Manufacturers are having a strong year
Embraer reported record third-quarter revenue of $2.35 billion and raised its outlook for 2026. Business jets did a lot of the lifting: revenue from the Executive Aviation unit, home of the Phenom and Praetor families, rose 12% to $655 million. For charter clients, a healthy manufacturer means steady deliveries of the light and midsize jets that fly most short European and U.S. trips.
Training and simulation specialist CAE, which trains many of the pilots who fly business jets, reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $1.20 billion, slightly below the $1.25 billion analysts expected, while pointing to better adjusted profitability and strong free cash flow.
October flying took a breather
The flight data tells a softer story. According to ARGUS, North American business jet flights fell 2.6% year over year in October 2026, ending a 19-month run of year-over-year gains. ARGUS still forecasts positive growth for November. One soft month after more than a year and a half of growth is not a downturn, but it is a reminder that demand moves with the calendar.
−2.6%
October flights, North America
Year over year · ARGUS
19
Months of gains
Run ended in October
24
Labor hours per jet
Proposed Challenger 604 inspection
$85
Hourly labor rate
FAA estimate
A maintenance item to watch: the Challenger 604
The FAA has proposed new inspections for cracking on Challenger 604 wings. The agency estimates the work at up to 24 labor hours per aircraft at $85 per hour, or about $2,040 per jet. The Challenger 604 is a popular large-cabin charter aircraft, so if the rule is adopted, expect some aircraft to spend extra time in maintenance. If you have a 604 quoted for a key date, ask your broker about a backup.
More choice in regional charter, and an air taxi milestone
Jet Linx launched an Operator Alliance that gives regional Part 135 charter operators access to its national back-office infrastructure. For travellers, that can mean more consistent standards from smaller local operators. Archer, meanwhile, expects its Midnight eVTOL to complete a piloted transition from vertical to horizontal flight by 31 December 2026.
The industry also lost one of its best-known voices: NBAA announced the passing of Ed Bolen, who led the association as president and CEO for nearly a quarter century.
Desk takeaway
A softer October can mean better availability and more flexible pricing on some routes before the holiday peak. Browse the empty-leg board, set empty-leg alerts for your routes and follow the market in Market Intelligence.
Verified data & source
Every quantitative statement below comes from a separately cited source. The Embraer figures are from AeroTime (11 November 2026), the CAE figures from GuruFocus (11 November 2026), the October flight data from ARGUS as reported by Private Jet Card Comparisons (10 November 2026), the Archer timeline from TipRanks (11 November 2026), the Challenger 604 inspection estimate from GlobalAir.com (11 November 2026) and the Jet Linx news from Business Airport International (11 November 2026). Figures are reported exactly as published; nothing is blended or derived.
- Embraer reported record third-quarter 2026 revenue of $2.35 billion and raised its 2026 outlook (AeroTime, 11 November 2026).
- Embraer's business jet (Executive Aviation) revenue rose 12% to $655 million in the third quarter of 2026 (AeroTime, 11 November 2026).
- CAE reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $1.20 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $1.25 billion, while highlighting improved adjusted profitability and strong free cash flow (GuruFocus, 11 November 2026).
- North American business jet flights fell 2.6% year over year in October 2026, ending a 19-month run of year-over-year gains, according to ARGUS (Private Jet Card Comparisons, 10 November 2026).
- ARGUS is forecasting positive year-over-year growth in North American business jet flights for November 2026 (Private Jet Card Comparisons, 10 November 2026).
- Archer Aviation expects its Midnight eVTOL to complete a piloted transition from vertical to horizontal flight by 31 December 2026 (TipRanks, 11 November 2026).
- The FAA has proposed new inspections for cracking on Challenger 604 wings, estimating up to 24 labor hours per aircraft at $85 per hour, or an estimated $2,040 per jet (GlobalAir.com, 11 November 2026).
- Jet Linx has launched an Operator Alliance program that gives regional Part 135 charter operators access to its national back-office infrastructure (Business Airport International, 11 November 2026).
- NBAA announced the passing of Ed Bolen, who led the association as president and CEO for nearly a quarter century (NBAA, 12 November 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How did Embraer’s business jet unit perform in the third quarter of 2026?
Embraer’s Executive Aviation (business jet) revenue rose 12% to $655 million, part of record third-quarter revenue of $2.35 billion. Embraer also raised its 2026 outlook.
Are private jet flights in North America declining?
ARGUS says North American business jet flights fell 2.6% year over year in October 2026, ending a 19-month run of year-over-year gains. ARGUS forecasts positive growth in November.
What are the proposed Challenger 604 wing inspections?
The FAA has proposed new inspections for cracking on Challenger 604 wings. It estimates up to 24 labor hours per aircraft at $85 per hour, or an estimated $2,040 per jet.
What is the Jet Linx Operator Alliance?
A program launched by Jet Linx that gives regional Part 135 charter operators access to its national back-office infrastructure.