The global pandemic has forced the hand of many individuals in the wake of COVID-19, and private jet passengers are no different, as they are seemingly becoming far more concerned about safety than the trappings of luxury when they fly. Wealthy travellers flying by private jet are asking to personalise the safety of their flights during the pandemic, with some even requesting to fly without cabin crew.
As the world begins to gradually open up following COVID-19, the focus for high net worth flyers is less on the luxuries associated with the industry and more on increased safety measures to ensure those aboard have no contact with the virus.
Passengers flying by private jet, of course, already have a range of benefits which enhance social distancing, often flying from smaller airfields or from private facilities where there are far fewer touchpoints with the general public and a lot more perks. This includes access to their own private terminals, lounge and check-in areas, not to mention being the only people on the aircraft. What this means is that passengers can board a sanitised plane and have very little contact with anyone else on departure, arrival and even during the flight.
The biggest risk to health remains, of course, the airport itself, but for those flying by private jet, it is entirely possible that they can board their plane without having to come into any kind of contact with another passenger.
Flying by private jet conjures up images of rock stars and Hollywood greats surrounded by their own entourage and with a long list of items required to make their journey more comfortable. Whilst private jet charter companies will work tirelessly to fulfil those wishes and provide a luxury experience, the message in the industry at the moment is more about safety than added extras.
According to Kathy Leroy, VIP Charter Manager at Chapman Freeborn, a global VIP private jet charter specialist, safety is by far the biggest concern for her HNW clients. “Some VIPs are even requesting no cabin crew on the aircraft because they only want their own people on board,” she says. “This is sometimes possible, depending on the size of the aircraft, and we are always willing to listen to all requests to personalise the safety environment. It’s a different scenario right now, because usually VIP passengers are very particular about how they want their flight experience to feel. They know exactly which aircraft they want and what kind of extras would make it a more comfortable experience. We even had one famous passenger who asked us to order in McDonald’s and bring it on board!”
The other significant benefit of chartering a private jet, of course, is that more destinations are open to you – especially at a time when many scheduled flights have been cancelled because of the pandemic. Those flying by private jet have been able to visit the Seychelles, for instance, even though the islands have not been open to scheduled flights. It would seem that such destinations are opening up to private jets first, before the big commercial carriers.
“We’re expecting VIP travel to boom as wealthy people consider how best to get to their destination with the smallest possible risk of infection. People who may previously have flown first class on a long-haul flight might now choose to take a private jet, for instance,” Kathy adds. “It’s not only about luxury but also about feeling confident that you are as safe as possible when it comes to avoiding the virus.”
To find out how to charter a private jet, visit www.chapmanfreeborn.aero.
