NAFA member Shawn Holstein, President of Holstein Aviation, shares his recent blog about business aviation in Q2 2026.
The business aviation market in Q2 2026 is telling a fascinating story of resilience matching up against industrial constraint. Demand from passengers and buyers hasn’t slowed down, but the industry is bumping up against a “supply-driven ceiling.” Growth isn’t being limited by a lack of interest, but rather by OEM production bottlenecks and a heavily congested maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector.
Here is a breakdown of the key trends shaping the market this quarter.
FLIGHT ACTIVITY: THE WHEELS KEEP TURNING
Flight hours are still on the rise, proving that the operational demand for business aircraft remains a core priority for corporations and individuals alike.
- Sustained Growth: North American flight activity is projected to climb 1.9% in 2026, on track to hit roughly 5.5 million flight hours.
- Sector Performance: Fractional and charter operators are leading the charge. Confidence is high, with 91% of operators expecting to fly the same or more than they did in 2025.
- Regional Hotspots: While the U.S. remains the dominant global market, specific regions are outperforming the baseline. Major aviation hubs like Florida and Texas are seeing year-over-year activity jumps of 2% to 3%.
This article was originally published by Holstein Aviation on July 10, 2026.