Unveiling Private Jet Trends at Geneva Airport: Analyzing Arrivals on July 17, 2024
Credits José Ferreiro - Dassault Falcon 7x OH-WIX taking off from Geneva airport on July 17, 2024

Unveiling Private Jet Trends at Geneva Airport: Analyzing Arrivals on July 17, 2024

Geneva Airport (GVA/LSGG) in Switzerland is a major hub in private aviation, strategically located at the heart of Europe. It serves ultra-high-net-worth-individuals (UHNWI), business leaders, and dignitaries, facilitating significant private jet traffic with its state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated private jet terminal T3.

On July 17, 2024, I aimed to analyze mid-week arrivals (Wednesday) at Geneva Airport to understand private jet movements. This study focuses on the types of arriving aircraft, their categories, and usage frequency, offering insights into the trends and preferences in private aviation at GVA. The underlying flights data used in this analysis comes from Flightradar24, which is freely available.

Analysis

To provide a comprehensive understanding of private jet arrivals at Geneva Airport on July 17, 2024, I have structured the analysis into several key sections. These sections will cover various aspects of the data, including the companies operating the jets, the categories and models of the jets, the top models used, and detailed arrival information of 36 flights.

1. Jet Companies Operating

Here is the ranked list of companies by the number of private jet flights on July 17, 2024:

  1. NetJets Europe - 7 flights
  2. (No specified company) - 6 flights
  3. VistaJet - 5 flights
  4. Arcus Air - 3 flights
  5. Jetfly Aviation - 2 flights
  6. United Eagle - 1 flight
  7. Albinati Aeronautics - 1 flight
  8. Fly 7 - 1 flight
  9. Aeroways - 1 flight
  10. Luxaviation Belgium - 1 flight
  11. ASG Business Aviation - 1 flight
  12. DALaviation Switzerland - 1 flight
  13. Haute Aviation - 1 flight
  14. GlobeAir - 1 flight
  15. Sparfell - 1 flight
  16. VallJet - 1 flight
  17. Global Jet Luxembourg - 1 flight
  18. Sparfell Luftfahrt - 1 flight

Credits José Ferreiro - Dassault Falcon 2000 OE-HER - Geneva Airport July 17, 2024

1.1 Jet Categories

  • Turboprop: 4 flights: Pilatus PC-12 (PC12)
  • Light Jet: 17 flights: Cessna Citation Jet (C525), Embraer Phenom 300 (E55P), Cessna Citation CJ3 (C25B), Cessna CitationJet 2 (C25A), Cessna Citation Latitude (C68A), Cessna Citation CJ4 (C25C), Pilatus PC-24 (PC24)
  • Midsize Jet: 1 flight: Cessna Citation Latitude (C68A)
  • Super Midsize Jet: 4 flights: Bombardier Challenger 350 (CL35)
  • Large Jet: 5 flights: Bombardier Challenger 600 (CL60), Gulfstream G450 (GLF4), Embraer Legacy 600 (E35L)
  • Heavy Jet: 1 flight: Dassault Falcon 8X (FA8X)
  • Ultra Long Range Jet: 2 flights: Gulfstream G550 (GLF5)

Light Jets Category dominates, accounting for nearly half of the total flights on this day, indicating a strong preference for smaller, efficient aircraft suitable for short to medium-haul journeys. This is followed by a notable demand for Large Jets, which provide extended range and luxurious amenities for longer trips. The balanced demand for Super Midsize Jets and Turboprops highlights the value travelers place on mid-range comfort and the versatility of aircraft that can access remote locations with lower operating costs.

Credits José Ferreiro - Dassault Falcon 2000 OE-HER taking off from Geneva Airport July 17, 2024

1.2 Jet Models

  • Model Name: Embraer Phenom 300 (E55P), Jet Type: Light Jet, 8 flights
  • Model Name: Bombardier Challenger 350 (CL35), Jet Type: Super Midsize Jet, 4 flights
  • Model Name: Cessna CitationJet 2 (C25A), Jet Type: Light Jet, 4 flights
  • Model Name: Pilatus PC-12 (PC12), Jet Type: Turboprop, 4 flights
  • Model Name: Bombardier Challenger 600 (CL60), Jet Type: Large Jet, 2 flights
  • Model Name: Gulfstream G550 (GLF5), Jet Type: Ultra Long Range Jet, 2 flights
  • Model Name: Gulfstream G450 (GLF4), Jet Type: Large Jet, 2 flights
  • Model Name: Cessna Citation CJ4 (C25C), Jet Type: Light Jet, 2 flights

The data on private jet usage reveals a notable preference for light jets, with models like the Embraer Phenom 300 and the Cessna CitationJet 2 (CJ2) leading in frequency. These aircraft are ideal for shorter regional trips, reflecting a significant demand in this category. Super midsize jets, such as the Bombardier Challenger 350, also show considerable use, suggesting they strike a desirable balance between range and comfort. Additionally, turboprops like the Pilatus PC-12 are popular, likely due to their efficiency and versatility in operating on shorter runways. Larger jets, including the Bombardier Challenger 600 and Gulfstream G450, see moderate usage, indicating a consistent need for spacious cabins and extended range capabilities.

