Trend: The Jet Set

© Courtesy of Air Charter Service

As travelling en masse loses its appeal, could private jets help save the hospitality sector?

Despite the health and safety measures being taken by the aviation industry, the thought of spending several hours in the enclosed cabin of a 500-seat aeroplane doesn’t really appeal right now. The global pandemic has all but put a stop to holidays, weekend breaks and business trips, with travellers understandably apprehensive about crowded airports, confined cabins and being in close proximity to others.

For those who just can’t go without their annual getaway, private jets have stepped in to save the day. Benefitting from flexible departures, speedy boarding and limited capacity, charter services provide the peace of mind that passengers demand. As such, many operators are reporting a rise in bookings. “We have seen a dramatic increase in new enquiries for private jet travel,” comments Justin Bowman, CEO at Air Charter Service. “With many commercial flights still grounded and the post-pandemic traveller favouring hygiene, personal space and flexibility, private air travel provides a secure and hygienic means to get from A to B.”

The UK-based charter broker has also entered into a partnership with Mandarin Oriental, facilitating tailored flights to any of the group’s properties around the world. Such affiliations mean that family groups can travel safely in their own bubble, while for Mandarin Oriental, it could mean more heads in beds.

This trend was already beginning to takeoff pre-Covid. In 2018, Anantara announced a partnership with MJets to provide transportation between its signature properties, and in 2019, Aman launched into the air space with its own specially designed Bombardier Global 5000, described as an airborne extension of its hospitality philosophies on land.

In the Maldives, hotels rely on privatelyoperated seaplanes to transport guests from the capital’s main international airport, but The Nautilus – a recently refurbished resort on the Baa Atoll – has taken the idea a step further. In partnership with Dominvs Aviation, it is now offering private jet transportation direct from London. The ultra-luxury travel experience begins with a with a non-stop flight on board a Bombardier 6000, departing at the guest’s convenience from a private jet terminal at one of London’s airports. Bypassing the crowds at Velana International Airport in the Maldives, the jet will land directly at Noonu Atoll’s Maafaru Airport, where the resort’s yacht awaits, ready

The Jet Set

to sail guests to their island escape.

A number of other private jet companies have been expanding their routes and highlighting their ability to offer crowd-free travel. Aero for example, has launched in Europe, with routes between London, Ibiza, Mykonos and Nice. Billed as a new category of travel that bridges the gap between commercial and private charter flights, the Silicon Valley start-up offers direct first-class flights via private terminals on shared jets. The experience allows passengers to skip the lines and avoid the crowds, while the jet itself features hand-stitched leather seats, generous legroom and guaranteed window views thanks to the singular seating configuration. Aero also states that it is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of its passengers, with mandatory face coverings, low-contact services via an app and regular jet sanitation. With prices starting at €825, Aero’s service is more affordable than most, but with European travellers traditionally driven by price, it will be interesting to see whether they will now put greater value on their health.