What is the difference between a Turbo Prop and a Jet?

Many short trips can be completed by a turbo prop instead of a light jet, though many people aren't aware of the difference between the two types of aircraft. It's also often misinterpreted that a turbo prop is less luxurious than a private jet, but this is absolutely not the case. 

The main difference between a turbo prop and a private jet is the engine - where a turbo prop will have propellers instead of jet engines on the wings. A turbo prop engine uses gas power to drive a propeller which produces thrust, rather than relying on jet exhaust like traditional jet aircraft.

Turbo props are far more efficient at lower altitudes and slower speeds than a jet, and by burning less fuel this can really reduce the hourly cost of operating one - meaning turbo props are usually a more cost effective solution for your trip (click here for more ways to keep your private jet charter costs down next time you fly). This can mean that flight times in a turbo prop be longer than their private jet equivalent, but they are always worth exploring! 

Photos from Textron Aviation

Another huge advantage of turbo props is their excellent STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) capabilities. This means they are able to access airports and airfields with shorter runways, which may be closer to your end destination. The average light or mid-sized jet requires at least a 5,000 ft runway to safely takeoff and land, while some turboprops can safely take off and land with as little as 3,000 feet of runway.

One potential issue that may arise with a turbo prop is that they can't climb above 30,000 feet - and altitude can play a large role in your flying experience. If the time of year is prone to poorer weather, you may be more likely to experience turbulence at the lower altitudes that a turbo prop flies at. That being said, there is never any guarantee that a jet at higher altitudes won't experience a bumpy ride  - we all know how unpredictable the weather is! We will always be able to advise on these kinds of things at the time of your enquiry, so don't hesitate to ask any questions that you may have. 

In terms of luxury and interior, turbo props are definitely no less comfortable and well designed than their equivalent jets, and have more seats than the smaller private jets suitable for short flights. A King Air B200 typically has 7-9 seats depending on the configuration, with a refreshment area and separate toilet. 

Whatever your reason for flying , we would love to help you organise your trip. Get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts today and let us tailor a schedule to suit you, on +44 (0) 203 880 9005, or click below to get in touch. 

Bombardier Unveils the latest additions to the Global Family

Major business jet manufacturers Bombardier (you can thank them for the Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft families) have announced two new additions to their range of global jets - the Global 5500 and 6500. 

The Private Suite

The Conference Suite

These two aircraft are set to revolutionise private jet charter even further, pushing the boundaries with an even longer range and a larger cabin than any other aircraft in their classes. They'll boast the first new seat architecture in business aviation in 30 years, with the brand new Nuage seat replacing traditional traditional aircraft seats.Clean lines, refined materials, and highly functional design characteristics have been intentionally developed to deliver absolute comfort and productivity.

The Bathroom 

The cabin has been designed for maximum efficiency and has three distinct areas for passengers to enjoy, whilst maintaining a spacious, open plan feel. The club suite comprises the first section of the cabin, providing a roomy space with the brand new ergonomic Nuage seats, with concealable tables. Move through to the conference suite - a highly versatile space for dining or work. There's also an exclusice Nuage chaise, a comfortable spsce to lounge and read, which can also be converted into a flat space for sleeping or extra seats at the dining table. The private suite is found at the rear, in the quietest part of the cabin. It can be completely closed off and converted to a space with a flat bed - complete with an en suite bathroom with a shower. 

Bombardier have created an industry leading flight deck, which boasts the only system to seamlessly merge enhanced and synthetic vision images in a single view, which reduces crew workload and allows the clearest view through the toughest weather. And not only the pilots, have had an upgrade. The front ofthe cabin features a seperate rest area and toilet for your crew, ensuring everyone's privacy and comfort throughout the flight. 

The Global 5500 and 6500 both feature brand new purpose built Rolls-Royce Pearl engines, which provide greater efficiency and power, so you can fly further and faster. A nect generation wing also means your flight will be even smoother than before. 

This announcement also came with the news of a name change for the new Global 7000 - to the Global 7500, which is currently in the final stages of certification. 

