Airbus Corporate Jets survey points to a new wave of demand for large business aircraft in Asia

Confidence in Asia's business aviation market is on the rise, according to new research commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ). Industry experts expect demand for business aircraft to grow steadily throughout the remainder of the decade, with large-cabin jets emerging as the strongest-performing segment. Among financiers and brokers surveyed across Asia, 85% believe purchases of large business aircraft will increase by 2030, while nearly one-third anticipate a dramatic rise in demand.

The research suggests that the industry's focus is increasingly shifting toward larger platforms. Around 60% of respondents expect the large and midsize jet segments to lead market growth through 2030, while 62% anticipate that large and long-range aircraft will account for the majority of new business jet expenditure between 2025 and 2034, representing an estimated 65% to 70% of total spending.

Beyond rising demand, the survey suggests a clear trend toward aircraft upgauging. More than half (56%) of respondents say that at least one in four aircraft they help sell or finance today represents a move into a larger category. By 2030, nearly nine in ten (89%) expect this trend to become even more pronounced.

When it comes to purchasing priorities, buyers of large business jets are seeking a balance of performance and comfort. Forty-five percent of respondents say range and cabin space are equally important factors, while 28% point to cabin comfort, passenger capacity, and customization as the key differentiators. Another 27% believe the ability to fly longer missions with greater operational flexibility is now the primary purchasing driver.

Financial performance is emerging as a key driver of purchasing decisions in the business aviation market. According to respondents, the ability to generate charter revenue ranks as the most important commercial consideration for buyers, surpassing both residual value and acquisition cost. However, many believe buyers continue to underestimate the long-term financial implications of ownership, with operating costs cited by 40% of respondents as the most overlooked factor, followed by residual value (25%).

The survey also reveals strong confidence in the large-cabin segment's financial prospects. Some 67% of respondents believe financing conditions for large business jets will improve relative to smaller aircraft, while three-quarters expect the pace of fleet modernization to accelerate as operators increasingly invest in newer, more fuel-efficient platforms.

Chadi Saade, President of Airbus Corporate Jets, commented: “The business aviation market in Asia continues to demonstrate remarkable confidence and the actual increase of ACJs in service in Asia is a testimony of this growth.  Buyers are increasingly looking for aircraft that deliver long-range capability, greater flexibility and a premium onboard experience, while also offering strong long-term economic performance. Purchasing decisions today are far more strategic, with customers considering operating costs, financing, charter revenue opportunities and residual value alongside traditional measures such as cabin size and range. The trend towards larger, more capable aircraft reflects the increasingly global nature of business. Operators want aircraft capable of flying longer missions while providing passengers with the space and comfort expected of a modern business jet.”

Airbus Corporate Jets offers a market-leading range of corporate aircraft, from the versatile ACJ TwoTwenty and ACJ320neo to the spacious ACJ330neo and flagship ACJ350. Leading the portfolio is the ACJ TwoTwenty, an aircraft that is redefining expectations in business aviation through the creation of a new Xtra Large Bizjet segment. Offering twice the cabin real estate of comparably priced ultra-long-range business jets, it combines generous living space with outstanding efficiency and operational reliability. The aircraft maintains the airport accessibility and parking footprint of traditional ultra-long-range jets while delivering operating costs that are up to 33% lower.

With the ability to fly more than 5,650 nautical miles non-stop, the ACJ TwoTwenty can connect the vast majority of city pairs across Asia, enabling missions such as Singapore-Auckland, Hong Kong-Anchorage and Jakarta-Istanbul with ease.

Supporting the industry's sustainability ambitions, the aircraft is certified to operate on a blend of up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel, reflecting Airbus Corporate Jets' commitment to more efficient and environmentally responsible air travel.

More than 200 Airbus corporate jets are currently in operation worldwide, serving some of the most demanding customers in business and government aviation.