If your scheduled flight is cancelled, if your plans change, or if you’re planning a spontaneous getaway, we’re the experts at organising last-minute and cost-effective private jet charters. We talked to private jets director Jessie Howes about how we achieve rapid charter solutions for our customers.
How we organise private jet charters at short notice
“If your scheduled flight is cancelled, if your plans change at the last minute, or if you’re planning a spontaneous getaway, finding a scheduled airline flight at late notice can be time-consuming, frustrating and stressful,” says our private jets director, Jessie Howes. “When time is of the essence and schedules are rigid, a private charter is the most seamless and luxurious option.”
With access to thousands of aircraft around the world, we’re the industry experts at organising cost-effective private jet charters at short notice. Jessie explains how we’re able to source aircraft and provide quotes so quickly.
Achieving quick charter solutions
“Over a two-day period in late May, British Airways cancelled more than 170 flights departing from or arriving at Heathrow Terminal 5 due to an IT issue. This impacted numerous people flying to the south of France for the Monaco Grand Prix.
“With alternative scheduled flights nearly impossible to book at short notice, our team received several calls from clients looking for a quick solution. Within a few short hours, we were able to source and confirm their private jet bookings to fly them to Nice in time for the event.
“Scheduled flight cancellations and delays are pretty common and they’re becoming more frequent. This year, an average of about 30,000 flights are delayed globally every day. For cancellations, it can range from 500 to more than 1,000 flights a day. The U.S. endured more disruption across May and June this year than in 2022 when their travel chaos made worldwide news and Christmas will likely be just as hectic.
“For individuals who have booked their own scheduled flights, delays and cancellations can be stressful and upsetting. A private charter may not be the first course of action that comes to mind, but it is the most reliable way to ensure your travel plans remain undisrupted. Private jet flights can also be arranged at short notice, making them the most practical choice when time and simplicity are crucial factors.
“We have teams across six major continents around the world and can access thousands of aircraft to cater to different requirements. When we receive a charter request, we aim to source an aircraft and present a quote that same day.
“We’re able to leverage our global reputation and strong operator relationships to quickly achieve competitive charter prices. For example, I received a call earlier this year from a client who was flying from Italy to the UK for Glastonbury Festival. Their scheduled flight was cancelled at the last minute and, with a connecting helicopter waiting in London to take them to the festival, they needed a private jet charter fast. Within about three hours, I’d sourced a suitably priced jet, and my client was incredibly relieved he wouldn’t miss his favourite acts at Glastonbury.”
Which aircraft are the most cost-effective?
“The cost of a charter boils down to a variety of different factors, such as aircraft availability, flight distance and whether the aircraft needs to reposition.
“However, if they’re available, very light jets like the Citation Mustang and Phenom 100 are usually the most cost-effective options for a short flight across Europe with a maximum of four passengers. If you need to travel further, the Phenom 300, Citation XLS or XLS+ are usually economical options for up to eight passengers.
“Private jets and turboprop aircraft like the Beechcraft King Air or the Pilatus PC 12 can also allow you to depart from a remote location or land at an airport closer to their final destination. Small airports like Norwich in England and Avignon in France accept very few scheduled services, making an aircraft charter an ideal solution if you’re looking to save time and land closer to home.
“Depending on time and availability, we typically present our private jet charter customers with at least three options and explain why each one has been chosen to meet their specific requirements. The customer always has the final say, after which we take care of everything, from landing permits to optional extras like Champagne on board.”
To learn more about our service or receive a personalised quote, contact one of our team today.