Business aviation is the use of aircraft for business use, as opposed to private, military or airline and is a category of General Aviation.
It is a is a sector of aviation concerned with the operation or use of aircraft by companies for the carriage of passengers or goods to the conduct of their business, flown for purposes generally considered not for public hire and therefore is private in operation.
The category of business aviation includes corporations and business use; charter, air taxi and other operations where the pilots and aircrew are paid to operate the aircraft.
Business aviation belongs to more than one category in that it is a form of commercial aviation when chartered in that the pilots and charter company are paid; but it is considered a private flight when compared to scheduled commercial airlines.
Business aviation utilizes many different aircraft worldwide, these include jet aircraft, turboprop, single and multi-piston aircraft and rotorcraft; with prop and turboprop drven categories comprising the majority of the business aviation fleet.
Business aviation is often an economic lifeline for areas with limited options for business transportation. Business aviation also provides vital air transportation in times of public need, including fire and rescue and medical evacuation services, and represents an essential transportation link for communities without scheduled airline service.
These aircraft are piloted by individuals having, at the minimum, a valid commercial pilot license with an instrument rating.
North America is bar far the biggest market; followed by Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Asia Pacific.