The most popular aircraft to charter for different sports

Football

Football (or soccer for our clients in the United States) is the world’s most-played sport, so it's no surprise the majority of our sport-related charters are for football teams, fan groups and individual players.

“The aircraft required varies from team to team, but priorities usually include seat pitch, seat recline and operational capabilities,” says Alex Sadat Shafai, our Global Football Sales Director. “As a result, we often source business-class aircraft that deliver in these areas.

“Other team requests are more cost-sensitive, so we present a range of options with a mix of business-class and economy seats, allowing the group to travel together on a lower-priced charter.”

“I often recommend the Boeing B737-300 VIP to my clients,” says Wajdi Zarraa, a group charter specialist in our Paris office. “With 68 business-class seats and lots of space for equipment in the baggage hold, it’s ideal for a football team flying to a match in Europe.”

“I regularly source the Bombardier CRJ200,” says Aranzazu Ortega Garcia, our Commercial Jets Director in Madrid. “It’s got enough capacity for a whole team and their luggage, making it a cost-effective option for a range of clubs.”

“Many teams in Germany opt for the Dornier 328 or the Fairchild-Dornier 328JET,” concludes Melanie Hentschel, Commercial Jets Director at ACS Frankfurt. “Both can comfortably fit a team, along with two items of luggage per footballer.”

Fan groups usually have different requirements, which our team seamlessly accommodates. “Most groups of sports fans prioritise cost, so we source aircraft with lower operational costs and therefore lower costs per seat, such as the Airbus A320 and A321 or the Boeing B737-800,” Alex says.

“On the rare occasion we’re asked to help fly a smaller group who don’t want the expense of chartering a business-class aircraft, we might suggest the Bombardier CRJ-200 or Embraer E145LR as the best option.”

Our private jet charter specialists also organise flights for football players around the world. They usually travel with just a few relatives or friends, so don’t need a large aircraft in terms of passengers, but our recommendations are also determined by the distance involved.

“I often suggest the Gulfstream G650, as a lot of my clients are South Americans who play football in Spain and fly home across the Atlantic,” explains Anna Goma Oliva, Private Jets Director at ACS Madrid. “The G650 can complete these flights non-stop and has a luxurious interior that’s perfect for long-haul charters.

“For shorter trips around Europe, our clients favour a range of midsize and light jets like the Hawker 900XP, Cessna Citation Latitude and Bombardier Challenger 604.”

Golf

“Golfing clients usually need an aircraft that’s large enough to accommodate lots of golf clubs and luggage,” explains David Stock, Private Jets Director at ACS Frankfurt.

“I often source midsize and super-light jets like the Cessna Citation XLS+, Pilatus PC-24 and Embraer Phenom 300 for golf trips, as they generally have around eight seats and plenty of space in the hold.

“There are also a few light jets with enough luggage space if a more cost-effective solution is needed. The Cessna Citation CJ3, for example, has enough room for seven passengers and one or two golf bags. Turboprops like the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air 100 are also good options, offering more baggage space than others in their class.

“If a client does decide on a smaller jet, we always ensure they know exactly how much luggage they can take to avoid a nasty surprise when they get to the airport.”

Ice hockey

“Ice hockey teams generally travel with more equipment than other sports teams,” Melanie adds. “They have shoulder pads, ice skates and sticks, which take up a lot of room.

“As a result, they usually need a larger Boeing or Airbus like the B737-800, which can be a cost-effective option for a large team carrying a lot of luggage.”

Skiing

Similarly to golf getaways, midsize jets are often the most popular choice for ski trips, as they can accommodate all the passengers’ skis.

But as David Demichelis, Private Jet Manager at ACS Paris, explains, some clients want a smaller aircraft that can land as close as possible to their ski lodge. “The nearest airports have high altitudes and small runways, so we have to recommend jets that are not only certified to land there, but can also carry a lot of luggage.

“To make the most of your time on the slopes, we can source an Aviator TP 600 that is certified to take off and land on short runways, like Courchevel Altiport. While smaller than the popular Pilatus PC-24 and PC-12, the aircraft is large enough to carry up to six passengers and their skis. The Aviator TP 600 can leave Paris at 7 am and have passengers on the Courchevel slopes when they open.”

Whether you need an aircraft for a large team or a private jet for a smaller group, we’ll always source the best option for your specific requirements. Contact our charter experts to organise your sports charter today.