Increasing private jet travel demand from the travel industry this summer
The COVID-19 pandemic seems set to see more travel companies arranging private jet charter for their clients in the coming months, with our enquiries via travel trade partners up 85% in the past two weeks compared to the same time last year – even though many people in Europe are still unable to fly at the moment, due to border restrictions.
We’re seeing a clear increase in requests from both new and existing travel trade partners – which include travel agents, concierges and yacht brokers who are looking to arrange private jet charter flights for their clients as part of a wider travel offering. Our existing partnerships include the major consortiums Virtuoso and Advantage Travel, and direct agency and concierge services such as Black Tomato and Ten Group.
With travel restrictions easing in much of Europe from 15th June, partners 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.
Private jet travel is obviously more expensive than airlines but for clients prepared to spend more, it offers far greater control over your environment, both in the air and on the ground. You share the cabin only with your own group; and avoid the busy main airport, moving through a small and uncrowded private terminal instead.
Additional measures are in place to protect private jet passengers even further, including deep cleaning and disinfection before every flight, and new service protocols such as avoiding handshakes with crew.
At PrivateFly we’ve worked with the travel trade for many years, as our technology and 24-hour expert team make it much easier for agents to provide rapid and transparent quotes for accredited private jet charter, with full support and account management.
We work mainly with travel companies serving the luxury and corporate segments, but recent enquiries are also coming from those who haven’t booked private jets before and are now keen to offer this – especially with airline options much more limited for the immediate future.
We’re predicting a growing proportion of our flights to be referred by travel partners in the months ahead. With travel now a more complex consideration for many people, the role of the travel agent as a trusted adviser has never been more important.
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