ACJ Research: Flexibility, Technology and Sustainability Drive Middle East Corporate Aviation Demand

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) published new research identifying flexibility, technology innovation and sustainability as the three primary drivers of corporate aviation demand in the Middle East. The survey polled 35 business aviation financiers and brokers across the region and was released to coincide with the return of the Corporate Jet Investor event in Dubai.

ACJ President Chadi Saade noted that the Middle East currently accounts for roughly one-third of the global bizliner fleet, and that approximately 40% of the regional fleet is approaching a nominal 15-year in-service replacement cycle. On flight activity, 83% of respondents predict large business jet activity will increase between now and 2030, including 37% who anticipate dramatic growth; 80% forecast increased use of light jets and 78% expect higher utilisation of midsize aircraft.

On technology, 89% of respondents believe artificial intelligence used to optimise flight planning, reduce fuel burn and predict maintenance requirements will increase over the next five years, while 72% expect next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to positively impact business aircraft sales and operations through 2030. On sustainability, 83% expect Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage to increase over the next five years, 92% say buyers are placing greater emphasis on fuel efficiency when evaluating aircraft purchases, and more than three in four expect SAF 'book and claim' programmes to increase through 2030.

The survey points to a regional market where fleet age, not just new demand, is becoming a central driver: with roughly 40% of the Middle East's bizliner fleet nearing a 15-year replacement threshold, financiers and brokers are positioning for a renewal wave layered on top of organic growth across light, midsize and large categories.

This is how corporate aviation financing in a maturing market typically evolves — aircraft age distribution starts to matter as much as headline order books, because replacement cycles create predictable transaction volume even without demand expansion. The parallel emphasis on AI-enabled operations and LEO connectivity suggests buyers are increasingly evaluating aircraft on operating-cost and capability grounds rather than on capacity alone, while the SAF and book-and-claim findings show sustainability credentials are now a purchase criterion rather than a side consideration.

What happens next will depend on whether actual transaction data through 2030 tracks these survey expectations, particularly in the large-jet segment where the 83% growth forecast is most pronounced, and on how quickly SAF book-and-claim infrastructure scales to meet the stated buyer interest.