Q1 2025 Private Jet Charter Trends

In Q1 2025, SHY Aviation saw strong activity across seasonal and business-focused routes. Flights centred on three clear destination types: mountain access for skiing, UK city-to-city business routes, and early spring movement towards the south of France. Super midsize jets were the most requested aircraft type, offering range, baggage space, and speed suited to these demands.

Below are three of the most in-demand destinations of the quarter, each matched with the top-performing aircraft for the route:

Chambéry (CMF), France

Chambéry was the top airport for clients heading into the French Alps. Located close to major resorts like Courchevel (90 mins), Méribel (1 hr 45), and Val d’Isère (2 hrs), it allows travellers to avoid long commercial transfers and arrive closer to their chalet.

The airport is limited in capacity, with short runway length, challenging weather, and terrain. It's used almost entirely by private aircraft in winter, making it a strong indicator of seasonal demand. Bookings peaked around school holidays and long weekends, especially from London and Geneva.

Best-suited Aircraft: Bombardier Challenger 350

The Challenger 350 had the right mix of runway performance, luggage space and cabin comfort. It flew in from London Farnborough, Geneva, Amsterdam, and Zurich regularly. It’s also fast to reposition and can depart on short notice - important for clients travelling between work and family schedules.

Manchester (MAN), United Kingdom

Manchester continued to attract private flights from financial, football and creative industry clients. It’s the key private aviation airport in the North, with easy access to the city centre, Salford media hubs, and surrounding estates. Many clients used it for day trips between meetings or discreet flights to and from Europe.

Private usage also spiked on weekends, linked to Premier League matches and music events. The route between London and Manchester remains one of the busiest short-haul sectors in the UK for private charters.

Best-suited Aircraft: Cessna Citation XLS+

The XLS+ offered quick turnaround, solid range for UK-Europe travel, and low operational costs. It suited clients who needed cabin comfort without requiring a larger jet. Most popular routes were Manchester to London, Dublin, Amsterdam and Paris.

Nice-Côte d’Azur (NCE), France

Nice led bookings across Q1. Its location makes it the preferred airport for the French Riviera, with fast access to Monaco, Cap Ferrat, Cannes and Antibes. In March, MIPIM brought a surge in flights from London, Frankfurt and Zurich. Many clients flew in early to extend their stay ahead of the event.

Nice is also used heavily by clients with private residences or regular business in Monaco. The private terminal offers fast clearance, car-to-aircraft access, and reliable handling—all important for UHNWI and personal assistants managing tight schedules.

Best-suited Aircraft: Embraer Legacy 650

The Legacy 650 flew groups of up to 13 with ease. It handled popular short-haul routes such as Manchester–Nice, as well as longer routes such as Frankfurt to Dubai with ease and elegance, and its three-zone cabin meant passengers could work, rest or separate staff. It was booked most often by family offices and private clients travelling with security or additional staff.

Ibiza (IBZ), Spain

Ibiza remains the leading party destination for private jet travellers. Even outside the peak summer season, the island attracts clients for private events, villa stays, and off-season escapes. It offers a quieter atmosphere in Q1, with more privacy, easier access to top venues, and tailored service without the crowds.

The airport handles private traffic efficiently, with quick turnaround times and VIP handling. SHY Aviation arranges charters to Ibiza from key European cities, including London, Paris, and Zurich.

Best-suited Aircraft: Cessna Citation CJ3 and Embraer Phenom 300

The Citation CJ3 and Phenom 300 are well-suited to this route. Both offer efficient short-haul performance, fast boarding, and cabin layouts that work well for small groups. For clients flying with more passengers or staff, the Bombardier Challenger 350 provides additional space and range.

Ibiza is a strong option for clients looking for a private, fast, and flexible getaway with full discretion and high-end local support.

Super Midsize Jets

Across these destinations, super midsize jets were the most in-demand category throughout Q1 2025. The Challenger 350 and Citation XLS+ led bookings, consistently chosen for their combination of range, cabin comfort, and operating efficiency.

These jets seat between 8 and 13 passengers, making them ideal for both business and leisure use. They offer stand-up cabins, full-service galleys, and baggage space suited to longer stays or group travel. Most importantly, they can access smaller, regional airports with shorter runways - allowing direct entry into locations that commercial airlines can’t serve.

Clients choose super midsize jets for their ability to operate on tight schedules, with minimal airport waiting times and fast turnaround. For multi-leg itineraries or short-notice bookings, they offer flexibility without compromising comfort. Whether flying to alpine airports, coastal retreats, or city meetings, they strike the right balance between scale and practicality.

At SHY Aviation, super midsize jets continue to be the go-to solution for clients who value punctuality, privacy, and control over their route.

SHY Aviation provides access to the most in-demand private jets across the globe. Our aviation team is available 24/7 to organise flights that fit your schedule and requirements.

The SHY lifestyle team also takes care of everything on the ground, including luxury accommodation, private drivers, and entry to high-profile events.

Contact us to arrange your next flight and receive a personalised quote.