JET DIRECTORY
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How private jet operators are innovating in the age of Covid-19
the current global situation is seeing wealthy customers increasingly look towards the world of private jets – allowing seamless and safe travel between destinations. Jet charter company PrivateFly says it saw an 85 per cent rise in inquiries in June compared with the equivalent weeks in 2019. It said that the Covid-19 pandemic is seeing more travel companies arranging private jets for its well-heeled customers, with travel trade partners such as Virtuoso and Black Tomato planning to introduce the service. Hannah Needs, PrivateFly’s head of partnerships, said: “With travel restrictions easing in much of Europe, we are very busy indeed with inquiries from travel agents, concierges and yacht brokers. They are telling us their clients are desperate to get away but are reluctant to fly on airlines until the risk of Covid-19 has reduced significantly – particularly those with families, or those who are older or in higher-risk groups. Agents are increasingly looking at private aviation as a solution, so holidays can go ahead safely and with peace of mind.” Of course, it makes sense. According to Robb Report, London-based private jet broker Colibri Aircraft estimates there are around 680 fewer person-to-person touch points when flying privately as there are when using a commercial airline. Various trend-spotters, including Londonbased agency Globetrender, have noted the market is opening up to first-
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