are mid to heavy in size. This is followed by Russia where 71% of its fleet of business aircraft are mid to heavy, and Austria where the corresponding figure is 60%.
Simon Davies, Managing Director of Global Jet Capital said: “Our analysis reveals that the percentage of Europe’s fleet of business aircraft that are mid to heavy is higher than the global average. Given we focus on financing these types of jets, this market is particularly attractive for us.”
| Country | Mid and heavy jet fleet size | % of overall fleet that is mid to heavy |
| Germany | 200 | 26% |
| United Kingdom | 249 | 44% |
| France | 125 | 27% |
| Switzerland | 132 | 46% |
| Austria | 127 | 60% |
| Italy | 67 | 35% |
| Russian Federation | 134 | 71% |
| Spain | 56 | 34% |
| Portugal | 109 | 81% |
| Belgium | 38 | 34% |
| Rest of Europe | 454 | 43% |
| ALL EUROPE | 1,691 | 41% |
Mid to heavy private jets typically cost between $25 million and $75 million each, and up to 80% of the funding used to purchase these is sourced through external financing. Global Jet Capital is one of the only dedicated aviation finance specialist to operate on a global basis. With an extensive team which has a wealth of experience funding a wide variety of aircraft types, the company recently completed the purchase of the aircraft lease and loan portfolio of GE Capital Corporate Aircraft in the Americas. This represented approximately $2.5 billion of net assets, and the company has a further $1 billion to lend to clients to purchase relevant business aircraft in Europe and elsewhere around the world.
Global Jet Capital, which was launched in 2014, is capitalized by three global investment firms – GSO Capital Partners, a Blackstone company in partnership with Franklin Square Capital Partners*; The Carlyle Group; and AE Industrial Partners.
The company’s current management team and executive committee is composed of leaders from business jet manufacturers, maintenance and service providers and leading financial institutions who have served the private aircraft industry for a combined 200-plus years and have completed over 3,500 aircraft transactions.
Notes to editors
1Global Jet Capital analysis of JetNet data, April 2016
* Investment to be made by funds sub-advised or advised by GSO Capital Partners and Franklin Square Capital Partners or their respective affiliates, as applicable.