United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Private business jets soaring in wake of London attacks
The private jet business is growing so fast it could double by 2011 to more than 5,000 planes, says the National Business Aviation Association.
“Rather than being humiliated at airports, which now require passengers to check in three hours before departure, and for a while did not allow them to take a BlackBerry or a laptop on board, a growing number of executives is choosing to fly private,” said FT.com.
Private jet companies in the US, where an estimated 70% of the business is located, are reporting a sharp rise in demand since the terrorist alert last month in London.
NetJets, owned by Warren Buffet, controls about half of the estimated $2.6 billion private jet market, according to the National Air Transportation Association.
Delta AirElite, a subsidiary of Delta Airlines, reported a 70% increase in interest in the two weeks after the London terrorist scare.
Executive jets have long stopped being toys for the rich, however.
“The biggest misconception is that private travel is a luxury. We’re a business tool,” said Paul Touw, owner of the California-based XOJet Inc.
The reasons for the industry’s growth are obvious and include cancelled routes, very full planes and periodic security alerts.
The result is that US operations of some companies such as ExeucJet Middle East are expanding their American operations.
“The last fiscal year has been out best for along time. We have than doubled revenue on aircraft sales,” said Mike Berry, managing director.
The use of private jets, however, had been surging since before the London incidents.
There was also a spike in interest after 9-11.
A decade ago, fliers had to outright own a jet or charter an entire plane. But in recent years, new plans such as fractional ownership have made private travel more attractive.
Another advantage to travelers is that they have access to 5,000 airports instead of the 500 reached by commercial carriers.
Private jet travelers avoid customs and immigration and can take advantage of a more reliable service.
And any disadvantages?
“Private jet companies ask for nothing in return, apart from a lot of your money,” answers FT.com.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations