Surge in private charter flights due to public sector strikes

The online private jet booking network, PrivateFly.com, has reported today a 74 percent increase in European flight searches for 30 November, as a result of the public sector strike action.

Below are some key points highlighting trends around private aviation as an alternative for travellers during the chaos. As the company saw during the volcanic ash cloud and snow chaos of last December, private charter flights become increasingly affordable when balanced with the significant time savings. Read Adam Twidell's blog: Will public sector strikes affect private charter flights?

  • Bookings are up 45 percent week to date.
  • Searches with a London arrival airport show an increase of 82 percent, indicating that those facing arrival into London’s anticipated airport gridlock, are looking for a private aviation alternative.
  • Private jet passengers still clear immigration but are largely unaffected by the strike action, as in most cases passengers are pre-cleared before they fly. Before the flight, their passport details are sent to the UK Border Agency staff for thorough clearance. Immediately after private jet passengers disembark their passports are checked by the FBO staff against the pre-clearance; and of course, the UK Border Agency can choose to spot-check private jet passenger passport details at any point, and at any UK airport.

Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly.com, comments "We're seeing a notable rise in pan-European online search and bookings for 30 November, and it's interesting to note that many of these bookings are from new customers, both for business and personal flights. For those that cannot afford a 12 hour wait, they might be surprised that they can afford a private charter flight.

"As with any form of travel disruption, as we saw during the volcanic ash cloud and snow chaos of last December, private charter flights become increasingly affordable when balanced with the significant time savings".

Last minute private flights start from Paris – London, from £500 per person, or Dublin – London from £600 per person*

Notes to editors: PrivateFly's CEO, Adam Twidell is also experiencing the travel chaos first hand, and will be arriving on a long-haul scheduled flight from Brazil tomorrow morning. He will be readily available for interview by phone, from the immigration queues at Heathrow airport.

*Prices are subject to aircraft availability, using a twin turbo propeller aircraft (based on the hire of the whole aircraft)

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