What comes to mind when you think of transatlantic private jets? The odds are great that you imagine movie stars and the world’s elite tier climbing aboard to be whisked off to luxurious holidays. If not that exactly, then something similar. The truth of the matter is that there was a time when this assumption would have been one hundred percent correct. But this is no longer the case. Today, the private aviation industry is seeing completely new groups of travelers boarding their premium jets.
Medical Transport
Among the strongest sectors of the industry’s growth trends is medical transport. Private helicopters have been used for many years to assist with life and death medical transport, but what we are seeing today is a much broader scope of uses. One example is organ transport, an extremely time-sensitive matter. There are now personal transports in which patients who need to access non-local specialist doctors who are not within easy driving distance. Certainly, not all medical use of private jets and helicopters is critical, but many are, and arriving at the hospital for immediate treatment is crucial.
Sporting Events Transport
We’ve long seen top-tier sports teams using private aviation as a frequent mode of travel, so this one may come as no shock. However, the increased trend in usage in this category is related to lower-tier, even small local sports teams. As this mode of travel continues to become more affordable, more and more sports organizations are taking advantage of perks such as a reduction in overall fatigue, the ability to land closer to some venues, and the option to avoid delays that could result in embarrassment and even match forfeiture.
Education Transport
Private aircraft, particularly light private jets, have seen quite an increase in usage for the purpose of educational transport. A solid education matters, and this is evidenced by the trend to send children outside of their hometown to receive the best possible education. Across all age ranges, there has been a boost in the number of students boarding private aircraft, which will transport them and their personal belongings to the international school or college/university of their (or their parents) choosing.
Pet Transport
One of the newest, and for some, most surprising trends is pet transport. Over the years, commercial airline policies regarding pet transport have become stricter than ever before, citing potential health concerns. This directly conflicts with how we see pets as part of the family now more than ever. Would you ask a family member to ride underneath the aircraft? Certainly not. Private jet travel offers the perfect way to transport pets across borders in a calm, low-stress environment, and many pet owners will settle for nothing less than the best for their beloved furry family members.
Atypical Business Transport
Business travel is as old as time. Admittedly, an exaggeration, but for as long as there have been commercial flights, there have been men and women taking to the skies for business reasons. The difference is the out-of-the-box thinking that is driving today’s private business flights. One example would be for company bonding excursions, wherein employees and managers come together outside of a work setting for the purpose of growing closer as individuals. We’re also seeing private charters being used as a means to reward staff members for a job well done. What a great way to show appreciation for their efforts!
Humanitarian/Disaster Relief Transport
When disaster strikes, roads become damaged, overcrowded, or entirely impassable, leaving air travel as the fastest and possibly safest way to assist others. Private jets and helicopters are often used to deliver crucial supplies to those in desperate need. They also see use for the purpose of delivering key equipment and workers who are trained to help. When time is of the essence, and it always is in the case of natural disasters, timely crisis support can save lives.
These are just a few of the ways in which private charters are being utilized today. As the sector continues to grow and change, we can expect to see an even greater increase in the number of individuals and companies who are using air transport to meet their needs.
