The global market of air charter services has been steadily growing. Its size is currently approaching USD 50 billion and should reach up to USD 80 billion by the year 2032. People tend to associate private flights with the ‘one percent’ and the highest levels of service. Combine this with the flexibility and the sense of exclusivity and luxury, and it becomes much easier to understand why chartered flights are becoming increasingly popular.
How much is a private jet charter?
Mid-size jets, offering more space and more extended range, range from $6,000 to $8,000 per hour. Aircraft for larger groups or long-haul flights, heavy jets are ideal, with a cost ranging from $10,000 to $14,000 per hour.
Private Jet Charter: A sense of exclusiveness and the importance of good taste
In the world of private air charters, adaptability is key, as business jet aircraft can easily accommodate any need expressed by the passengers. For example, the flight crew can meet all your stereotypical expectations of luxury without any difficulties.
“Such flights definitely do happen. In most cases, they are related to various fashion or sporting events, or, let’s say, award ceremonies. Naturally, in such cases, the onboard atmosphere would be completely different from the trips to, for example, sports competitions. People would typically be in their evening gowns and tuxedos,” says Akvilė Valatkaitytė, a Senior cabin crew member for a charter airline specializing in business-class and VIP charter flights.
Themed flight experiences are becoming increasingly popular. In one case, a charter was tasked with orchestrating a red-themed wedding experience, complete with a distinctive red aircraft, coordinated ground transportation for photoshoots, specially designed red uniforms for the crew, all down to the cocktails and floral arrangements.
And it is not only the decorations that matter, but also the onboard culinary experience can be matched to the destination or theme. When, for example, members of a royal family are flown to a red-carpet event at the Cannes Film Festival, the airline would serve food prepared by a Michelin-starred chef that reflects seasonal flavors.
Food is one of the most sensory experiences, and great food on board enhances the whole journey like nothing else. For art collectors flying to Art Basel, we might serve molecular gastronomy inspired by Swiss innovation. As travelers head to a wine festival in Bordeaux, they might want to kick off their wine-tasting journey with regional cheeses and charcuterie already on board. Creating such experiences is a challenge in and of itself, but having a developed network of providers, sommeliers, and chefs definitely helps.
Air Charter is More than just a means to get from A to B
Private charters could also collaborate with an animal welfare foundation, such as transporting a lion and a leopard, to ensure their safe journey back to Africa, where they can receive proper care. Fortunately, a charitable organization became aware of the situation and arranged a flight to bring the animals back to Africa. Several rows of seats were removed, and cages were installed where the lion and leopard traveled.
Celebrations and parties up in the sky of Private Jet Charters
Yet another advantage of private flights is that passengers can feel much more relaxed compared to regular flights. So, when the occasion is right, it can be both a mode of transportation and a way of celebrating.
“Air charter companies typically work with decorators and party planners to transform the plane and adapt its spaces for celebrations. Some of the requests that messengers have are truly unique. However, those organizing the flights no longer get surprised that easily and can adapt to almost any whim. Think private chef or even a DJ booth,” says Ms. Valatkaitytė, an expert in this field.
According to her, the most impressive parties happen when a sports team takes a charter flight back home after winning an important game:
“During flights like these, the trophy is passed from hand to hand, and team members are taking photos with it. Usually, everyone is in excellent spirits and chanting nonstop. It’s one of the many magical moments that are only possible on charter flights.
SOURCE: Avia Solutions Group
