Private Jet Charter During An Ash Cloud
This week, thousands are finding themselves stranded after an eruption from Mount Rinjani shut down airports, causing a total of 692 international and domestic flights to be either cancelled or delayed.
Currently, flights are shut down at Denpasar International Airport (DPS) in Bali (also known as Ngurah Rai airport), Selaparang airport (AMI) in Lombok and Blimbingsari airport (BWX) in Banyuwangi.
Airlines were told to avoid routes near the mountain, as it’s up to the winds whether the ash will have any effect on air traffic. A decision about reopening the Bali and Lombok airports will be made early tomorrow morning, according to a spokesperson. Stay updated on Denpasar International Airport here.
PrivateFly can still arrange flights during ash cloud, and private jet charter offers the optimal flexibility to arrange flights at short notice and work around airport and airspace closures.
Here is PrivateFly’s guide to flying around volcanic ash:
WHY CAN PRIVATEFLY CHARTER AIRCRAFT DURING ASH CLOUD INCIDENTS?
- Private Jet Airport Flexibility & In-Flight Route Changes
Private jet itineraries are flexible and can be scheduled to avoid the ash cloud. Flights can be changed in-flight to take you to the closest available airport or co-ordinate with ground transport to get you to your destination. - Use Non-Jet Aircraft
Many propeller or piston aircraft operators can fly in the ash cloud. Piston aircraft have air filters (much like a car engine) that remove the ash from entering the engine. - Up To Date Information & Communication
PrivateFly tracks the ash cloud and monitors whether our clients’ flights should depart earlier or later, or from alternative airports.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FLIGHT DURING AN ASH CLOUD
- Act Early to Avoid Delays
Airline schedules can be cancelled without warning. Ask PrivateFly for alternative options if your schedule is in any doubt. - Use Alternative Aircraft Types
Consider using propeller aircraft.
- Be Flexible
Be prepared to depart early and use different airports. - Use Smaller Airports
During ash clouds travelling to and from major airports is difficult due to the high number of panicking travellers. Using smaller airports (where scheduled airlines do not operate from) will reduce delays.
WHAT DAMAGE CAN VOLCANIC ASH DO TO AN AIRCRAFT?
- External Surface Corrosion
The ash particles hit the aircraft exterior at high velocity and causes damage to the windows and aircraft skin. - Long Term Engine Damage
Volcanic ash is abrasive and causes “sand blasting” within an engine. The damaged engine is less efficient and burns more fuel to achieve the same amount of thrust. - Engine Malfunction
The silicon content of ash melts at 1100deg C (a temperature almost all jet engines reach) into a liquid that fuses onto the turbine blades within a jet engine. The engine loses pressure and surges causing a flame out.
For all private jet charter enquiries regarding ash cloud disruption or otherwise, call the PrivateFly team on +44 (0) 1747 642 777 or contact us.
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