STRANDED TRAVELLERS LOOK TO APPS TO ESCAPE SNOW CHAOS

-Private jet app seeing a flurry of downloads from passengers stuck at airports across Europe-

With several UK airports closed today and many European airports still struggling to cope after a weekend of cancellations, the snowfall is proving a substantial boost for the private aviation market. Private jet booking service PrivateFly.com says it has seen a 45 per cent increase in enquiries through its iPhone and iPad apps.

The company is reporting a surge in enquiries from stranded passengers over the weekend, most notably from those using mobiles and tablets to research alternative travel options. The PrivateFly app offers users a 'Jet Me Home' function, giving instant pricing for the closest available jets from their current location, to their home airport. App users can also search a live stream of available empty sector flights, which offer one-way private jet pricing at up to 70 per cent less than usual.

PrivateFly’s CEO Adam Twidell comments as follows: "Since the heavy snow began on Friday, we have seen a 45 per cent increase in flight enquiries from our iPhone and iPad apps, and increased downloads. Our ‘Jet Me Home’ app service is proving particularly popular with airline passengers who are stranded and looking for a solution.

"Website and phone enquiries are also much busier than usual for January. When airlines and major airports are closed, it can take days to clear the backlog and get schedules back to normal, even when the snow clears. The agility of private jet charter - no fleet positioning limitations, flexible timetables and more available airports - means we are able to keep passengers moving when airlines can’t. Farnborough airport, for example, is proving particularly popular for passengers unable to use Heathrow.

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Notes to editors:

For more information on PrivateFly’s apps see www.privatefly.com/inspirational-jet-flights/privatefly-mobile.html

About PrivateFly:

PrivateFly is a booking service that makes it quicker, easier and more cost effective to arrange private jet charter. With over 7000 aircraft registered worldwide, PrivateFly is the only online aggregator for private jet charter in Europe.

PrivateFly combines online efficiency and transparency with offline expertise to offer a full-service VIP charter service.

PrivateFly.com was awarded Website of The Year in Flight International’s 2011 aviation industry ‘Webbies’ awards, the judges describing it as “the iTunes” of aviation.

Founded in 2008, PrivateFly is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire. In September 2011 it secured investment fundraising of £2 million.

For further information please contact:
Katrina Suppiah T: +44 (0)20 8543 6582
Publicité Ltd E: k.suppiah@publicite.co.uk