Business aviation key to Family Office expansion

Toulouse, 01 October 2026

Research¹ commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ), reveals that family offices are becoming increasingly international in their footprint and are relying more heavily on business aviation to support this global growth.  The study, conducted amongst senior executives from family offices, who collectively manage US$303 billion in assets, shows a definite shift towards cross-border activity and a growing dependence on private aviation to manage it efficiently.

“As family offices become more international, business aviation is increasingly becoming a strategic necessity,” commented Chadi Saade, President of Airbus Corporate Jets. “Our study indicates that private aviation is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also enabling a more connected and productive workforce—one that increasingly spans multiple continents.”

Over the past five years, nearly 70% of family offices surveyed said they have opened new offices in different jurisdictions.  The key driver for those doing so is the rising number of family members now living abroad or across multiple countries (cited by 90% of survey respondents), followed by increasingly diversified investments portfolios (72%) and a need to manage geopolitical risk (28%).

This international trend looks set to intensify as nearly all of the executives interviewed say they expect even more family members to reside in different countries over the next three years.

As family offices become more dispersed and agile, they are turning to business aviation to remain connected and effective. Currently 70% of their business aviation travel is conducted via private aircraft, outpacing commercial routes.  Over the past two years, 96% of family office executives surveyed say their use of private jets has increased, and every single respondent believes it will continue rising over the next two years.  In fact 85% anticipate a 50% to 100% increase in usage.

Private aviation is not just about convenience, it is a business enabler. The top-ranked benefit cited by family offices surveyed was greater flexibility to work during flights, particularly on confidential matters. Having more control of their schedule was ranked second, with privacy and faster travel times ranking third and fourth respectively.

The research indicates that 89% of family office executives save between two and three hours per trip by using business aviation, compared to flying commercially.  Nine out of ten (92%) also say they are at least 25% more productive on private aircraft.

The necessity of flexible air travel in supporting family office global operations is underlined by 67% of respondents saying that 25 – 50% of their private aviation trips are made to destinations not served directly by commercial airlines.

As family offices continue to expand, they are extending the benefits of business aviation to more members of their team, with 92% saying they currently allow more staff to use private aircraft and nearly all (97%) expect this increased access to grow over the next three years.

Demand for different types of aircraft is also expected to rise, with 43% expecting a 50% - 75% increase in large jet use.  Over half (55%) predict the same growth for medium-sized jets and around a third (32%) anticipate an increased use of light aircraft by 50% to 75%. 

About Airbus Corporate Jets

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) provides business aviation connectivity solutions to bring the right people when and where it matters, allowing them to maximize their impact, leverage their roles in society and make positive change happen. ACJ’s modern aircraft family aims to enhance business reliability, facilitate meaningful connections, and support global business impact.

The ACJ portfolio redefines the business flying experience by offering unmatched cabin space, passenger well-being, and tailored interior flexibility. From the innovative ACJ TwoTwenty, a game changer pioneering the "Extra Large Bizjet" market segment, to corporate versions of Airbus's highly successful airliner families, every aircraft delivers an optimal environment for executives productivity, collaboration, and rest. 

As part of the Airbus family, ACJ seamlessly translates commercial aviation excellence into government, private & Corporate jets markets. Customers benefit from the ultimate operational reliability of an international industry leader, backed by an extensive global Services Center Network, providing aircraft maintenance, cabin refurbishment, systems upgrades and aircraft transfer activities.

Over 200 Airbus corporate jets are in service worldwide.

Notes to Editors:

1. Airbus Corporate Jets commissioned the independent research company Pureprofile to survey 73 senior executives at family offices that collectively manage $303 billion in assets. The research was conducted in May 2025.
2. Airbus Corporate Jets analysis of WingX data, January 2024.