Nonscheduled Air Transportation in the US

Growth has reached cruising altitude

Strong competition from the scheduled air transport market and high operating costs have seen many participants struggle to survive in this industry. However, barring any further terrorist threats to the US air transport industry, the continuous growth in disposable income and higher tourism levels will likely keep revenue growth robust in the future. Those who have effective cost controls, provide a good level of security and maintain a good reputation will have the most success.

This industry is part of the Transportation sector in the US. Firms within this industry provide air transport services on an irregular or non-scheduled basis for both passengers and cargo; also referred to as a "charter" arrangement. The most common form of charter is where customers approach charter operators with a desired destination and time schedule for which the charter operator provides an aircraft and crew (i.e. a "wet" lease arrangement). The business community is the largest market for aircraft charter followed by tourist operators. Essentially the industry allows people to fly where they want, when they want, as opposed to commercial airlines which operate to a relatively fixed schedule of destinations and times. This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.