Business aviation activity moved toward normal in late June following a bumpy period caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with small jet and turboprop utilization in June back to pre-COVID-19 levels, according to data from Aviation Week Network’s Intelligence and Data Services.

NASA’s current tally for the economic toll to its programs from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is about $1.5 billion, Administrator Jim Bridenstine said on July 29. 

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Among the few upsides of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the increased interest in business aviation from people who have not previously flown privately. But this emerging new market has not gone unnoticed by criminals eager to exploit it. 

Facing another heavy quarterly loss of $2.4 billion, the COVID-19-triggered market downturn, and continued uncertainty over the timing of the return-to-service of the 737 MAX, Boeing is making further cutbacks to its commercial aircraft production rates, studying additional layoffs and delaying deliveries of the 777X until 2022

Business aviation is poised to enjoy the best of times post-COVID-19, as the sector welcomes unprecedented numbers of new customers seeking the safety and convenience that private air travel offers, says Kenny Dichter, founder and CEO of Wheels Up.

Wizz Air CEO József Váradi is looking to accelerate aircraft deliveries and is considering new orders, viewing the post-COVID downturn as a unique opportunity to buck the market.

Boeing’s noncommercial businesses remain its lone bright spot amid a global airline industry crisis that is forcing the company to shrink, despite a second-quarter performance that saw minuscule year-over-year revenue growth and lower operating margin in Boeing’s Defense, Space, and Security unit.