Leadership Lessons from the Sky: What can Aviation Teach other Industries?

February 22nd, 2024 Kyle Patel, CEO of BitLux Leave a comment

In the fast-paced and competitive landscape of today’s business world, drawing inspiration from unexpected sources can pave the way for success.

Kyle Patel, founder, and CEO of global private jet provider Bitlux, sheds light on the invaluable lessons that can be collected from the aviation industry. In a realm where precision, communication, and meticulous planning are paramount, aviation provides a unique paradigm that transcends industry boundaries.

At the heart of aviation’s operational excellence lies a set of fundamental principles that are not only critical for those navigating the skies but also hold profound relevance for leaders in any business domain. Kyle’s piece delves into five key concepts that encapsulate the essence of what business leaders can learn from the aviation industry.

The power of checklists

Aviation, with its emphasis on safety and procedural adherence, places a premium on checklists. These tools, integral to flight crew procedures, ensure systematic execution and can be seamlessly incorporated into diverse business operations, from hangar maintenance to flight planning and post-sales processes, checklists serve as a linchpin in fostering organizational tidiness and, ultimately, improving overall efficiency.

Confirmation and repetition

In the aviation industry, where safety is paramount, the practice of reading back orders for confirmation is the foundation for flawless operations. This repetition method enhances communication effectiveness and is a transferrable practice applicable beyond the aviation sector. Repetition serves as a universal safeguard, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring that crucial information is accurately transmitted and understood.

Embracing human error

In a realm where precision is non-negotiable, aviation recognizes the inevitability of human error. This acknowledgment, however, distinguishes unintentional errors from deliberate violations – a key difference – while the aviation philosophy encourages a culture of reporting, learning, and evolving to minimize errors, reinforcing the notion that errors are part of the learning curve rather than punishable transgressions.

Systems over individuals

Aviation underscores the principle that systems, not individuals, are often the root cause of failures. Business leaders can glean a crucial insight from this perspective, realizing that successful teams thrive within well-designed systems. Managers must shoulder responsibility for system failures, identifying and rectifying issues to foster an environment where individuals can flourish without the threat of blame.

Testing at scale

Testing at scale is a widely applicable concept that extends beyond aviation and can be adopted across various industries to enhance innovation and mitigate potential setbacks. In the realm of technology, companies in the software development sector often engage in extensive testing at scale before deploying new applications or updates to ensure that the software performs optimally under real-world conditions, minimizing the chances of glitches or malfunctions upon widespread implementation.

Healthcare is another sector where testing at scale is crucial, especially in the context of implementing new medical treatments or procedures – rigorous testing on a smaller scale enables healthcare professionals to assess the effectiveness and safety of novel interventions, providing valuable insights before introducing them into widespread medical practice.

Moreover, the automotive industry is increasingly embracing testing at scale, particularly with the development of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems, with car manufacturers conducting extensive testing of these technologies in controlled environments before releasing them to a broader audience while ensuring that the vehicles can navigate diverse real-world scenarios safely.

Likewise, in the financial sector, where digital innovations are rapidly reshaping the industry, banking institutions often test new financial products or services on a limited scale to gauge customer response, identify potential issues, and refine their offerings before a full-scale rollout.

In a nutshell, these five attributes mix common sense, adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning, and openness to feedback – delivering a sound recipe for a manager’s success in any industry, by ultimately mirroring the ethos of the aviation industry. As businesses navigate the complex skies of modern competition, these lessons from aviation can serve as a beacon for effective leadership and sustainable growth.

BitLux delivers various services across the air charter industry, but Executive Travel is closest to heart. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, BitLux provides a top-tier private jet service that actively exceeds expectations.

Global Trade Daily

The Practicality of Private Aviation For Business

November 20th, 2023 Jordan Brown Leave a comment

In the fast-paced world of modern business, time is the most precious commodity, and this is especially the case when it comes to air travel.

