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While commercial airlines are having a slow recovery, private aircraft charter has seen a surge in business from new customers, including entire sports teams to individuals. Mitch Broadstock, Senior Business Development Manager at air charter specialist ACC Aviation, spoke with Premier Sports Network to share an insight into why charter flight bookings are soaring and answer some frequently asked questions.
The air charter industry is seeing a rapid rebound from the coronavirus crisis, as sports teams, tour operators and individuals, who had never flown privately, seek to avoid the health concerns that come with commercial flying. How will private aircraft charter be affected post-pandemic? We are already seeing an increased demand for private charter flights due to the safer, more efficient travel environment and level of itinerary control our clients experience when chartering a private aircraft with us. Given the challenges around air travel during the pandemic, what are the benefits of chartering aircraft? Whilst there are likely going to be issues with a limited scheduled flight service when air travel returns, we are also seeing more of our clients asking about safer, more efficient air travel that reduces potential exposure to Covid-19 touch points and avoids long queues and wait times. By chartering a private aircraft and utilising smaller private terminals you avoid busy public terminals and public 44 | OTFF ISSUE 15 ★ APRIL 2021
areas, reducing human crossover, the chance of Covid-19 surface transfer and the size of your travel bubble. Passengers also benefit from their own private cabin space, so no chance of sharing facilities or being sat amongst strangers. Increased sanitisation in private terminals and private aircraft are now standard and carried out regularly throughout the day. At your request, the crew can be Covid tested prior to flying and will wear masks and gloves. We are also hearing about last-minute changes to scheduled flight times, as well as passenger rejection at check-in. With private charter, all permissions and permits to travel are secured prior to departure. On top of these additional benefits of chartering a private aircraft during the pandemic, it’s also worth mentioning the staple benefits of flying privately. The
luxury of choosing the closest airport at both ends of your trip, along with the date and time you would like to fly, allows you complete control of your travel schedule, maximising the time you have at your chosen destination. Typically, you will arrive 20-30 mins before you’re airborne, with the captain greeting you and loading your baggage into the hold, and the experience is equally seamless on your return. Compare that that with the 2-3 hours normally taken when flying scheduled, not to mention the recent reports of 90-minute passport queues combining several arriving scheduled flights, and organisations and individuals with essential air travel needs are quickly realising the advantages and peace of mind that private aircraft charter provides. Should private aviation be part of my post-pandemic plan and why? Definitely. For all the reasons I’ve already mentioned! We will happily provide a free, no-obligation quote for any proposed trips you have. Even if you’re just interested in finding out what the cost is, we would love to assist. Are private aircraft safer than commercial airlines in regard to COVID-19? When you factor in the reduced potential crossover with 100s of other passengers outside your bubble by avoiding highly congested public spaces and shared cabin space, I would have to say yes
