NOT JUST WHEN – BUT HOW
Given the cumulative improvements in aviation technology and inflight service, flying has become an experience to enjoy – with some even calling it a part of contemporary lifestyle. Well, at least for a while.
However, after 9/11, air travel has turned into something to be endured. While some pre-boarding protocols make sense, rigorous searches, pat-downs, and profiling have caused delays, dissatisfaction on the part of passengers, and money for everyone else, but more so for business travellers. The current global pandemic has added another layer of fear and uncertainty that, in turn, has doubled the inconveniences that commercial airline passengers have to go through.
With no end in sight to the current dismal situation, those who are required and allowed to travel are understandably looking into flying private to avoid the mounting inconveniences.
In our lead feature story, Textron Aviation outlines the multiple benefits of private flights, among them, heightened health and safety standards, cabin comfort, and design efficiency, and even sustainability. With aircraft ranging from light jets to super-midsi e business jets, Textron Aviation – home to the Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker brands – has varied options for business organisations and individuals looking to balance cost-efficiency and the convenience of owning a dedicated aircraft.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to demand changes from global aviation and accelerates certain air travel trends, we will continue to see corporates increasingly flying entire teams across the globe to ensure business continuity.
An industry report quoted by private flights provider VistaJet claims that 31 per cent of 86 companies are expanding their use of private aviation for business trips. Meanwhile, uncertain and limited scheduling currently offered by commercial airlines in the 86 is seen to be behind a decline – of 50 per cent YoY – in demand for commercial flights. In comparison, business aviation is at 86 per cent level against 2019 figures.
The same report quoted by VistaJet says that technology companies are driving corporate bookings, backed by the industry’s healthy performance from early 2020, which is anticipated to continue into the near future.
In response to these developments, VistaJet has launched its new Dynamic Corporate Membership, offering a host of conveniences for flying corporates.
Indeed, despite current restrictions variously applied on global travel, the need to be at multiple destinations around the world will remain. The question is not only when, as it is becoming clear, but how.