The first half of 2017 has been “nothing but positive” for US flight activity, according to the latest data from Argus. Gulfstream-G650 Last year was a great year for the US business aviation, says the aviation service and technology firm, with total flights rising by 90,000+ across the country. And 2017 is shaping up to be even better. Flight activity is up 3.9% year-on-year (YoY) from 2016 and flight hours rose 6.0% from last year, according to Argus’ 2017 midyear business aviation report. Specifically, activity for part 135 (charter) operations has been very positive, rising an impressive 10.1% YoY for the first half of 2017. This is a substantial gain from the already positive 5.8% growth for the full year of 2016. Charter activity has risen every month so far this year compared to 2016. April saw the biggest YoY increase, rising 14.9%. Three of the first six months saw double-digit increases in activity.   Part 91 (private) operations saw a slight drop in activity, declining 0.5% YoY. This slight decline is the result of three months of increased activity and three months of less. May was the month with the biggest increase in activity, seeing a 2.1% rise in private flights. Argus expects the second half of the year to be more positive for Part 91 activity. The rise in overall flight activity for the whole of 2016 looks to be replicated in the second half, it says in its report. Fractional flight activity (where multiple owners share the costs of purchase, leasing and operating) increased every month YoY as with part 135. April had the biggest rise, with an 8.5% increase. More hours Large-cabin jets saw the biggest increase in flight hours from

Piper Aircraft has recorded a 30% increase in deliveries of its business and general aviation aircraft family for the second quarter of 2017, thanks to strong performance from the single-engined Archer and M600, and its recent decision to adopt a build-to-order strategy for its nine-strong line-up. For the three months ended 30 June, the Vero Beach, Florida-based manufacturer delivered 32 single- and twin-engined aircraft, compared with 19 units for the same period last year. Revenues climbed to $52.1 million – up $10.7 million from the second quarter of 2016. Piper aircraft   Piper Aircraft Demand for its two-seat Archer DX/TX from the global training market resulted in a delivery increase for the all-metal piston-single pair of more than 200%, says Piper. Demonstration tours of Europe and Africa in May and June resulted in “better-than-expected sales” of the top-of-the-range M600 single-engined turboprop, it says. "Our commitment to a commonsense, made-to-order approach, has been a key differentiator and is contributing to Piper's success in this 'new normal' market we are all talking about,” says Piper president Simon Caldecott. "As we look forward to the second half of the year, we anticipate continued strong performance across our product line with a strategic focus on both Europe and Latin America."   Source: FlightGlobal.