Private jet charter offers a safe, secure, discreet and surprisingly cost effective method of transportation from point to point in a more expedient manner. Clear benefits include that you can:
- choose airports which are closest to your origin and destination
- choose flight times to suit you
- travel through smaller, quicker private terminals, save hours on airport formalities
- conduct confidential business without being overheard by other passengers
- enjoy a more flexible baggage allowance, especially on larger private jet
- enjoy catering tailored to your preferences
How do I choose the most suitable aircraft?
Factors to consider are:
- number of passengers: obviously the number of passengers dictates the number of seats required
- how much baggage: things like skis and golf clubs won’t fit on some smaller jets. Longer trips can mean more baggage. You need to check that this can be accommodated. A good air charter broker would be able to advise you how many suitcases can be carried.
- range of aircraft: private jet capabilities vary from a couple of hours for short haul flights to 13hrs non stop intercontinental operations. Accepting a fuel stop on a longer flight can keep the price down. Seek advice on this.
- position of aircraft: choosing an aircraft based or positioned close to the start or finish point of a trip minimises positioning or “ferry” flying and therefore keeps the cost down. Again, an air charter broker would be advised of latest availability and could find the best deals or even the occasional “empty leg” where you are only paying for a one way flight
- do you require sleeping capacity? Most transatlantic capability aircraft have 9-14 seats that can convert to 4-6 beds. Important for a long or overnight flight. Also, check about cabin dividers. If you have a VIP or even a child on board, a closeable hard cabin door may be important for privacy!
- is there an onboard toilet? Some of the smaller light jets either do not have a toilet or have an “emergency toilet” with a privacy curtain only. Not one for travelling with the boss!
Aren’t small planes less safe than big ones?
No – executive jet charter operators adhere to all the same strict safety and security regulations as major airlines. A good air charter broker would be regularly appraised of the latest airline blacklists and check all operator / aircraft / crew / maintenance documentation prior to each flight to ensure all is in good order.
Executive aircraft are just as stringently tested as any airliner and typically operate less flying hours per day than a commercial airliner would. Crew are usually very experienced and have often progressed into executive aviation from airlines and so have many flying hours on their license.
So the passengers won’t need to check in with lots of tourists, right?
That’s right – most airports have executive / general aviation terminals (called Fixed Base Operators or FBOs in the USA) where passengers travelling on private jets will check in and go through the usual security formalities such as baggage x-ray screening and passengers passing through metal detectors. In most circumstances, passengers can report 20 mins prior to departure time and arrival formalities can take as little as 5-10 minutes. That’s a huge saving of time in airport formalities. Most major airports in Europe / USA and many other major cities will have a comparable facility.
My boss flies a lot. Shouldn’t he just buy his own plane?
In most circumstances, no. If your boss flies a lot, especially in different parts of the world, then Business Jet Charter remains the best option as it reduces empty flying and enables you to take advantage of the best deals on the market at the time. Also, an aircraft is a depreciating asset with large upfront lease rental or purchase costs, maintenance and crew retention costs. When you charter an aircraft you pay only for use of the aircraft for the time that you fly it. The only potential additional costs (depending on region) could be passenger taxes, extra VIP catering, aircraft de-icing and these should be spelt out to you at the quote stage. If you’re not sure then ask what is included / excluded.
Why would I use an air charter broker? Shouldn’t I just go direct to an operator?
A charter broker can add several real advantages. As a repeat client of the operator, brokers will already have purchasing power that will equate to a discount of anything between 5-20% which clients can benefit from. A good broker will also give impartial advice as to the most suitable aircraft in terms of size, position, range etc.
They also act as a single point of contact at all times from quoting the trip, preparation before a trip, flight following during the trip and post flight accounting. That certainly keeps it simple and when you are looking after VIP passengers, it’s best to work with an experienced air charter broker who can make recommendations also on service and experience and will carefully vet the operator for operational and service standards and that kind of expertise is vital.