Moreover, the data highlights the presence of high-end, ultra long-range jets like the Gulfstream G550, pointing to a demand for premium private travel over longer distances. The variety of jet types in use underscores the industry's flexibility in meeting diverse travel needs, from short hops to international flights. With a total of 36 flights recorded, the activity level underscores a robust market for private jet travel to and from Geneva, showcasing a comprehensive approach to addressing various client requirements with a wide range of aircraft.

Credits José Ferreiro - Dassault Falcon 7X OH-WIX taking off from Geneva Airport July 17, 2024

1.3 Top 3 Jet Models

  • Embraer Phenom 300 (E55P), Jet Type: Light Jet, 8 flights
  • Bombardier Challenger 350 (CL35), Jet Type: Super Midsize Jet, 4 flights
  • Cessna CitationJet 2 (C25A), Jet Type: Light Jet, 4 flights

Credits José Ferreiro - Dassault Falcon 7X OH-WIX taking off from Geneva Airport July 17, 2024

The flights data reveals that light jets, particularly the Embraer Phenom 300 and Cessna CitationJet 2, dominated the skies with the highest number of flights. This trend underscores their popularity for short regional trips, offering a blend of efficiency and luxury. Additionally, the frequent use of the Bombardier Challenger 350, a super midsize jet, highlights its appeal for those needing a balance of range and comfort. These insights suggest that for most private jet travelers, the emphasis is on versatile, efficient aircraft capable of providing quick, comfortable, and reliable travel experiences across various distances.

2. Departures to Geneva

There were a total of 36 flights from 12 countries. 26 flights (72%) from European Union (EU) countries and 10 flights (28%) from Non-EU countries.

Private Jet Flights arriving to Geneva Airport in Switzerland on July 17, 2024

European Union (EU) Flights

  • France: 10 flights
  • Italy: 4 flights
  • Spain: 4 flights
  • Greece: 3 flights
  • Denmark: 1 flight
  • Czech Republic: 1 flight
  • Croatia: 1 flight
  • Portugal: 1 flight
  • Netherlands: 1 flight

Non-EU Flights

  • Switzerland: 5 flights
  • United Kingdom: 4 flights
  • Turkey: 1 flight

Chart generated with Kepler gl a powerful open source geospatial analysis (Redux based)

Reading the flight data, a significant portion of flights to Geneva originate from European Union (EU) countries, particularly France, Italy, and Spain, which together account for the majority of flights. Additionally, a notable number of flights come from Mediterranean countries, indicating a trend of travelers heading to Geneva from popular summer holiday destinations.

2.1 Arrivals Time

The peak hour for private jet landings is at 9 AM, with 6 landings recorded. This suggests that a significant number of travelers prefer to arrive early in the morning, possibly to maximize their day for business or leisure activities.

Other high activity periods include 8 AM, 11 AM, and 12 PM, each with 3 or more landings. These times indicate continued high traffic during the morning and just before noon, reflecting the preferences of travelers to arrive before or around midday. This trend could be driven by business travelers aiming to reach their destinations in time for morning meetings or leisure travelers looking to start their day early.

The bar chart indicates a trend where travelers prefer to arrive earlier in the day, which can be advantageous for both business and leisure purposes. Early arrivals allow travelers to fully utilize the day, whether for meetings, events, or other activities.

It is important to note that people traveling on private jets can arrange arrival times based on their needs, provided there are available slots. This flexibility allows for optimal planning and convenience.

