CJI Insiders Share Thoughts on Jet Charter Outlook for 2025

Dec. 5, 2024

Last month’s Corporate Jet Investor (CJI) Miami has widely been hailed as a resounding success, drawing more than 500 aviation dealmakers to Miami Beach to focus on the future of business aviation. SPARROW Executive Jets (SEJ) was honored to be part of this year’s thought-provoking conference, which brought together an influential mix of senior-level executives in business aviation – including operators, sales brokers, charter brokers, OEMs, and other client influencers – for networking and knowledge-sharing with peers. 

The conference agenda featured more than 80 aviation experts speaking on topics ranging from the state of the market and tax issues, to aircraft connectivity and maintenance considerations, and more. Of particular interest to the private jet charter community was a lively panel discussion featuring SEJ Chief Executive Officer Jacquie Dalton, which explored the question: Is the charter, fractional, and card boom over?

Corporate Jet Investor's Alasdair Whyte moderated the panel featuring Dalton and fellow panelists Randy Brandoff of Aviation Portfolio, Christopher Tasca of Fly Alliance, and Rich Ropp of George J. Priester Aviation.

“It was a privilege to share insights about the current state of the jet charter industry on this panel with Alasdair, Randy, Christopher, and Rich,” she said. 

Is the Charter, Fractional and Card Boom Over?

Dalton and other private jet insiders at CJI expressed optimism about the business aviation market in 2025. According to a recent Robb Report article, the fractional and jet card segments of private aviation are still above pre-Covid sales levels, while on-demand charter has declined from the highs of 2021 and 2022. Looking ahead, people buying and selling aircraft are showing positive sentiment following the U.S. presidential election last month, reported outlets like AIN.

With the future of private aviation looking bright going into the new year, Dalton noted that the health of wholly owned aircraft operators and aircraft management companies remains important to the long-term success of the Part 135 market. 

“In the 135 community, we need to make sure we’re putting safety first,” she said. “Our industry should stay focused on strengthening aircraft management companies and protecting the interest of aircraft owners to ensure safe and secure operations for our customers and crews.”

Dalton views brokers as an important driver of quality and safety in the charter community. “Brokers can create processes for working with operators that specialize in wholly owned and private partnership aircraft management to elevate standards for the 135 network. We all can be doing more to minimize flight and financial risk for our customers,” she said.

Overall, the SEJ team was proud to be a part of the dynamic industry experience offered by this year's conference. We can’t wait to return to CJI Miami 2025, Nov. 4-6 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach!