NO ROOM ON THE RAMP: THE DESTINATIONS WHERE MONEY CAN’T BUY A PRIVATE JET THIS SUMMER

While private jets can usually be booked right up to the last minute, PrivateFly is warning private jet travellers to book ahead of time this summer for certain destinations - or risk being unable to jet in at all.

With the private jet market up 5% for the first quarter of 2017, PrivateFly predicts private jet demand will outstrip supply for luxury travellers jetting off to Mykonos and Ibiza this summer – and also at airports on the Cote d’Azur, Palma and Olbia. The private jet booking platform says that travellers risk having to revise their schedule, or see costs increase, if they try to book at short notice. In some cases airports may reach full capacity and not be able to accept any new landings.

Carol Cork, marketing director and co-founder of PrivateFly comments:

“The glamorous island hotspots of Mykonos and Ibiza have seen a major increase in demand from private jet travellers over the past few years – outperforming overall market trends. Ibiza saw a 17% increase in demand last summer, seeing between 40 and 50 private jet take-offs or landings per day. And Mykonos saw even greater growth of 35%.

“This means demand is now starting to outweigh supply at these airports at peak times. For bookings close to departure, aircraft based further afield may need to be chartered. And when aircraft parking is in short supply, flights may be given just a 30-minute window to land and take off again, rather than waiting on the ground for the return. All of this means aircraft have to position in and out, adding costs to a flight.

“At the busiest time – particularly on Fridays - airports will not accept any more landings as they reach full capacity on take-off and landing slots or aircraft parking. So last minute travellers have to make alternative plans. We saw this happen several times last summer, and with the market growth we’re already seeing this year, we’re expecting this summer to be even busier. Nice, Cannes, Palma and Olbia see some of the same peak capacity issues, although they are bigger.

“Typically we see 57% of our flights book for take-off within 7 days. But this summer, for these particular hotspots, we’re urging our customers to book further ahead.”

Current example charter prices for Ibiza and Mykonos are as follows: £15,900 for a 6-seater Citation CJ2, from London Luton to Ibiza (3-night return) £22,600 for an 8-seater Citation XLS, from London Luton to Mykonos (3-night return)

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