2.2. Routes and Estimated Values (€)

  1. Milan (LIN), Italy - Light Jet - Estimated Value: €5,150
  2. Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland - Light Jet - Estimated Value: €5,450
  3. Nice (NCE), France - Heavy Jet - Estimated Value: €18,050
  4. Paris (LBG), France - Super Midsize Jet - Estimated Value: €12,200
  5. Paris (LBG), France - Light Jet - Estimated Value: €6,850
  6. Barcelona (BCN), Spain -Large Jet - Estimated Value: €20,000
  7. Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland - Light Jet - Estimated Value: €5,450
  8. Milan (LIN), Italy - Super Midsize Jet- Estimated Value: €12,000
  9. Paris (LBG), France - Very Light Jet- Estimated Value: €6,850
  10. Mykonos (JMK), Greece - Light Jet- Estimated Value: €17,150
  11. Toulon (TLN), France - Super Midsize Jet- Estimated Value: €14,550
  12. Corfu (CFU), Greece - Ultra Long Range Jet - Estimated Value: €40,000
  13. Manchester (MAN), United Kingdom - Light Jet - Estimated Value: €10,300
  14. Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland - Midsize Jet- Estimated Value: €12,850
  15. Copenhagen (CPH), Denmark - Large Jet - Estimated Value: €21,450
  16. Kefalonia (EFL), Greece - Light Jet - Estimated Value: €13,350
  17. Ibiza (IBZ), Spain - Very Light Jet - Estimated Value: €9,650
  18. Saint-Tropez (LTT), France - Turboprop - Estimated Value: €7,750
  19. Olbia (OLB), Italy - Large Jet - EstimatedValue: €17,500
  20. Sion (SIR), Switzerland - Turboprop- Estimated Value: €2,850
  21. Manchester (MAN), United Kingdom - Light JetValue: €10,300
  22. Malaga (AGP), Spain - Ultra Long Range JetValue: €12,350
  23. Prague (PRG), Czech Republic - Light JetValue: €8,400
  24. Dubrovnik (DBV), Croatia - Light JetValue: €10,200
  25. Lisbon (LIS), Portugal - Large JetValue: €23,500
  26. Paris (LBG), France - Light Jet - EstimatedValue: €6,850
  27. Bern (BRN), Switzerland - Light Jet- Estimated Value: €4,800
  28. Biarritz (BIQ), France - Light Jet- Estimated Value: €8,100
  29. Enschede (ENS), Netherlands - Light Jet- Estimated Value: €8,100
  30. Marseille (MRS), France - Light Jet- Estimated Value: €6,200
  31. Saint-Tropez (LTT), France - Turboprop - Estimated Value: €4,500
  32. Ibiza (IBZ), Spain - Super Midsize Jet - Estimated Value: €18,700
  33. Manchester (MAN), United Kingdom - Light Jet - Estimated Value: €10,300
  34. Northolt (NHT), United Kingdom - Light Jet - Estimated Value: €8,650
  35. Dalaman (DLM), Turkey - Large Jet- Estimated Value: €27,500
  36. Pisa (PSA), Italy - Turboprop - Estimated Value: €5,600

The total estimated value of all flights is over €372,500 (approximately USD 417,200, GBP 316,625, CHF 379,950) as these prices estimations are calculated before taxes and fees. It’s important to note that private jet costs can vary significantly based on market availability and demand, particularly during peak months like July. For instance, the Italian Luxury Tax (Italy) for private jets imposes an additional cost per passenger for each leg of the flight: €100 for legs under 100 km, €100 for legs between 100 and 1500 km, and €200 for flights over 1500 km. These additional costs further increase the overall expenditure on private jet flight travel. Please note that the prices mentioned are provided as indicative estimates and are non-committal, as actual costs may vary.

3. Trends, Insights and Conclusion

The analysis of private jet arrivals at Geneva Airport on July 17, 2024, highlights several key trends and insights in the private aviation sector. Light jets, such as the Embraer Phenom 300 and Cessna CitationJet 2 (CJ2), dominated the skies, accounting for nearly half of the total flights, reflecting their popularity for short to medium-haul journeys due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Larger jets, including the Bombardier Challenger 600 and Gulfstream G450, also see significant use, offering spacious cabins and luxurious amenities for longer trips. The data reveals strong regional trends, with a substantial number of flights originating from EU countries, particularly from Mediterranean destinations, underscoring Geneva's role as a hub for both business and leisure travel. Peak arrival times at 9 AM and throughout the morning suggest a preference for early-day travel, maximizing the productivity and leisure potential of travelers. The economic impact is considerable, with the total value of flights exceeding €372,500, highlighting the high cost of private jet travel driven by demand, aircraft availability, and additional taxes. This analysis underscores the robust market for private aviation in connecting high-net-worth individuals and business leaders across Europe and beyond.

Analyzing the departures from Geneva Airport or another relevant airport would reveal valuable insights into travel patterns and preferences, providing a complete picture of the private jet travel network and identifying popular destinations and routes for outgoing flights.

Christian Loiseau

Hands-on Tech-driven Executive. I'm happy to drive business growth through strategic Sales and Marketing, sustainable innovations, and impactful solutions.

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Heverton Rodrigues

CEO @ Voguer | Advisor @ Flapper | Entrepreneur | Technology and Innovation | Startups | Angel Investor |

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Wow! Interesting insights! Paul Malicki Luciano Osorio Wesley Ribeiro

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