Whether it’s to meet clients face-to-face, expand the company’s operations in a new market, or even to attend industry conferences and trade shows, business executives need their air travel experiences to be as smooth as possible. However, the surging demand in commercial air travel this year has led to overcrowding on flights and frequent flight delays1, which is why business executives are now increasingly turning to private jets as a strategic, alternative air travel option in order to gain a competitive edge against other companies still traveling commercially.

From time efficiency to better overall health and safety, the benefits of private jet travel for business purposes go beyond mere luxury, as they provide executives with a suite of advantages that can significantly enhance their productivity, confidentiality, efficiency, and overall business success.

1: Time Efficiency – Time is money, and nowhere is this saying truer than in the world of business.

While business travel continues to climb in the U.S and Europe, executives have faced a limited upside in terms of the time options available for commercial flights2, which is why flying privately has become their best and, in some cases, only choice.

Private jets offer unparalleled time-saving advantages that can make a substantial difference to a business leader’s schedule. When executives opt for private jet travel, they bid farewell to the frustrating waiting experiences at commercial terminals and the unpredictable flight delays that often plague the airline industry.

With a private jet, team leaders can depart and arrive precisely when they need to, optimizing the itinerary to their advantage. This ability to control their own schedule with precision can enable executives to attend multiple meetings in different cities within a single day, giving a distinct competitive advantage.

Just imagine the efficiency of holding morning meetings in New York and afternoon negotiations in Chicago, and concluding the day with a client dinner in Toronto, all on the same day, without the constraints of commercial flight schedules.

2: Privacy and Productivity – Confidentiality is paramount in the world of business. Executives often need to discuss sensitive projects, hold confidential meetings, and deliberate on strategic matters. In such situations, the privacy and peace of mind that private jets provide are priceless.

On a private jet, executives have full control over their surroundings, and can ensure that sensitive conversations remain just that – private – especially in today’s world of non-stop Zoom chat meetings. No prying eyes or eavesdropping ears can disturb your discussions. This level of confidentiality not only safeguards the business’s secrets, but also fosters an environment where creative and strategic thinking can flourish, boosting productivity.

Additionally, the peace and quiet of a private jet cabin allows for uninterrupted work. Executives can review reports, prepare presentations, or engage in strategic planning without the distractions of a crowded commercial flight. In a private jet, every minute spent in the air can be a minute spent advancing the business’s goals.

3: Customization – Private jet travel is all about tailoring the experience to the business’s specific needs. Businesses can choose the aircraft that best suits their requirements, whether it’s a smaller jet for a quick regional trip or a larger one for transcontinental travel with a larger team.

Businesses can also select departure and arrival locations that are most convenient, saving time on ground transportation. In-flight services can also be customized to cater to individual preferences, including dietary requirements and onboard amenities. This level of customization ensures that every aspect of the journey is aligned with the business’s objectives and preferences, making it a truly personalized and efficient travel experience.

From the moment executives’ step on board, they are in control. Whether it’s the choice of seating, the temperature of the cabin, or the in-flight entertainment, you can create an environment that allows you to work comfortably, relax, or strategize, all according to one’s preferences.

4: Health and Safety– After the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety considerations took center stage in business travel. Private jets offer a controlled and secure travel environment that significantly reduces exposure to public spaces. With fewer touchpoints and interactions, the risk of contracting illnesses is substantially lower compared to commercial flights.

Furthermore, private jet operators have implemented stringent safety protocols, including thorough cleaning and sanitization procedures, to ensure the well-being of passengers. While private jets may not necessarily have a more advanced air filtering system than commercial airliners, they do offer a more sterile environment.

In addition to reducing health risks, private jets also offer greater control over the travel experience. Executives can choose who they travel with, ensuring that only trusted individuals are on board. This level of control is especially valuable when you consider that some business travelers may still have reservations about traveling in crowded commercial cabins.

5: Cost-Effectiveness and Transparent Pricing – There has always been a common misconception amongst businesses that private jet travel is prohibitively expensive. However, private jet membership lowers the barrier to entry into this market with new options and formats that are easier on overall corporate budgets. Instead of the substantial investment required to purchase an entire aircraft, individuals and businesses can purchase a more manageable allocation of flight hours. These arrangements offer substantial cost savings compared to owning and maintaining a private jet outright.

What’s truly transformative is the array of new options in the market that cater to various business budgets. These options make private jet travel accessible to a wider range of businesses than ever before. Moreover, the transparency in pricing that these modern solutions offer ensures that businesses can effectively budget for their travel needs, without worrying about hidden fees, such as exorbitant membership fees, fuel charges, de-icing, and more. It’s all about passing along the right experience today.

It is easy to dismiss private jet travel as an option for many companies because of its reputation of high costs. However, modern private jet membership options give business leaders a lower cost to start using private aviation for their travel, making it more accessible for the typical corporate budget. Instead of the substantial investment required to purchase an entire aircraft, individuals and businesses can purchase a more manageable allocation of flight hours.

Memberships also offer a much more transparent way to fly, with easy-to-understand fixed rates for hours on aircraft purchased upfront. Rather than a complicated spreadsheet of fees, membership gives fliers the confidence of knowing what their travel will cost them long before takeoff, with the peace of mind that they won’t be nickel and dimmed on the backend.

The transparency in pricing that has become a fixture of modern solutions ensures that businesses can effectively budget for their travel needs, without worrying about hidden fees, such as exorbitant membership fees, fuel charges, de-icing, and more. It’s all about passing along the right experience today. Overall, private jet travel is not just a luxury today, but more of a strategic alternative that businesses and executives can leverage to their advantage. The time-saving advantages, privacy, customization, global reach, enhanced health and safety measures, and transparent pricing make private jet travel a compelling choice for businesses looking to maximize efficiency and productivity while maintaining confidentiality and staying within budget.

As the business landscape continues to evolve, private jet travel is becoming an increasingly popular option for those who understand that time is the ultimate currency in the world of business. By harnessing the benefits of private jet travel, businesses can soar to new heights and seize opportunities that were once out of reach.

About The Author

Jordan Brown is the CEO of Jet Agency, a leading private aviation and membership provider offering premium value options without hidden fees. For more information, please visit www.jetagency.com.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

What’s the Data Behind Private Aviation’s Return to Normality?

July 26th, 2023 Kyle Patel, CEO of BitLux Leave a comment

BitLux CEO Kyle Patel recaps what the data is showing today as the industry prepares for the upcoming months regarding flight activity, demand, and availability.

After the global pandemic prompted a dramatic increase in demand for private jet travel, the industry is now experiencing a healthier level of activity which is expected to yield a more sustainable future for the business aviation sector. Industry experts appear to be united by the sentiment that such a shift will allow for a healthy period of correction coupled with an opportunity for recalibration. Overall activity is expected to continue trending higher than the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 even as the industry is faced with ongoing complexities surrounding supply chain disruptions and cost increases.

Earlier this year, Argus TraqPak anticipated total flight activity in 2023 would remain above pre-pandemic levels and that prediction has continued to hold steady as we approach the second financial semester. The company forecasted total 2023 private jet activity in the United States to remain 14.4 percent higher than 2019, but one percent lower than 2022 levels. Argus TraqPak’s 2023 report further outlined expectations for a minor drop in activity in July, followed by positive activity in August, October, November, and December of this year.

While recent reports from Argus TraqPak indicated a 3.5 percent decrease in private jet activity within North America in May compared to 2022, the decline appears to be following expected trends that support an approach toward stabilization. Argus projects a less than one percent decline in activity for June in North America. The third quarter is expected to bring additional metrics supportive of activity resting higher than pre-pandemic levels.

