I probably don’t have to tell you that all segments of the aviation industry have taken a major economic hit as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Various sources report domestic air travel is down more than 90 percent year-over-year and that some 2400 jet transports have been grounded in the U.S. alone. Observers project a lengthy recovery but only after additional upheavals result in a smaller airline industry.
Metrics for general aviation are slower in coming but aren’t looking good. High-end operators like NetJets are cutting staff and postponing, at least, planned new-aircraft deliveries. Early indications are that business jet operations are down roughly 75 percent worldwide. The number of accidents listed on NTSB’s web site for April appear to be down by half compared with March’s total, though some may not have made it into the system yet.
