Over the last few years, business jet manufacturers have seen their order books grow. This year will determine whether the upswing continues or if the industry’s challenges limit growth. David Willis reviews the current state of the business jet sector and looks at some of the aircraft under development
According to data released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association on February 22, a total of 712 business jets were handed over by nine original equipment manufacturers in 2022. This was two more than in the previous year. They ranged in size and capability from VIP variants of airliners delivered by Airbus Corporate Jets and Boeing Business Jets to the SF50 Vision Jet very light ‘personnel’ aircraft produced by Cirrus Aircraft. The single-engine, six-seat SF50 G2+ recorded the highest number of all general aviation jets deliveries, with 90 examples going to customers. The Vision Jet bridges the gap between the ‘owner-operator’ and the lower (in terms of capability) end of the business jet market.