The air charter industry is in the midst of a huge global summer rush as the demand for private jet charter has soared over the European and US summer months. We have noticed a substantial increase in charter bookings as we head into our 20th consecutive summer season.
Reporting that charter demand is rapidly rising, Avinode, the world’s largest and most advanced air charter sales and sourcing platform, states that last minute demand is increasing in Europe and that travellers are booking closer to departure, meaning that prompt service is more important to clients than ever.
Last-minute European charter demand
In June, 19% of charter requests were made with less than 24 hours’ notice, a huge uplift from 13% reported in May. Charter requests with a two-three day lead time rose from 11% in May to the 14% reported in June.
The most popular summer hotspots, based on May-June arrivals, include London, Ibiza, Nice, Paris and Milan. Smart has had a busy few weeks working on charters to these destinations, including charters for DJs, sports stars and celebrities on their summer holidays, and high-net worth individuals taking their families on their annual summer holiday.
Popular US destinations
In the USA, New York remained the top destination for arrival in May and June, followed by Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas and the Bay Area. In June 23% of requests were made with less than 24 hours notice and 14% within a two-three day lead time.
Our charter team have noticed a particular increase in the number of last minute transatlantic bookings to the US to New York and Las Vegas.
When a family’s chartered flight to New York was grounded in London earlier this month, due to technical issues with the operator they had booked with, they faced a 20-hour delay. That’s when Matt, our Head of Charter, got the call. Within hours of speaking with their executive assistant, Matt secured an ultra long-range aircraft, a Global Express XRS, and had the family – and their dog – en route to Westhampton Airport from London Luton Airport just five hours later.
Matt Feldon, Head of Charter said: “We are definitely noticing a bigger increase in demand this summer season compared to last year. Requests are flying in and many are more last minute than usual, as Avinode reports. We always recommend booking as far ahead as possible, as securing slots at European airports over the summer can be particularly challenging. That said, my team are ready for a busy summer of jet charters across the globe.”
Email sales@smart-aviation.co.uk for a prompt, no-obligation charter quote today.
