Jefferies’ June 2025 business jet broker survey shows a cautious uptick in sentiment, rising to 6.1 on a 10-point scale—up slightly from 5.9 in January but still well below the January 2022 high of 8.7.

Brokers forecast 3% growth in the preowned market for 2025, followed by a flat 2026, reflecting stable but not accelerating demand. Rising inventories and long lead times for new aircraft are sustaining interest in used jets.

Gulfstream remains the most in-demand OEM, with strong momentum behind the G700, now leading sentiment among new aircraft. While most brokers expressed neutrality when comparing the G700 to the Global 7500 and Falcon 10X, brand loyalty was cited as the key factor influencing purchase decisions. In fact, Gulfstream is the most in-demand OEM in Jefferies’ survey, with more than a third of respondents choosing this brand.

New aircraft pricing pressure has intensified. The average discount to list rose to 7.3% from 6.4% in January. While some aircraft still sell at or near list, 30% of respondents reported typical discounts of 6% to 10%. HondaJet was cited as showing the most pricing weakness, while the G700 is at the other end of the scale.

Jefferies also noted geopolitical uncertainty and tariff risk as growing concerns for future demand, with nearly a third of respondents identifying potential tariff changes as the biggest risk to market stability.

Certain aircraft equipped with Garmin’s GTN 725/750Xi-series GPS navigators now qualify for access to the FAA Data Comm network. Adding more than 25 business jet makes and models to the Data Comm participation list, the capability enables communication with air traffic control centers with text-based communications and digital receipt of departure clearances before takeoff.

Garmin had already offered such capability for aircraft equipped with its G3000 and G5000 integrated flight decks, but now many more aircraft can access Data Comm via the GTN 725/750Xi when paired with a GDR 66 VHF datalink (VDL) Mode 2 transceiver. Pilots will also be able to use the push-to-load feature to load clearances directly into the navigator, including assigned frequencies, transponder codes, baro settings, and altitudes directly into avionics when the GTN and GDR 66 are paired with a TXi touchscreen display.

Data Comm en route services are available from all FAA air route traffic control centers when flying above 16,000 feet. More than 60 U.S. airports offer controller-pilot datalink communications departure clearances. 

Aircraft covered by Garmin STCs for the GTN and GDR installation range from high-performance piston singles to turboprops and light jets.

A subscription to Garmin’s Data Comm service costs $499 per year. The GDR 66 and enablement kit for the GTN 750Xi is $19,995 and includes the installation kit. The GTN 750Xi costs $20,995.

Leviate Air Group has joined Volato Group’s Vaunt platform as an approved third-party operator, adding 13 aircraft to the network, including six HondaJets. The partnership expands Vaunt’s light jet offerings and reinforces the platform’s foundation, built on what was formerly the world’s largest HondaJet fleet, the company said.

Leviate’s integration brings additional geographic coverage to Vaunt’s network, which now comprises more than 100 aircraft. The HondaJets are particularly significant to the platform’s identity, having shaped early member loyalty through their design, quiet cabins, and four-passenger configuration.

“Leviate is proud to bring both depth and diversity to the Vaunt fleet,” said Logan Laporte, director of HondaJet fleet sales at Leviate Air Group. “We’ve long believed in the HondaJet as a premium experience for regional travel. As the platform evolves, we’re excited to help shape what future tiers—like large-cabin access—could look like for Vaunt members.”

The partnership introduces strategic expansion possibilities beyond light jets. Leviate operates a Bombardier Global 5000, marking the first large-cabin aircraft within the Vaunt partner network, though it currently remains unavailable on the platform. This aircraft could enable future product tiers to accommodate long-range and premium missions.

Vaunt has reported an 85% sequential increase in top-line sales while expanding through operator partnerships. The platform has also integrated hotel and airline booking capabilities.

Zagreb, Croatia-based charter provider Jung Sky is bracing for record demand this summer. Last year, the company fielded more than 41,000 inquiries between June and September, and based on the level of interest this year, it expects to exceed that mark.

“The team is focused and confident, and I must say we’ve been eagerly awaiting that very familiar pre-summer rush and momentum,” said Ivan Jakovac, Jung Sky’s head of sales. “If the pace in 2025 continues, and all signs say it will, we’ll hit the 30,000 mark this year in June and July alone.”

