China private jet use soars as economy hits pre-pandemic levels

Companies and wealthy individuals in China have sharply increased their use of private jets this year, with total flights almost doubling compared to pre-pandemic levels as the country’s economic recovery prompts a shift in business travel. Domestic use of jets either hired privately or flown exclusively for their owners are up 87 per cent this year compared to the same period two years earlier, according to data from WingX Advance GmbH, a data company. The rise comes alongside China’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Although the global pandemic began in China in late 2019, the ruling Communist Party managed to bring it under control relatively quickly by sealing the country’s borders and imposing harsh lockdowns and mass testing. China’s growth has outpaced other major economies, surpassing pre-pandemic rates by the end of last year and restrictions on domestic travel have been eased. Richard Koe, managing director at WingX, said the frequency of commercial flights globally is still down by 29% this year compared to last year, while private jets are 18% busier but remain down on 2019. Private jet operators say the rise in demand in China also reflects remaining limitations on commercial airlines, as well as concerns from executives about sharing planes with large numbers of fellow passengers.<br/>