My first time on a private jet
My name is Connor Millar, and I joined the PrivateFly Flight Team earlier this year, after graduating with an Aerospace degree from the University of Hertfordshire.
Like all of the team here, aviation is a huge passion of mine. In my spare time I volunteer at the de Havilland aircraft museum and I’ve been lucky enough to fly in a variety of aircraft over the years, from fast jets, to single-engine and vintage aircraft – and of course, on airline flights. But until recently never on a private jet!
So I was very excited to be given the opportunity to do so in May, after I completed my initial training. I flew on a free empty leg, courtesy of one of the operators in PrivateFly’s network. We call these flights “work perks” here at PrivateFly. But in fact it’s also invaluable when talking to clients, to have direct experience of a particular aircraft.
My aircraft was a popular heavy jet, the Challenger 850. It is capable of long distance flights and seats up to 13 passengers. I flew from London Luton Airport, to Barcelona.
It was an early start, departing at 6.45 hours, but I could not wait to get to Luton and fly! In fact I slept very little that night and was full of anticipation. I don’t remember being this excited to go on an aircraft since I was in the cadets aged 16! I was able to take a couple of guests too – luckily for my friend and my girlfriend.
Different from the very start
When you fly by private jet, it’s different from the very start. Rather than using the main airport you use a private terminal called a FBO – in our case Signature Terminal 2 at Luton. The lounge was very smart and the staff couldn’t have been more friendly, offering us coffee and pastries on arrival.
Five minutes later the captain arrived (looking very smart) and personally greeted us. He advised we could board the aircraft in 15 minutes after a short security and passport check. Very different to two hours for an airline flight!
It may have been raining as we walked out to the aircraft, but that didn’t put a dampener on things at all, as I caught sight of the Challenger 850 waiting on the ramp. I really had to pinch myself that this amazing aircraft was waiting just for us!
Once onboard we familiarised ourselves with the spacious and comfortable interior. It really felt vast! There were reclining bucket seats, side-facing divan seats to stretch out out – and even a kitchen and bathroom. There was also a flight attendant to look after us – she was very friendly and happy to bring anything we requested. I particularly loved the fact that you could go up to the front to see the pilots in action, something you can never do on a commercial flight.
A smooth take-off and a champagne breakfast
We chose our seats and got ready for take-off. The engines powered up and we taxied out to the runway, our faces pressed to the windows for a better view. I was so impressed and surprised by the performance of the aircraft. It’s considerably lighter than a commercial airliner, with a considerable amount of thrust. So the take-off was fast but smooth and we climbed at a much steeper rate and reached altitude faster than I had imagined.
Once we reached our cruising altitude the flight became smooth as a rock, and the cabin was so much quieter than I’ve experienced on an airline flight. Music started paying from the numerous speakers. And the flight attendant served us champagne and a cooked English breakfast, with further snacks and drinks on request. My partner asked the flight attendant what have you got to drink. Her response? “Whatever you like”!
After breakfast we found ourselves trying out the different parts of the cabin, and we enjoyed speaking with the pilots as they flew us to Barcelona.
I was made to feel special in every way that day, but it wasn’t over yet. After a two hour flight and with our approach beginning into Barcelona, the music continued as were free to move and see the stunning views as we arrived into Spain.
A sneaky peak at Lewis Hamilton’s aircraft
The expert landing was very soft! As it was the Spanish Formula 1 weekend we had great views of other private jets parked up next to ours, including Lewis Hamilton’s Challenger 605 – a slightly smaller version of the 850 that we were on (I can’t resist telling people that!).
I always tell our clients about how much time is saved on the ground when you fly privately – and it was great to experience that for myself, as a Mercedes collected us from the aircraft steps and delivered us straight to the terminal exit.
After a day in Barcelona, it was time for the return flight. Sadly not on a private jet this time: After several hours at the airport, I boarded a very busy (and delayed) budget airline flight. I noticed how loud and uncomfortable it was, and how long everything seemed to take.
That’s the only problem with a private jet flight: When you’ve experienced one, no other flight is ever quite the same!
Whether you’re looking to book your first private jet flight, or you’re an experienced private jet traveller, search for prices online or contact our expert Flight Team (24/7) on +44 (0)20 7100 6960.
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