Sun, 08 Feb 2026

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 Luxury travel takes off as plane makers chase Asia's super-rich

Parts of the aviation industry are shifting towards wealthy customers and selling a more luxurious type of international travel.
Gulfstream's G700, on display at the Singapore Airshow, is drawing crowds with its sleek design and luxurious features. The private jet market is thriving, with sales conversations taking place on board as customers consider purchasing aircraft that can cost tens of millions of dollars. The trend towards private jets is driven by a growing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, who are willing to pay premium prices for comfort, convenience, and efficiency. According to WingX, global private jet flights reached 3.7 million in 2025, up 5% from the previous year. Plane manufacturers such as Gulfstream and Dassault Aviation are capitalizing on this trend by developing aircraft with advanced technology, improved cabin air pressure, reduced noise, and refined interiors. These features aim to reduce passenger fatigue during long flights. The Asia-Pacific region is an important growth area for private jets, with international traffic growing 8% in 2025. Manufacturers are delivering more airplanes into the region, particularly in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the shift towards private jets has drawn criticism from environmentalists, who point out that these aircraft are among the most carbon-intensive ways to travel. Plane makers argue that newer aircraft are far more fuel-efficient and can fly longer distances without stopping, cutting overall emissions. The demand for luxury air travel is driven by a growing number of super-rich individuals, with private jet manufacturers and airlines alike focusing on comfort, convenience, and high-end amenities. As the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals continues to grow, this trend shows no signs of slowing.
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