Sluggish Economy Could Slow Demand For Private Aicraft

Is the softening United States economy slowing down the demand for private aircraft?

According to the International Herald Tribune, avionics manufacturer Honeywell reports the American market for business jets has fallen below 50 percent of global sales in recently.  Aircraft sales are growing in Russia, South Asia and the Middle East thanks to increased demand for air travel in those countries.

One culprit for the softening sales to the United States could be the cost of jet fuel. Security hassles and service issues are still driving business travelers to choose private jets over commercial airlines.

An uncertain economy has some businesses choosing fractional aircraft ownership companies or charter aircraft businesses instead of buying a plane.

Source: International Herald Tribune