5 Ways Private Jets are Changing Business Travel

6 June 2022 | Travel Blogs

Pre-pandemic, private jets were often viewed as an exclusive perk of the rich and famous, but due to a focus on aviation hygiene, demand is soaring.

The business travel sector is starting to recover due to the relaxation of global quarantine rules, but not necessarily in the previous traditional form. In this article, I take a look at the five factors that are fueling the renaissance of private aviation.

1. Hygiene Focus

Airlines have made significant steps in enhancing onboard hygiene regimes. But for some travellers, this still isn’t enough and prefer to not fly with a hundred plus passengers. Private aviation does solve this as the number of interactions is significantly reduced.

Flight crews take multiple daily temperature checks, and major providers are testing teams for Covid-19. There is extra intensive cleaning before and after flights. Private jet companies are also vetting their ground transportation partners.

A study by one operator showed potential exposure to Covid-19 is 30 times lower when flying privately.

2. Lower Cost

Commercial airlines are trying to recoup from their significant losses during covid. Therefore prices for Business and first class cabins are at historically high levels.

The average flight in business, from LHR to JFK costs £5500, compared to £3000 prior to covid.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you might have noticed that the industry is currently suffering from high numbers of cancellations. However, you are much less likely to encounter callellations when flying private.

3. Business Travel returning

As offices reopen, more business travel is again becoming necessary. The downside is airline schedules are still operating at skeleton levels; the demand on specific routes means it can be more challenging to visit clients, attend important meetings or events.

Due to staff shortages across the board, unfortunately cancellations are increasingly common which is massively affecting business meetings.

If you have a vital meeting, and don’t want to run the risk of a flight cancellation it would be best to book a private jet.

4. Save time at the airport

Traditionally, you are advised to arrive at the airport three hours before departure on international service. With private jets, you can arrive at the departure airport roughly 30 minutes before your flight. At that time, you’ll pass through check-in and a quick security check before heading directly aboard your waiting aircraft.

The time saved can help boost productivity in the office as staff won’t need to leave so early for their international trips. Also, the benefit of fast track security and immigration can shave off precious hours when travelling internationally for business.

5. Networking

As similar sectors will visit traditional events which relate to their field, the use of a private jet does open up the opportunity to network 43,000 feet. The idea of pooling together on a smaller yet spacious aircraft means you have a relaxed environment in which to discuss your product and business plans.

Naturally, nothing is stopping you doing the same on traditional airlines, but a deal signed on a private jet may dwarf the price of the ticket.

So what is on the horizon?

I would be lying if I said private jets are always the most cost-effective options, but they certainly can work out better on specific routes/dates. At echo.bravo, we can organise all aspects of a private jet for you and your colleagues.

If airlines, already under enormous financial pressure, decide to reduce their lounge access and further reduce routes, frequencies and in-flight services for the long-term, private flyers will start to blossom.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the read! If you’re a bit of an aviation geek, you might also enjoy this blog: The Best First Class Suites In The World

Chris | Founder | echo.bravo