When most people think of private aviation, images of wealthy celebrities jetting off to exotic locations in luxurious private jets likely come to mind. While private aviation does offer a certain level of luxury, there are many misconceptions about travelling by private jet, it is not just about luxury.
We talk to Kyle Patel, president of global private jet provider Bitlux, who sheds some light on the common false narratives surrounding the industry.
One of the most common misconceptions about private aviation is that it’s solely for the ultra-wealthy. While private jets are often associated with the super-rich, many different types of private aircraft cater to various budgets.
For example, turboprops and very light jets are more affordable options that can still provide significant benefits over commercial travel. These smaller aircraft offer greater flexibility, faster travel times, and a more personalised experience without the same level of extravagance as a larger private jet.
“When it comes to private jet travel – it’s a very common misconception that people fly private because it’s luxurious. This is not actually the case. Most people fly privately because it saves their time, countless hours throughout the year, months of their time over a decade, and decades over a lifetime,” says Patel.
There are also options like jet cards and membership programs that allow several hours to be booked on a private jet. Another option is fractional ownership which allows a person to buy shares in an aircraft. It is also sometimes possible to share a private jet and just buy a single seat on a private aircraft.
You can also buy an empty leg with some private jet providers. Empty legs are when the aircraft flies without passengers to reposition the aircraft to the base or to meet passengers down-route. These opportunities sometimes are sold at up to 75 per cent off the normal rate, to recoup some of the costs of operating empty.
Another misconception is that all private jets are incredibly luxurious. While private aviation does offer a higher standard of comfort than the average commercial flight, the level of luxury can vary greatly depending on the type of aircraft and the specific configuration. A small very light jet like the Cessna Citation Mustang will have very different facilities to an ultra-long-range business jet like the Gulfstream G650.
Some private jets may have opulent features like private bedrooms, lush bathrooms with showers, spacious lounge areas, and a full-size galley. However, other aircraft might offer a more modest refreshment center, a single club seating arrangement, and a small lavatory. The level of luxury should be considered based on the specific needs and budget of the traveller, and this can vary tremendously.
“While the industry certainly has a luxury aspect to it – the primary reason people fly private, again, is because going through the airport is insanely daunting,” adds Patel.
There is no doubt that private jet travel does offer greater flexibility and convenience compared to commercial travel. There is less time spent at the airport and no queues to endure. Check-in, immigration, and security are streamlined, taking away some of the stress of commercial travel.
You can board your aircraft in minutes instead of having to arrive at the airport hours before. If your schedule changes, private aviation adapts whether you have an extra guest, are running late, or need to fly to a different destination.
“It is impossible for most large-scale business executives to operate on commercial airline schedules. They cannot afford to lose two days of layovers flying from Asia to South America, or even 4-5 hours for domestic trips,” highlights Patel.
Of course, luxury travel is not the sole purpose of a private jet. They are extremely useful in terms of urgent trips, as we saw during the pandemic when commercial aviation stopped completely. Private jets were utilised and fast for urgent travel, such as repatriation flights or relocations. Medevac flights are a crucial part of the private jet industry, transporting passengers in a safe and timely manner to a medical facility, for urgent treatment.
Private aviation shines in situations where commercial options are limited, or time is critical. Certainly, in terms of flying for business, using a private jet can be extremely cost-effective for a corporation wishing to send its executives to meetings. There is full productivity during the flight and time is utilised to its best advantage.
“Luxury is a side effect of extreme efficiency. Luxury is because it answers the question of ‘how can we maximise time’ – and that is out of comfort most of the time,” concludes Patel.
In a nutshell
Private aviation offers many benefits, including greater flexibility, personalised service, and often faster travel times. However, it’s not solely for the ultra-wealthy and doesn’t always equate to the highest level of luxury. There are more options available than most people realise.
By understanding the different options and considering factors like budget and the purpose of travel, private aviation can be a viable and enjoyable choice for many travellers. It is not just a one-size-fits-all luxury travel experience – the industry also offers solutions to urgent missions and flexibility and adaptability are the key factors as to why private aviation is now thriving, more than ever before.
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.
