Once the exclusive domain of celebrities and C-suite corporate executives, private aviation is transforming, making it increasingly accessible to a broader segment of travelers. While still a premium option, new business models and technological advancements are bringing down costs and opening up opportunities for more people to experience the convenience and ease of private air travel.
The Rise of Fractional Ownership and Jet Cards
Since the early 2000s, programs where travelers can buy a ‘fraction’ of a private jet have been a game-changer. Starting at 1/16th an aircraft, fractional ownership dramatically reduces the initial investment and ongoing costs while still providing guaranteed access to a private jet.
More recently, jet card programs have emerged as a popular alternative to fractional ownership, offering a more flexible option for those who fly less frequently. Here’s how jet cards work:
- Purchase a set number of flight hours on a specific aircraft type or category
- Hours are typically sold in blocks of 25, 50, or 100 hours.
- Pricing is usually all-inclusive, covering fuel, crew, and other operational costs.
- Many programs offer guaranteed availability with as little as 24-48 hours’ notice.
- Some cards offer fixed hourly rates, protecting against peak price fluctuations
On-Demand Charter and Empty Leg Flights
The growth of on-demand charter services has made booking a private jet more like calling an Uber than calling Delta. Apps and online platforms allow users to quickly compare prices and book flights, often at more competitive rates than traditional charter methods. Chief among the competitive rates are empty-leg flights.
Here’s what you need to know about empty legs:
- These flights are repositioning flights that would otherwise fly without passengers.
- They can often be booked at a fraction of the cost of a regular private flight, up to 75% less.
- Flexibility is key – dates, times, and routes are fixed
- Return flights are not guaranteed and times can change at the drop of a suitcase, so travelers should have a backup plan.
Pet-Friendly Flying
Private aviation offers unique benefits for pet owners, making it an attractive option for those who frequently travel with their furry companions:
- Most private jets allow pets to fly in the cabin with their owners, avoiding the stress and potential dangers of flying in cargo.
- There are typically no size restrictions for pets on private flights, unlike commercial airlines.
- Some new operators offer specialized pet-friendly services, including pet amenities and even dedicated pet attendants, ferrying owner, and their pets across continents and oceans with other like-minded (and like-furred) customers.
- Private terminals often have designated pet relief areas, making pre-flight and layover experiences more comfortable for pets.
Technological Advancements
Improvements in aircraft technology are also contributing to lower costs. More fuel-efficient engines and lighter materials are reducing operating expenses, which can be passed on to customers. Additionally, the development of very light jets (VLJs) has introduced lower-cost options for short to medium-range flights. While these lack many of the amenities of larger jets, like fully enclosed bathrooms or kitchen galleys, they fly as fast and above the weather as larger jets -saving time.
In the near future, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will revolutionize aviation and could dramatically increase the accessibility of private air travel. These aircraft combine the convenience of helicopters with the efficiency and low cost of electric propulsion and:
- Take off and land vertically like helicopters -right from the city center.
- Transition to wing-borne flight for efficient cruising
- Operate on electric power, reducing emissions and noise
While private aviation remains a premium travel option, it’s no longer exclusively for the ultra-wealthy. New business models, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences are making private jet travel more accessible to a wider range of travelers. From jet cards and empty-leg flights to pet-friendly options, the industry is evolving to meet diverse needs and preferences. As these trends continue, we can expect to see further innovations that may bring private aviation within reach of an even broader audience.
Matthew Colbert is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Empire Aviation Services, a US-based aviation consultancy. He has over thirteen years of experience in the aviation industry, leading projects for airports and commercial airlines that grow the bottom line while improving customer service through a customer-focused approach that reflects the customers and communities served.
