Business Aviation Levels Up in Response to Changing Expectations and Tech Advancements

The business aviation sector has witnessed remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by evolving passenger expectations, technological advancements, and shifting global travel patterns. 

As corporate travellers increasingly seek flexibility, privacy, and efficiency in their journeys, the ground handling services that support private jet operations have become more sophisticated and specialized than ever before.

Unlike commercial aviation, where standardized processes serve mass markets, business aviation ground handling requires a fundamentally different approach - one that prioritizes personalization, discretion, and operational agility. From the moment a private jet touches down to its departure, every aspect of the ground experience must be meticulously orchestrated to meet the exacting standards of high-net-worth individuals and corporate executives who view time as their most valuable asset.

Here we have reached out to industry experts for an overview of emerging market trends, the unique operational requirements and service standards of business aviation ground handling, and how digital technology is supporting business aircraft handling.

Shifts in demand

According to a UAS spokesperson, light jets are increasingly gaining ground in regional travel, while long-haul jets continue to dominate intercontinental travel. “Our global operations team is seeing increased business aviation traffic in North America and the Middle East, while Asia-Pacific remains strong, with other regions operating as usual," UAS says.

Business aviation demand continues to evolve, shaped by regional dynamics, infrastructure, and customer behavior, affirms Josua Hildbrand, vice president of executive aviation at Swissport. “There has been a notable increase in the use of very light jets, particularly for regional routes and owner-operated operations. At the same time, aircraft manufacturers’ order books are largely composed of long-range, large-cabin jets, often used for international or high-capacity business travel.

"Regional differences play a role in usage," he says. “While large jets offer comfort and range, they are not always practical or affordable in all markets. North America remains the dominant region, accounting for over 60% of global business aviation activity, although its growth has plateaued. Business aviation traffic is gradually increasing in the Middle East and China, while Africa is expected to experience the highest growth rate over the next five years. Europe and South America also continue to develop steadily, reflecting the growing value of business aviation as a strategic travel solution in global markets."

Peculiarities of business jet handling

Swissport Executive Aviation caters to the needs of private jet passengers, ensuring seamless and personalized experiences, according to Hildbrand. “These services demonstrate our commitment to hospitality excellence, meeting the diverse needs of our customers worldwide. The company focusses on providing premium ground handling services tailored to VIP passengers, crews, and private jets."

He continues, "Since its launch in 2001, we have established a strong presence in this sector, with dedicated service locations at 65 airports in 14 countries. Business aviation services differ significantly from traditional commercial ground handling services, both operationally and in terms of customer expectations. Below-the-wing activities include refuelling, watering, and cleaning services, as well as baggage handling. Since there is no mail or cargo on board, baggage is often loaded directly by the flight crew, with the support of our ground team. Pushbacks are typically performed using compact electric tow vehicles, which offer agility and a reduced environmental impact, in line with our global sustainability goals."

Passenger expectations, scheduling requirements, turnaround times, and specific ground handling needs make operating a private jet very different from operating a commercial aircraft, according to a UAS spokesperson.

“Private jet users expect a highly personalised, discreet, and flawless travel experience, which requires expertise, flexibility, and the ability to intervene often at short notice," UAS says. “This is possible by partnering with a solution provider experienced in this type of operation, with a robust global network of staff and suppliers, offering 24/7 support anywhere in the world, and using real-time communication tools."

A key differentiator is the type of infrastructure used in business aircraft handling. Instead of standard airport terminals, private jet operations are handled through a fixed base operator (FBO), Hildbrand points out.

“These are private facilities located at the airport, specifically designed for business aviation. They offer a discreet and comfortable environment where VIP passengers pass through ID checks and are escorted directly to the aircraft, typically by car or on foot," he says. “There are no check-in desks or gates, allowing for a seamless and private transition from arrival to departure. Swissport Executive Aviation operates FBOs in strategic locations in Morocco, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Algeria, ensuring a consistent standard of service across its network."

The business aircraft handling experience is highly personalised from start to finish, explains Hildbrand. “Catering, ranging from light refreshments to gourmet meals, is coordinated by our teams or trusted suppliers and delivered directly to the aircraft. Because private jet schedules often change at short notice, flexibility and discretion are essential. Our teams are trained to respond quickly to last-minute changes while maintaining the highest standards of service," he says.

“To meet these needs, we select team members with a strong service-oriented mindset, many of whom come from the luxury hotel industry or luxury airlines. Their ability to anticipate needs and deliver a consistently seamless experience even under pressure strengthens our reputation as a reliable global partner in the business aviation industry."

Technological and digital innovations

Technological advances are undoubtedly private jet ground handling more efficient and data-driven, making corporate aviation even faster and more reliable, the UAS spokesperson affirms. “This is important for a clientele that demands highly personalised experiences," UAS says.

At Swissport Executive Aviation, technology is used to enhance the customer experience and streamline internal workflows, improving communication with flight crews, streamlining service coordination, and enabling more agile planning, according to Hildbrand.

“Customs, immigration, and security procedures vary significantly from country to country, but many airports dedicated to business aviation have dedicated facilities within the FBO," he says. “These allow for faster and more discreet processing for both passengers and crew, while maintaining full compliance with national regulations. In some cases, such as at some US airports, no pre-departure security screening is required, although procedures are in place for connections through commercial terminals. We continue to invest in training, processes, and infrastructure to ensure that business aviation customers receive the highest standards of service, with a focus on operational excellence, safety, and premium hospitality - core elements of our global service promise."

At the crossroads

The business aviation ground handling sector stands at the intersection of luxury service and operational excellence, where success depends on the ability to deliver flawless experiences while adapting to the dynamic nature of private jet travel. As pointed out by industry experts, the key to thriving in this market lies in understanding that business aviation is not simply a scaled-down version of commercial aviation, it is an entirely different service paradigm.

The sector’s continued growth, particularly in emerging markets such as Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, presents both opportunities and challenges. Service providers must expand their footprints while maintaining the personalized, discreet service standards that define premium aviation experiences. Those services providers who can seamlessly blend operational excellence with genuine hospitality, while maintaining the agility to respond to last-minute changes and diverse regional requirements, are best positioned to capitalize on the sector’s positive outlook.