WingX Advance data has also suggested business aviation demand levels that continue to soar above 2019 numbers. In May of this year, WingX Advance reported a year-on-year deficit that was beginning to narrow as we exited Spring. This narrowing deficit supported the consensus that Q1 of 2022 was an outlier period for private jet activity.

In June of this year, WingX Advance reported growth in private flight departments and fractional program activity compared to last year. The company noted reports of strong charter bookings for this summer, aligned with what we have registered at BitLux, but also highlighted the potential for those bookings to be impacted by macroeconomic challenges.

Aircraft availability and deliveries

Business aviation flight activity is undoubtedly impacted by aircraft availability and a recent Q2 update from Vref provided a market trend report with insight surrounding the challenges currently facing aircraft inventory markets. The report discussed the shift away from skyrocketing values set during the pandemic and the resulting current trend back toward a correction point in the market as sellers search for buyers. While aircraft sales have slowed down, they are still taking place with many of the transactions completed with cash and plans to refinance at a future date.

According to the Vref report, the aircraft type and region play a direct role in the resilience of the market and previously favored aircraft models have reached a doubling in availability which favors a direction leading toward normalized market ranges. Vref expects the current correction territory and a forecasted slower-than-normal summer to likely lead to the onset of what could become a series of price reductions.

Many business jet models including the Cirrus Vision Jet, Citation X, Phenom 100, Phenom 300, and other jets have experienced corrections while sellers try to attract buyers. Vref chronicled the most notable correction which has been observed in super-midsize and large-cabin jets. The preowned aircraft included in that correction are older than 15 years, have now surpassed nine percent availability, and have reached their highest inventory level since 2019.

The upcoming delivery of the Gulfstream G700 is expected to further stress the market as Vref anticipates an increase in 550 and 650s being brought to market. As we head into the second financial semester, the next six months will provide a continued testing ground for the projections associated with aircraft inventory levels, flight activity, and the business aviation market’s overall ability to adjust to a new normal.

In a nutshell, at BitLux we believe that overall private jet demand based on the previous data should remain constant, back to pre-Covid levels especially on the U.S. domestic side, although a bit above the curve regarding international travel thanks to the continued inconsistencies of commercial aviation and an influx of long-range private jets to the market.

Director of Charter Sales for Mercury Jets, explains that a change in perception on private jet travel is a key element that also explains the trip

Air Cargo, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Is Private Aviation Getting Popular?

April 6th, 2022 Felipe Reisch Leave a comment

Ryan DeBruyne, Director of Charter Sales for the New York-based air charter solution company Mercury Jets discusses whether the sustained increase in demand is positive for the global business air ecosystem.

Record-breaking private jet demand

As January broke another record in global jet demand, it is easy to assume that trend will continue well into 2022 and beyond. Although the pandemic and the lack of commercial aviation are key
reasons that explain the surge, both aspects are far from telling the entire story behind the impressive record-breaking activity of private aviation.

The industry is in the middle of a rebranding, a change of image, although not created by operators or brokers, but by the historic moment itself. On that note, Ryan DeBruyne, Director of Charter Sales for Mercury Jets, explains that a change in perception on private jet travel is a key element that also explains the surge in demand.

“Private aviation is getting popular. And there is nothing wrong with that statement. The expectations for the industry are swiftly changing as well as the consumer behavior.

What is the main performance indicator of a service increasing in popularity?

Returning first-time flyers and sustained demand from frequent clients. The problem is not the rise in demand and popularity, which is a fact, but if the main players in the business will be capable of responding to that demand, long term”, shares DeBruyne. That is a discussion probably happening today in some war rooms.

When commercial aviation returns to shape, and it will, is it possible that private jet demand will suffer a drop in movements?

DeBruyne thinks it will for some specific routes, although this 2.5-year window has demonstrated that the new private jet market is here to stay.

