Private jet flights surge on health fears

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FLIGHTS SURGE ON HEALTH FEARS

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 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

What types of aircraft do you have in your fleet?

We are a pure broker, so we do not own any aircraft. This means we have access to thousands of fully vetted and certified aircraft through multiple trusted partner operators, allowing us to charter you anything from a helicopter, light, mid-size or heavy jet, right through to a full range of commercial jets, seating anything from 20 – to 380+, at the very best price the market has to offer. We will never force you into an unsuitably sized aircraft that is not right for a particular trip just because we own it.

Where are your aircraft based?

Everywhere! We have a global footprint with offices in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Each location has built trusted relationships with multiple aircraft operators in their respective corners of the world, allowing you access to the very best aircraft around.

With limited scheduled flight availability, what is your call out time for last minute flights?

It’s driven by aircraft availability on the client’s chosen route. If the stars are aligned, our dedicated rapid response team have been known to get passengers in the air within 2-3 hours of a request. This happened on more than one occasion repatriating clients from ski resorts in March and April last year, when the first lockdown was announced. One thing we can guarantee is that we will aim to respond to your request within 30 minutes!

“Private aircraft come in all shapes and sizes, from two seats up to 19 seats. After that, we can start looking at larger commercial aircraft of 20 seats and up.”

How feasible is private aircraft charter for individuals on short trips? How about larger groups for vacations?

Private aircraft come in all shapes and sizes, from two seats up to 19 seats. After that, we can start looking at larger commercial aircraft of 20 seats and up.

We also have access to aircraft that have been stripped out and have had economy seating replaced with 50 VIP business class seats or even lounges, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Our current client base is incredibly diverse, ranging from High-Net-Worth Individuals, government officials, Royalty, professional athletes and senior corporates through to professional sports teams, blue chip business groups and some of the world’s largest travel management companies. we work the entire market and put forward the safest, most suitable and cost-effective aircraft options available for you to choose.

Do you have safety records and ratings of the private jet operator?

Yes, we do and these are available on request. Rest assured that all operators we work with are fully vetted by ACC Aviation for safety and service quality and certified by their country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Do you have 24/7 phone support?

Yes, we do, our 24/7 operations team are based out of our UK Headquarters in Reigate, Surrey.

How is payment handled?

Smoothly and efficiently via frictionless bank transfer prior to the flight.

What is the catering policy?

Catering will be quoted as part of the charter and will vary depending on the flight duration, time of day and aircraft size. The larger aircraft have kitchens so almost anything can be prepared. You are not limited to the operator’s menu - if you have any specific requests like fresh sushi or a specific type of champagne, we can explore any option for you! ◆