How to charter a private flight TRAVEL The next time you’re booking seats to send your executives business class,
consider the elegance of chartering a plane or helicopter – it might not be as tricky as you think by Martha Everitt
How do you get the best price? Customers are required to pay for the positioning of an aircraft to cover the extra flying, landing and handling costs, so it is advisable to find a locally-based jet. “If the route was a return day trip Luton – Berlin – Luton,” explains Melanie Blackman, Azzura Charter’s Managing Director, “the best price is going to be on an aircraft based at Luton.” Simon Reiter, from PremiAir adds, “By becoming a frequent flyer it may be possible to nego- tiate an improved charter rate for specific types of aircraft.”
How do prices compare to flying business class? When you factor in the luxuries that come with chartering an aircraft – e.g. 15-20 minute check-in time and dedicated private terminals – it becomes highly competitive, particularly when flying short haul. “Heli- copters are capable of flying to a multitude of destinations within a single day without the tiresome queues on the road network”, says Simon, but Melanie advises that “when it comes to transatlantic travel, the cost of flying business class is a lot more competitive.”
How much notice should be given to the company you’re using? “The more notice you can provide, the more aircraft are available, often in bet- ter positions to perform your itinerary – which results in more competitive prices,” says Melanie. Azzura Charters and Pre- miAir often encounter customers with last-minute meetings, emergencies and flight cancellations. “This is where a
Private flights price guide Short haul:
London to Paris Long haul:
London to Birmingham Medium haul:
London to New York
3-4 person aircraft 5-10 person aircraft £3,500 £4,000
£5,000 £7,500
£40,000 £57,000
knowledgeable air charter broker with access to real-time availability is an absolute necessity,” adds Melanie.
What paperwork is needed? “One advantage of flying privately is that we can begin the customs and immigra- tion clearance process long before the traveller ever reaches the border,” says Simon Wheatley, UK Manager of Air Partner Private Jets. “If we can get the passenger’s full name, nationality, pass- port number, passport expiry date and date of birth in advance of the flight, we can then work with the authorities to pre- clear those passengers and minimise any risk of airport hold-ups. Above all, when chartering an aircraft, make sure you use an established broker.”
For how many hours can you fly before you need to refuel, and can you plan a trip which includes a stop for refuelling? “Aircraft range from Very Light Jets, which can seat up to four passengers, to Large Business Jets, which can seat up to 14 passengers and travel non-stop for up to 12 hours. You could fly around the world with just one fuel stop,” says
Melanie. Simon suggests private jet hire for journeys over two hours “for both speed and economical reasons.”
How should you negotiate? It is advisable to negotiate with just one broker at a time; if you had three separate brokers negotiating over the same aircraft “the aircraft supplier would likely hold out for the original price,” Melanie warns; rather she suggests going with the bro- ker with whom you feel the most rapport.
Can you add or change passengers at short notice? Passengers may be added if there are spare seats available, but this would be sub- ject to the aircraft’s ability to perform the same direct route at full capacity. “There would be a small additional charge to cover the additional taxes and charges, pas- senger handling and catering,” says Melanie.
How easy is it to charter? Chartering a plane or helicopter can be incredibly easy with the right broker, who will work hard to meet all of your requirements, from catering and refresh- ments all the way to travel arrangements at either end of your journey. E
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 |
WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.COM 31
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64