The distance band that defines transatlantic
The 3,000–5,000 nm intercontinental segment showed the strongest distance-band growth in 2025 at +10.94% year-over-year, with 40,459 departures recorded in the Avi-Go Global Business Aviation Annual Report 2025 (RD200). This band captures the operational sweet spot for non-stop transatlantic missions — routes such as London to New York, Northeast U.S. to Western Europe, and Middle East to European capitals.
Growth of nearly 11% in a single year, against a global average of 6.21%, signals that intercontinental demand is accelerating faster than domestic and short-haul sectors. Corporate globalisation, dual-residence principals and time-sensitive deal travel all contribute.
The aircraft doing the flying
Ultra-long-range jets were the second-fastest-growing aircraft category globally in 2025 at +9.67% year-over-year, with 375,934 flights. Within that category, the Gulfstream G550 was the most-flown ULR model with 59,708 departures (15.88% of category volume), followed by the Bombardier Global 6000.
Newer entrants such as the Gulfstream G650 continue displacing older heavy jets on premium transatlantic missions, offering higher cabin pressure, lower cabin altitude and extended range margins that reduce fuel-stop risk on westbound winter flights.
Forty thousand transatlantic-sector departures in a single year — at +10.94% — is the clearest signal that the long-range fleet is working harder than ever.
Economics of the corridor
Transatlantic charter economics differ fundamentally from short-haul. A round-trip mission requires 14–16 flight hours of airframe time, crew duty limits, international handling fees and overnight parking — costs that push all-in pricing well above domestic sectors. Understanding private jet rental cost by category is essential before requesting quotes on intercontinental missions.
Empty-leg opportunities on transatlantic routes are among the highest-value discounts in the market — a repositioning G550 eastbound after a westbound owner mission can represent 40–60% savings versus a full charter quote, when timing aligns.
Seasonal patterns
Transatlantic volume peaks in spring and autumn when corporate calendars drive U.S.–Europe travel, with a secondary summer peak for leisure principals relocating to Mediterranean and Hamptons bases. October's record global month (316,520 departures) likely includes a transatlantic component as Q4 board meetings and conference season accelerate.
Buyers planning New York missions should book heavy-jet inventory 2–3 weeks ahead during peak windows and monitor empty-leg feeds daily during shoulder weeks when repositioning supply is richest.
Outlook
With ULR category growth at 9.67% and the transatlantic distance band at 10.94%, the data points to sustained investment in long-range capability — both by OEMs delivering new airframes and by operators positioning fleet for intercontinental programmes. The corridor will remain the prestige segment of business aviation and the category where empty-leg diligence pays the highest dividend.
Verified data & source
Figures in this briefing are drawn exclusively from the Avi-Go Global Business Aviation Annual Report 2025 (RD200). Key verified statements:
- The 3,000–5,000 nm intercontinental segment showed the strongest distance-band growth in 2025 at +10.94% YoY.
- The Gulfstream G550 was the most-flown ultra long range jet in 2025 with 59,708 departures (15.88% of ULR category).
- Ultra long range jets were the second-fastest-growing aircraft category in 2025 at +9.67% YoY (375,934 flights).
Frequently asked questions
How much did the transatlantic distance band grow in 2025?
The 3,000–5,000 nm segment grew 10.94% year-over-year in 2025 — the strongest distance-band growth in the Avi-Go dataset.
How many flights were recorded in the 3,000–5,000 nm band?
Avi-Go RD200 records 40,459 departures in the 3,000–5,000 nm intercontinental segment in 2025.
Which aircraft category supports transatlantic missions?
Ultra-long-range jets grew 9.67% YoY globally. The Gulfstream G550 was the most-flown ULR model with 59,708 departures.
Are empty legs available on transatlantic routes?
Yes, repositioning flights after one-way owner missions create eastbound and westbound empty-leg windows — among the highest-value discounts in private aviation when timing aligns.