“Private aviation will never be the same. The 2019 version is long gone, as the pandemic has positively reshaped the entire ecosystem. A decline in movements in some domestic routes is expected once commercial aviation resumes its activity. Nevertheless, the seed of reliability has been planted on hundreds of new customers and going back to long lines and many hours spent in the terminal will be a hard pill to swallow”, says DeBruyne.

Some challenges on the runway

As WingX recently reported, January 2022 registered a 35% increase compared to last year and 15% more activity than pre-Covid January (2019). That is impressive. That, coped with a lack of
deliveries from major manufacturers poses a short-term challenge due to a potential lack of availability in some in aircraft segments.
DeBruyne agrees. “Reliability is arguably the main added value of private aviation. If we, as an industry, because it takes everyone, cannot accommodate to our passenger’s expectations, that poses a risk, as smaller operators worldwide have witnessed. Being able to have access to thousands of aircraft worldwide, as Mercury Jets has, definitely increases the chances of adapting to our clients’ needs and expectations.”

A solid fix is without a doubt an influx of new private aircraft in the market. Textron, the leading manufacturer in mid-sized private jets, reported in early January that it delivered 167 jets in 2021, up from 132 in 2020, and expects that number to increase this year. That is great news for the entire industry, as new aircraft in the ecosystem will contribute to meet the rising demand.

Furthermore, as Zoom meetings are getting close to a burnout stage, more businesses worldwide will rely on private aviation to go places, increasing pressure on the overall supply chain. Leisure travel is also growing after more than two years of lockdown, and, again, private flight serves as the perfect partner to access any remote destination.

“A well-managed business aviation company will find ways to accommodate to the trends and deliver a consistent service. Private aviation is getting popular, in a very good sense, as more passengers are experiencing the amenities that have positioned this market at the very top, led by flexibility and comfort. Planning for increased demand during 2022 and advising clients to book ahead of time are the recipe for a successful partnership as the industry navigates history in the making regarding private jet activity”, concludes DeBruyne.

Airports, Archives, Commentary, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

2021 BizAv Recap: Looking Back On a Great Year for Private Aviation

December 27th, 2021 Alina Gavrushenko Leave a comment

Alina Gavrushenko, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Monarch Air Group, shares her thoughts on the industry’s historic year, fueled by its resiliency and superior flexibility.

How Private Aviation Increased Demand

When your sales increase by more than 120% compared to 2020 it is safe to say you’ve had a good year. That was the case for Monarch Air Group in 2021, which saw record figures for domestic movements in the US. This was also true for major players in the industry, powered by commercial aviation’s inefficiency during the pandemic and a change in expectations by passengers, who started to seek a safer and more efficient way of travel, with reduced touchpoints and reliable service.

With commercial aviation almost entirely grounded during the early stages of 2021, private aviation was the go-to option for those in need of travel. Record figures were established every month of 2021, with Florida unsurprisingly leading the way as the state with the most movements. Furthermore, this increased demand registered a clear shift in the type of aircraft that was booked, with light and midsize jets soaring through the skies instead of larger heavy aircraft.

Smaller jets in the sky

The previous trend is explained by the rise in domestic travel, which demands shorter routes and less passengers in each flight. In fact, since early 2021 for Monarch Air Group, 55% percent of chartered private jets have been light or midsized, compared to only 14% of super-midsize and larger aircraft. Turboprops also were a top option thanks to their versatility and reduced operational costs, accounting for 27% of all charter bookings for the year.

Interestingly enough, although international charter travel has yet to reach pre-Covid levels, for Monarch Air Group that was not entirely the case. The reason? Based in Fort Lauderdale, the Caribbean is roughly two hours away from South Florida and can be reached by a wide variety of aircraft, especially those with a cost-efficient operation. Our main destination from the US to the Caribbean during 2021 was The Bahamas, followed by Turks and Caicos Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Dominican Republic.

