With Commercial Travel Restrictions, Private Jets Gain Popularity Amid Pandemic
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Commercial air travel took a major hit in 2020. Even with social distancing and limited seating, many travelers weren’t ready to board a plane loaded with people and potential illnesses. So private jet travel took off.
Staying home isn’t always an option, especially for business travelers. Other travelers just wanted some semblance of normalcy by spending time in vacation homes they either own or rent. Private jet travel can get you where you want or need to go. In addition, it offers many advantages. No more standing in line at the airport, waiting to go through security or board the plane.
Imagine spending your self-imposed exile at your beautiful beach or mountain home. Or maybe even your own castle. Thanks to the magic of high-speed internet, you can work from practically anywhere. Similarly, the kids can keep up with their schooling virtually.
Travel Options
The luxury private jet market is taking off. For instance, from charter services to fractional or full ownership, more and more people are choosing private travel. A British family, stranded by the lockdown in their Swiss alpine home, chartered a private jet to bring the family dog to them from London. VistaJet’s Private World global program offers members private travel to the world’s finest resorts, ski lodges, yachts, and private islands. Even Ireland’s no-frills Ryanair has reconfigured its fleet to work as private jets.
Private Jet Ownership
Private jet ownership is also on the rise. According to Jetnet iQ’s report, the number of transactions for used planes actually rose slightly in 2020. Private aircraft financing has picked up and first-time buyers are purchasing planes for leisure trips.
Fractional Ownership
If you’re not ready to make the commitment to owning a plane, fractional ownership may be for you. Fractional jet cards allow you to purchase blocks of flying time on modern, well-maintained jets. NetJets leads the fractional jet card market with more than 700 aircraft in their fleet. With everything from a Citation ENCORE to a Gulfstream G550, NetJets can accommodate your group of any size. Flexjet and Flight Options also offer competitive fractional jet ownership and jet cards.
The next time you head off to parts unknown, or known, consider private jet travel. With so many options available, you may have a hard time keeping your feet on the ground.
