Summer travel season is upon us and as parts of the country begin to open up, families are trying to sift through the available options. With Europe, The Caribbean and Latin America off most travel lists this summer, Americans are looking at locations within the United States. The concern over health risks on commercial aviation is driving many to seek out private aviation. With an approximate 20-25% drop in private jet pricing and the safety related advantages that private travel has; the demand is growing and expanding into new demographics. The consumer that previously was fine paying for a first-class ticket is now open to new offerings.
Flying private doesn’t require waiting in line for airport securing or boarding, either—both situations in which proper social distancing is nearly impossible.
“With jet fares running lower than average thanks to sharp dips in business travel demand and a host of other factors, switching from first class to private has become a more reasonable investment in health and safety. In some cases, travelers can score far deeper discounts—but doing so takes luck and a well-connected broker.”
“Since mid-April we’ve seen a rapid increase in private jet requests,” says Triumph Jets CEO Arturo Gomez. Triumph Jet clients have largely been booking short-haul, two-hour trips within the U.S. for about $18,000 to $40,000—that’s about $3,300 per seat on the low end, assuming six passengers are on board.
Families are looking to the western US and to more secluded resort areas for vacations this summer. Areas that provide great opportunities to adhere to social distancing directives. Most of these destinations would be very difficult to get to especially now considering that many US commercial carriers have begun limiting their routes to conserve cash.
Industry insiders believe this new appetite for private aviation is here to stay.