The rise of first-time private jet flyers

The increase in demand due to the pandemic resulted in an all-time high of first-time private flyers. The majority of them were previous commercial passengers that opted for the shift thanks to safety and reliability. Private aviation meant for them a flexible means of transportation, without crowds and the usual airport hassle, and far away from potential virus infection thanks to a controlled preflight and post-flight travel experience. This showcases a big opportunity and challenge for the entire industry as we need to understand how to continuously meet the expectations of the new consumers while exceeding those of the frequent fliers. It is a great place to be, if you ask me…

Late 2021 also registered a rise in leisure private travel to places with warm weather. After more than two years of lockdown, people felt the need of a well-deserved reboot and travel is, as usual, the perfect medicine. Snowbirds flying from Canada and New York to South Florida started to pick up before Thanksgiving and bookings for Christmas and New Year are an important trend these days that demonstrates the good health of the industry.

Furthermore, as vaccination drives continue increasing worldwide and travel restrictions are lifted, the need for face-to-face business will regain shape sooner than later. This trend started in late 2021 within the US but is projected to also continue in the international charter realm, especially for transatlantic flights. Although the rise of new variants might pause that possibility in the countries that are most impacted. That is definitely something to constantly track.

In summary, 2021 was a great year for private aviation. The industry learned how to adapt to the pandemic at the early stages, and then to thrive thanks to its characteristic flexibility, safety, and diversification. At Monarch Air Group, we expect this rise to continue as, in a way, the industry as a whole has passed the test with flying colors, demonstrating its added value and how its incomparable to commercial aviation in regard to customization, reliability and safety. We will continue to position the needs of our passengers in the core of our bottom line, as there is no other possible way to lead a sustained trust-based relationship with our diverse stakeholders.

Airports, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Monarch Air Group: How Private Aviation has Increased Demand During the Pandemic

February 24th, 2021 Felipe Reisch Leave a comment

Fort Lauderdale private jet provider Monarch Air Group provides some insights on why the industry is flying high while commercial aviation is still grounded.

While the aviation industry is recovering slowly from the pandemic, it is safe to say that a vast number of commercial planes are still grounded. This is not the case with private aviation, which has registered a steady increase in demand.

Offering a reliable point-to-point service

Constant changes in travel restrictions since the beginning of the pandemic meant a hard time for travel planning, thus passengers turned to private aviation for a reliable option for their flights. Many gaps in the scheduled networks appeared overnight, and only private air companies had the operational capacity to step in and provide a solution.

Although worldwide passenger traffic dropped 66% last year through November, according to the International Air Transport Association, private jet operations fell only 11% in December, the best monthly performance since the pandemic started, as data from WingX indicates. Furthermore, the same data shows that traffic to and from Florida improved by 12% in December from 2019, with the Caribbean serving as another recurring destination.

Safety as the main driver for bookings

While health concerns and hefty travel restrictions have kept commercial aviation grounded, those who can afford to travel by private jet, thus avoiding crowded airports and getting exposed to the virus, are doing so at a similar pace to pre-Covid travel levels.

Private jets reduce chances of contamination thanks to a safer and swifter overall process that consists of arriving at the parking area of a private jet terminal and then going directly to a private lounge just steps away from the thoroughly sanitized private aircraft that will take you to your destination.

Furthermore, online pricing tools with live quotes like the one provided by Monarch Air Group have played a key role in the increased demand thanks to a user-centered booking experience.

New passengers are playing a major role

Once you try private there is no going back. With the headaches of commercial travel, many new passengers have been keen to experiencing private aviation. This is a huge win for the industry worldwide, because this increase in demand has helped reduce the gap left by the lack of business-related operations as previously mentioned.

Furthermore, companies will start sending their executives worldwide again, which means that private aviation might be in a better shape than before coronavirus, when considering the passengers that have jumped onboard and have no intentions to going back to commercial, in addition to the regular leisure and business operations in the market.