He added that the goal of the Varaždin Airport-based operator is not to break records in the number of emails it responds to, but to win flight contracts, support brokers, and provide exceptional customer service with its three Cessna Citations.

“It’s rewarding to see that both brokers and passengers value our services and continue to book us every year,” said Jakovac. “Many of them often say it’s a real shame we don’t have more jets, and—looking at these numbers—I couldn’t agree more.”

High demand isn’t the only challenge European operators will contend with this summer. Air traffic congestion, slot issues at major hubs and vacation destinations, and parking shortages are all concerns, as well as fueling obstacles with the implementation of the ReFuelEU SAF regulation at the beginning of the year.

Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operator Air Methods is introducing Mauna Loa Helicopters pilots to career opportunities in the HEMS field. The Air Methods “Grass is Greener” initiative is designed to help new helicopter pilots and flight instructors learn about HEMS missions and careers so they can prepare to transition to professional flying jobs

“Our goal is to help bridge the gap between early-stage flight training and the highly specialized world of air medical services,” said Air Methods CEO Rob Hamilton. “By partnering with respected flight schools like Mauna Loa Helicopters, we’re opening doors for talented pilots to explore careers that combine aviation excellence with lifesaving impact.”

In May, two Mauna Loa pilots were invited to join Air Methods for training at the company’s Denver base. The training included classroom instruction, simulator sessions, and hands-on experience in helicopters, along with instruction in decision-making, IFR operations, GPS navigation, and aircraft and equipment security.

Mauna Loa Helicopters will send pilots for the training on a quarterly basis. According to Air Methods, “This experience will provide pilots with real-world exposure to a national air medical provider, insights into industry standards and expectations, and valuable networking opportunities with experienced air medical professionals. For many instructors, it also represents a significant step forward in building a long-term career in professional aviation.”

Charter broker Air Charter Service (ACS) has opened a significantly larger office at Boston Laurence G. Hanscom Field (KBED). The move supports the company’s rapid regional growth and long-term expansion goals.

“We opened the Boston office two years ago, and we have seen incredible growth in that time,” said Richard Thompson, president of ACS Americas. “In the first five months of this year, we have more than trebled the number of private jet charters that we contracted in the same period last year. The market has been responding well to our personalized brand of service and the global reach of the Air Charter Service group. As a result…we have hugely expanded the team in Boston—doubling in size—to keep up with demand.”

“This new office space, which is more than three times the size of our last premises, gives us the room to fulfill our growth plans for the immediate future and is ideally situated at Hanscom Field, in a new building with panoramic windows overlooking the ramp and runway,” added Robert Alper, head of ACS’ Boston office.

Ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Southeast Asia increasingly favor personalized, legacy-driven luxury experiences, according to a panel session held by Vista—parent company of VistaJet and XO—in Singapore focused on trends among this population in the region. The event gathered voices from across the luxury ecosystem to explore shifts in travel, real estate, and yachting demand.

“With the rising trend of bleisure travel—where business and leisure are seamlessly intertwined—Singapore has consistently ranked among the top destinations for Vista’s clientele,” said Amy Yang, Vista’s v-p of marketing for Asia-Pacific, India, Middle East, and Africa. “Its unique blend of Asian cultures and its status as an international business hub make it an ideal gateway for today’s global travelers…Vista is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand with a global infrastructure that spans 96% of the world.”

Panelists also included Christine Li, head of research in Asia-Pacific at Knight Frank, and Ewa Stachurska, chief marketing and sustainability officer at Sanlorenzo Asia-Pacific. Speakers shared insights on rising demand for private aviation, superyachts, and luxury real estate.

Vista reported 10% growth in Southeast Asia memberships and doubled XO traffic in Singapore. Flight traffic has surged during major events such as the Grand Prix and Taylor Swift’s tour, with spikes up to 362%. Vista also spotlighted emerging destinations such as Kuching, Da Nang, and Sorong, while noting continued interest in Phuket and Bali.

AIN sister publication Business Jet Traveler has launched its 15th annual Readers’ Choice survey, and we invite you to share your private flying experiences. Your participation helps shape industry insights while supporting a great cause. For each completed survey, BJT will donate to Corporate Angel Network, which provides free flights to cancer treatment for patients and their families.