Private aviation and private jets have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are turning to this mode of transportation for its convenience, flexibility, and luxury.
One trend that has been on the rise is the use of private jets for business travel, as companies seek to save time and increase productivity by allowing their executives to fly directly to their destination without the hassle of commercial airports.
Another trend is the growing popularity of fractional ownership, where individuals and companies can purchase a share of a private jet, rather than owning one outright.
Additionally, there has been an increase in the demand for green private jets, as more and more people are becoming environmentally conscious and looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
Finally, with advancements in technology and the increasing use of virtual reality, virtual tours of private jets have become a popular way for customers to view and customize their jets before purchase.
In this article Rob Wiesenthal, founder of BLADE, a leader in short-distance private aviation travel and charters, weighs in on aviation trends in 2023 and beyond
Rob Wiesenthal Says Fractional Ownership of Private Jets and Helicopters is on the Rise
Recent trends in private aviation include an increase in demand for fractional ownership and jet card programs, as well as a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally-friendly aircraft. There has also been a trend towards more technology-enabled experiences, such as virtual reality tours of aircraft and enhanced in-flight entertainment systems. Additionally, many private aviation companies have seen an increase in demand for flights to remote or hard-to-reach destinations.
Fractional ownership is a trend in private aviation that allows individuals and businesses to own a share of a private jet, rather than having to purchase the entire aircraft outright. This type of ownership allows users to have access to a private jet without having to bear the full cost of ownership, which can be substantial. Fractional ownership typically works by having a group of individuals or businesses purchase shares in a private jet, with each share representing a certain number of hours of flight time per year. This allows the owners to share the cost of the aircraft, as well as the cost of maintenance, insurance, and other expenses. Fractional ownership programs are usually run by companies that specialize in private aviation, and these companies typically handle all aspects of the aircraft ownership and operation, including scheduling, maintenance, and crewing. This allows the owners to simply book their flight time and not have to worry about the operational details of their aircraft. Fractional ownership became more popular as it is a flexible and cost-effective way to access private aviation, and a lot of companies offers it as a trend of private jet ownership.
Jet Card Programs Abound in 2023
Jet card programs are another trend in private aviation that allows individuals and businesses to access private jet travel without having to purchase an entire aircraft. Jet card programs work by pre-purchasing a certain number of flight hours on a specific type of private jet, which can then be used on an as-needed basis.
Jet card members typically pay an upfront fee for their flight hours, and then are billed for additional flights at an hourly rate that is determined by the type of aircraft and the location of the flight. Jet card programs are usually offered by private aviation companies and charter operators, who handle all aspects of the flight, including scheduling, maintenance, and crewing.
One of the advantages of jet card programs is that they offer a flexible and convenient way to access private jet travel, as members can typically book flights with as little as 12 hours notice. Jet card programs also provide a fixed hourly rate and guaranteed availability, allowing customers to budget their expenses and plan their travel more effectively. Additionally, jet card programs offer a variety of options to select from, such as aircraft size, flight routes, and in-flight services, allowing customers to customize their travel experience.
Overall, Jet card programs are a popular trend in private aviation as they provide a cost-effective and flexible way for individuals and businesses to access private jet travel, without having to bear the full cost of aircraft ownership.
Rob Wiesenthal Says the Industry is Doubling Down on Environmentally Friendly Aircrafts
A trend in sustainable and environmentally-friendly aircraft is the increasing demand for electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems in private aviation. Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution, compared to traditional jet-fueled aircraft.
One of the main advantages of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft is that they do not produce any emissions during flight, which can help to mitigate the environmental impact of private aviation. Additionally, electric and hybrid-electric aircraft can be powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, which can further reduce their environmental impact.
Several companies are currently developing electric and hybrid-electric aircraft for private aviation, including small, single-engine aircraft for personal use and larger, multi-engine aircraft for business use. These aircraft are still in the development and testing phase, but they are expected to be available in the market in the next few years.
Another trend in sustainable private aviation is the use of biofuels which are made from renewable resources such as algae, waste cooking oil, or used cooking oil. Biofuels have similar performance characteristics as jet fuel, and they are considered as a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional jet fuel.
Overall, sustainable and environmentally-friendly aircraft are becoming more popular as concerns about the environmental impact of private aviation continue to grow. The electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, as well as the use of biofuels, are some of the trends that are expected to reduce the environmental impact of private aviation in the future.
The Future Looks Bright for Private Aviation and Charters
In the longterm, the outlook for private jet travel is positive, with increasing demand for private aviation services. The trend towards fractional ownership, jet card programs, and sustainable and environmentally-friendly aircraft are expected to continue, making private jet travel more accessible and cost-effective for individuals and businesses. Additionally, the growth of the global economy, and an increase in international business and leisure travel, is also expected to drive demand for private jet travel in the future.
However, it is worth noting that the industry is also facing some challenges such as increased regulations, the need to reduce emissions, changing consumer preferences, and the competition from other forms of transportation. The industry will need to adapt to these challenges and continue to innovate to meet the changing needs of customers.