It’s no secret that non-public jet utilization in Europe elevated in the course of the peak of the pandemic, however the upward trajectory continues to succeed in new highs because of loosening authorities restrictions throughout the continent and a renewed curiosity and unprecedented demand for premium leisure and enterprise journey.
Europe’s main non-public jet supplier Flexjet studies unprecedented demand for journey
First established within the U.S. in 1995, main luxurious non-public jet firm Flexjet expanded into Europe in solely 2019 however is already experiencing unparalleled development, reflecting the general pattern within the wider world of personal aviation. The corporate not too long ago introduced a 400-percent enhance in flight exercise in Europe throughout 2021, whereas additionally attaining IS-BAO accreditation for its European operation, the gold normal and worldwide benchmark for security and excellence in enterprise plane.
Because the pandemic isn’t over, security considerations proceed to gas the appreciable development, as does lessening journey restrictions. Inside European nations, covid measures are additionally being relaxed or phased-out, selling face-to-face enterprise interactions and the return of big-ticket occasions, which has sparked an inflow of leisure journey.
This January, the ultra-exclusive Snow Polo World Cup returned to St. Moritz in January, and Flexjet—whose modern fleet is not any stranger to St. Moritz’ small non-public airport of Samedan—was there because the headlining aviation companion, as a part of a three-year dedication.
Flexjet was one in every of this yr’s sponsors on the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz
“We’re working extra flights to Samedan this winter for the Snow Polo World Cup than ever,” says Marine Eugene, Flexjet’s European Managing Director. “And the rise will not be solely as a result of Flexjet’s appreciable development in Europe. The flexibility to fly into the non-public airport of Samedan—simply minutes from the city and the occasion venue—could be very enticing…After all, with Flexjet [owners] additionally journey in distinctive consolation, on their very own schedule and might minimise publicity to others, one thing that now has a really robust attraction.”
About 60 Flexjet house owners attended this yr’s prestigious polo occasion, and as honored company of the sponsor, they had been spoiled with VIP entry; non-public dinners at members-only golf equipment; and tickets to the sold-out gala dinner. Among the many house owners, Eugene noticed renewed vigour and pleasure: “It’s a ravishing place to get everybody collectively, and on the again of the final yr and a half, plenty of our clients had been demanding concepts of the place to fly and of the place to journey…We work hand-in-hand with all the most effective companions regionally to offer experiences. We don’t need this firm to be nearly transportation from A to B; we predict the corporate’s tradition, the DNA, the worth of our service is in the truth that we really present much more. It’s a complete expertise, and we’re a individuals enterprise,” says Eugene.
Flexjet was ready for the inflow of curiosity with an increasing fleet of Legacy 500s, Praetor … [+]
Whereas placing a premium on individuals has definitely proved successful for Flexjet (round 70 p.c of latest enterprise comes from word-of-mouth, in line with Eugene), the corporate’s development can be attributed to their preparedness for the upswing in demand. Following the instance set by their well-established U.S. operation, Flexjet’s European fleet expanded by 40 p.c in 2021, and additional funding is confirmed for 2022, with extra super-midsize Praetor 600s and the addition of the ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 with a year-round European base.
But, that is all being accomplished with the utmost restraint and warning. “The very last thing that our clients wish to really feel is that they’re only a quantity. We’re one of many solely operators that also has a persona and time to spend money on hospitality. Everybody else has oversold their fleet, in order that they haven’t any time to tailor or personalize. That’s one of many greatest threats to our trade: if we get grasping and take too many individuals on, then we received’t be capable of ship the magic of flying non-public. That’s the lesson that I’m making use of every day at Flexjet,” says Eugene. “We take the time to do it nicely.”