Private aviation used to be for the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Queen Elizabeth II. This glamorous form of air travel was also highly exclusive—only for royal families, the world’s biggest celebrities, and multimillionaires.
This is no longer the case as more and more travelers are opting for personal journeys over commercial travel, not just the very rich and famous. According to FAA reports, there is a noticeable increase in private jet traffic compared to 10 years ago.
Flying private is still an investment that not everyone can afford, but the discerning traveler no longer has to settle for commercial travel. The private aviation industry has changed in a few ways to make private jet travel more accessible to new travelers.
Flying Private No Longer Requires Owning a Jet
For many years, only people who could afford to own their own airplane were able to fly private. Even for wealthy travelers, the expenses of buying a plane, paying for hangar storage, and conducting regular maintenance are prohibitive. Private aviation was reserved for only a select few.
Over the past few decades, things have changed with new ownership and usage models. Some companies offer partial ownership, while others provide chartered private flights upon reservation.
One of the most interesting models is the jet card. With a prepaid super-midsize jet jet card, you purchase a set amount of flight hours or flights of equivalent monetary value. Then, you reserve your flights through the company that owns the jet card. The jet card allows you to have a private jet on demand without the hassle that comes with ownership.
These new models are making private aviation easier to access, not just financially but logistically. Travelers no longer need to worry about storing their private jet and passing inspections. All they have to do is show up at the airport!
Booking Private Flights is More Transparent and Convenient
The old private aviation business model preferred exclusivity over transparency. That meant it was difficult to know how to fly private or who to book it with unless you were already in the know.
The transparency offered by jet card models means that more travelers feel comfortable investing in private flights. They clearly explain their different plans and terms, and conditions.
The growth in transparency also means an improvement in customer experience. Booking private flights is seamless through most private jet companies. Travelers can reserve jets online or even using mobile apps, working the flight easily into their travel schedule.
Dreamy Luxury, Now a Reality for New Travelers
Private aviation is now well within reach for travelers willing to invest in their own comfort. The reason is that the industry’s business model has changed drastically over the past few decades. Transparency, as opposed to exclusivity, is attracting new customers.
Ownership models are also changing. Partial ownership models and charter companies allow travelers to benefit from private travel without the hassle of owning an aircraft themselves.
For private aviation with maximum convenience, a jet card is one of the best options. Jet cards give you access to private planes whenever you want to travel, with none of the worry when you are on the ground.