Overall, it is the reliability and safety provided by private aviation which has helped to maintain and, even in some cases, increase the demand of operations. While commercial travel disruption has no visible ending point, executive charter companies are ready to deliver a flexible travel solution to any corner in the world, offering passengers a truly unique customer-centric experience.

Air Cargo, Archives, Global Trade Daily

Global Private Jet Predictions after COVID-19

July 20th, 2020 Monarch Air Group Leave a comment

The global pandemic has changed the way we travel. Concerns regarding the hygiene of commercial aircraft and how crowded terminals may play a role in the transmission of the virus have taken the aviation industry by storm. Today, six months after the initial reports of coronavirus cases in the western hemisphere, there are enough trends to project how the aviation industry will behave in a post-pandemic environment. Private air charter solutions company Monarch Air Group weighs in.

Change of perception for private aviation

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of the population still perceived private aviation as a luxurious means of transportation reserved only for the wealthy. With a change in travel restrictions and growing safety concerns, this segment has started to serve a new pool of travelers seeking a reliable and secure way to fly, far away from the concerns of a commercial flight. It is possible that not all of them will continue flying private when they find out commercial aviation is safe once again (whenever that might be in the future), although some of them might continue flying at least on an occasional basis. This change in perception only benefits the industry as a whole.

Turboprops have demonstrated their value

Linked to the previous topic, turboprops, as the most cost-effective option for a private flight, has been the go-to option for most new travelers in this segment. Especially for shorter routes of less than 3 hours, single and twin-engine turboprops serve as the perfect transition from commercial aviation. Passengers get to use a private terminal, they escape the crowded airports, they get to choose who they travel with, enjoy a comfortable aircraft and almost at half the price than a small jet. Turboprops like the Pilatus PC12N and the King Air 350i have demonstrated their real value as private air workhorses and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.

Diversification as a safety net

The flexibility of private aviation has been a coveted asset worth paying for. The possibility to depart from almost any airport and to choose from thousands of different aircraft at any moment is second to none. Nevertheless, the global pandemic has demonstrated that private aviation also provides flexibility to the global travel industry, and not only to the private passenger, having served governments with repatriation flights, humanitarian missions, and cargo charters. This diversification has also allowed the different players in the industry to maintain the number of operations and flight hours, proving that the flexibility of this market goes way beyond luxury.

Carbon footprint discussion

Private aviation has been publicly scrutinized due to its carbon footprint compared to commercial aviation, even though leading private air companies have implemented programs to offset the carbon emission. While the amount of fuel burnt by a private jet is a lot less than a commercial aircraft, and therefore CO2 emitted is also a lot lower, private planes carry fewer people, sometimes even one per route, meaning they’re considerably less efficient, and the personal carbon footprint of passengers who choose to travel this way is much higher. The previous discussion has come to a standstill amidst the coronavirus pandemic (and probably will continue this way), because the main concern today is maximizing safety (avoid infection), while maintaining high levels of efficiency, something that commercial aviation cannot guarantee in the near future.

Full recovery of the market

While diversification is a great asset, the core demand of this industry is generated by business trips, sporting events, weddings, and overall leisure. Although Monarch Air Group has reported a sustainable growth in demand during the last two months, until the aforementioned events don’t regain full shape, it is hard to determine when full recovery of the market will occur, because they all depend on local restrictions.

Private aviation has passed the test imposed by COVID-19 by demonstrating its diverse pool of services, its safety and cost-efficiency, demystifying what so many commercial passengers thought before experiencing this service, positioning itself as a more approachable and accessible means of transportation. It is safe to say that private aviation will have a higher and more diverse demand than before the outbreak, fueled by new clients that have recognized that flexibility, safety, dependability, and superior customer service doesn’t necessarily mean a higher price.

____________________________________________________________________

Established in 2006, Monarch Air Group is a leading provider of on-demand private jet charter, aircraft management, and long-term aircraft lease. Among Monarch’s customers are Fortune 500 corporations, leading entrepreneurs, Government agencies, and world-leading NGO’s.