Business aviation activity moved toward normal in late June following a bumpy period caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with small jet and turboprop utilization in June back to pre-COVID-19 levels, according to data from Aviation Week Network’s Intelligence and Data Services

At the same time, medium jet activity is nearing more normal rates, although large cabin jet activity continues to lag.

The return to pre-pandemic activity appears to reflect a lack of available commercial flights, a fear of travel by commercial airliners and confidence in the safety of private aircraft, where there is more control of cleaning, sanitation and passengers, Aviation Week forecasters say.

Once commercial airlines resume reliable operations and confidence returns, it is not yet known whether users of private aviation will return to the commercial airlines, where flights are less expensive.