Private jet charter in the UK

The UK market for jet charter is well developed. Group holidays in Southern Europe, North America, the Caribbean and the Alps, constitute a major segment. Gatwick is a popular hub, though Manchester and other city airports are also popular.

A variation of charter is gaining popularity in business circles. Known as fractional ownership, an individual or a company pays for a minimum number of flying hours in advance. Aircraft can be chartered against this deposit. A network with a fleet of aircraft offers such part ownership. This system is likely to give a fillip to private jet charter in the UK.

The formation and expansion of the European Union means many new opportunities for UK companies to compete in the common market. Long drives to city airports, queues for security and the possibility of lost luggage, all add up to deter business people from frequenting some nearby markets-private jet charter and fractional ownership can change this and see more and more British companies making frequent trips by air to key European Union markets.

Charters are generally priced on an estimation of number of hours in the air. A recent trend has been to quote a price for a set distance. Both systems would have to provide for surcharges in terms of parking fees, aircraft preparation, local taxes and deviations due to weather and traffic. The details of the commercial arrangements need to be considered in detail beforehand. Payment terms are generally by way of a full advance, especially for new customers.

FAA Part 135 regulations cover safety and clients should ensure that operators are in full compliance. You should ensure that you fly with certified pilots and air worthy craft. These standards apply to even the smallest Cessna and Beech aircraft, apart from the larger ones from Boeing, Gulf Stream and Bombardier.

Reputed operators have staff to cater to special needs of their clients. This ranges from providing updated information on the status of the flight to serving gourmet meals and support on the ground. Private jet charters thus enable people to work with privacy and flexibility, focusing fully on the needs of their business, without worrying about the logistics of getting to their destination in time.