During Q1 2018, the business aviation sector has reached its heights since the activity boom in 2008, reports Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), the leading independent provider of maintenance support and financial services to the aviation industry.

According to the JSSI Business Aviation Index for the first quarter of 2018, average flight hours increased 2.9 percent year to date while average aircraft utilization of 27.97 hours for the first quarter represents the highest level during this period since 2008.

“The end of 2017 saw the highest flight hour activity since the peaks of 2008. While the first quarter of the year often sees a material drop in flight hours, the first quarter of 2018 dropped only 0.3 percent,” said Neil W. Book, president and CEO of JSSI. “This strong start to 2018 is a positive sign and indicator for global markets,” added Book.

Therefore, Europe has experienced the highest increase with a 12.3 percent increase in average flight hours; and South America, with an 8.2 percent increase. However, decreases have been noted in Asia-Pacific, with a drop in average flight hours of 5.4 percent; and the Middle East, with an 11.7 percent decrease.