European Private Charter Jet Services Status during COVID-19

European private charter jet services boomed before COVID-19, but the pandemic and the resulting ban on international travel forced many European charter operators to scale back. This article looks at the status of European private charter jet services during COVID-19, the safety measures operators introduced, and why many travellers saw private jets as a safer alternative to commercial flights.

How COVID-19 Changed European Private Charter Jet Services

With shutdowns and international travel bans in place, several charter jet operators in Europe curtailed the scale of their operations.

For example, GlobeAir, an Austria-based charter provider operating a fleet of Cessna Citation Mustangs (a very light jet), reduced its operating size. It now operates flights only within the UK, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium.

The Shift to Light Jets

Many private charter providers in Europe are now choosing light jets such as the HondaJet and Cessna Citation Mustang to cater to clients’ short-distance charter needs. For the same distance, a light jet costs far less to operate than a midsize or large jet.

This strategy helps bring down operating costs during the difficult times of COVID-19.

Private Jet Charter Services After the International Flight Ban

Now that the international flying ban imposed at the start of the pandemic has been lifted, charter private jet companies have stepped up their bio-security measures. These include sanitising aircraft before and after every flight and giving crews special training in recommended best practices.

Key COVID-19 Safety Measures at a Glance

• Passengers board private jets via their preferred terminals to avoid contact with strangers.
• As the temporary owners of the aircraft, charter flyers can choose who they travel with (in the case of flight-sharing).
• Charter companies arrange private transfers, either in high-end luxury cars or with a dedicated driver, so clients don’t have to use crowded public transport.
• The air circulation system on a very light jet works differently from the HEPA-filtered systems used on commercial airliners, with a continuous exchange of air.

Private Jet vs Commercial Flight After COVID-19

If you are about to fly after COVID-19, it’s worth comparing a charter private jet flight with a commercial flight, because the former has clear health advantages.

On a commercial flight, you are exposed to crowds of strangers at different stages of the journey. A private jet charter lets you avoid most of them.

Private jet charter providers offer safe airport transfers, stress-free private security checks, private lounges and aircraft, and safer transfers to your destination. Many also provide a return shuttle service to the client’s destination.

Airport Check-In Is Much Safer

Charter companies help clients with a range of additional services, including bespoke pick-ups and drop-offs at their favourite locations using luxury car rental services or private drivers.

These services take clients to the airport without contact with crowds. Charter companies partner with premium, trusted transport providers to ensure a safe transfer at every point, making the journey to the private jet terminal hassle-free.

Security Checks Are Far Safer

Boarding a private jet charter is a very easy process. The driver escorts the client to a private, quiet waiting area with limited passenger traffic, where a dedicated travel manager greets them and escorts them to security.

Security checks are carried out in a separate, quiet room, leaving time for quick boarding and a comfortable, on-time take-off.

The Temporary Owner of the Charter Jet

After security, the client can relax in the private jet terminal lounge with drinks, snacks and a favourite magazine before the crew collects them for boarding, following all ICAO security norms.

To fight the COVID-19 situation, ground staff and pilots avoid handshakes and wear gloves when handling luggage.

Concierge Services After Landing

As part of their safety measures, providers offer a private airport shuttle to take you to the terminal. From there you can hire a rental car, or the charter company can arrange on-demand transfers with top-notch chauffeurs from your point of arrival to your preferred destination.

Booking a Private Jet Charter After Lockdown

Chartering a private jet after the lockdown could bring benefits such as 10% or more off the original price. You can book a private jet flight online, and the provider will contact you about your earliest departure date in line with your destination’s safety policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did European private jet operators keep flying during COVID-19?

Yes, but many scaled back. GlobeAir, for example, limited flights to the UK, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium.

Why did charter operators switch to light jets?

Light jets like the HondaJet and Cessna Citation Mustang cost much less to operate on short routes, helping operators cut costs.

Is a private jet safer than a commercial flight during a pandemic?

Private jets let you avoid crowds at check-in, security and boarding, with private transfers, lounges and aircraft.

Conclusion

COVID-19 forced European private charter jet services to shrink and adapt, with more light jets, stricter bio-security and contact-free transfers. Looking for some well-deserved holidays? A private jet charter is a safe way to travel and explore Europe’s beauty.