The Global 5500 and 6500 are expected to become available to charter in 2020, with certification planned to come at the end of 2019. To be the first to hear about this, sign up to our newsletter! In the meantime, there are plently of Bombardier jets that offer a sensational private jet charter experience. We are available for consultation 24/7, so get in touch with one of our charter experts on +44 (0) 203 880 9005, or click below to send us a message. 

All images are from Bombardier. 

Cost Saving for Private Jet Travel

Private Jet charter is perceived as a high-end, luxury travel solution. There's no doubt it can be, but it's also a smart way to save huge amounts of time for important travel. IT doesn't have to be as expensive as it can be, and there are several ways we can work with you to keep the costs down.

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Pick the right airports

Landing fees vary between airports, and quite often there is a suitable airport very nearby that can save you well over £1000. We'll always work with you on this, and let you know if there is a cheaper alternative close by to where you've requested. 

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Don't get a bigger aircraft than you need

This one is down to personal preference, as many clients choose to charter an aircraft with more seats than their group size for extra room. Obviously, a larger aircraft will usually cost more to charter than a smaller one - so if you have a budget to hit then use the smallest aircraft available! An added benefit is that smaller aircraft may be able to fly into a smaller airport that's closer to your destination, potentially saving you more in airport fees. 

Flying in a group can also bring the cost per head down dramatically compared to flying alone, as you pay for the entire aircraft regardless of how full it is. 

work with us

As a broker, we'll always endeavour to find you the best possible prices. This includes proposing aircraft with minimal (or ideally no) repositioning, as this can very quickly drive up the cost. Our systems allow us to see where aircraft are on the ground in real time, which is especially handy for last minute flights where aircraft may not be at their home base but still available for charter. 

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Empty Legs

Private jet empty legs can save you up to 75% off normal jet charter prices, so it's always worth exploring if there are any that might fit with your scheduled route. Note that they come with certain conditions so it's important to be aware of these when you book, and have a backup lined up if travel is essential!

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lose the Extras

Although not always possible, occasionally there is a way to mitigate certain costs. If you really don't want/need catering, it may be a possibility to negotiate a reduction in price where VIP catering has been included (but this isn't always possible). If you're flying in the winter, there is also the possibility to organise a de-icing waiver so you're not hit with a big bill after your flight if your private jet needed to be de-iced in order to fly. 

Whatever your reason for flying, we would be delighted to help you organise your trip. We'll always ensure to make sure we send you the best possible prices anyway, but if you're on a tight budget let us know. We are available for consultation 24 hours a day, so get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts and let us tailor a schedule to suit you +44(0) 203 880 9005.

Ultimate VVIP Dreamliner now available for Charter

What is believed to be the biggest private jet in the world is now available to charter for flights of up to 17.5 hours in duration! The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is believed to be the biggest private jet in the world - and is unlike any other jet in the world. 

The aircraft took a full 2.5 years to design and complete to the highest of standards. The cabin is pressurised to 6000ft (though the aircraft will usually fly around 30,000ft) to minimise the effects of flying on the body like fatigue and dehydration, and utilises the highest quality air filtering systems. 

The private master suite contains a super king sized bed, a spacious en suite bathroom with a large walk-in shower, and dressing area. This leads through to a large lounge and dining room with space for up to 16 passengers at two full sized dining tables - and seats that convert into even more flat beds. Guests can enjoy the seven star butler service and being catered for by an on-board chef for the full duration of their flight.

At the rear of the cabin, you'll find a further 18 business class seats so there's plenty of room for the entourage accompanying the VIPs. The Boeing 787 spans 2400 square feet and will carry almost 350 passengers at airline configuration. It has a maximum range of over 15,500km of non-stop flying, so even flying from London to Western Australia can be achieved in one single flight. The cabin has been optimally designed to cancel noise from the engines and minimise turbulence, so you're guaranteed a smoother flight wherever you go. 

Absolutely perfect for longer flights where you can be catered for to royal standards, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner can now be chartered to your own bespoke schedule. Whatever your reason for flying, we would love to help you organise your trip. Get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts and let us tailor a schedule to suit you +44(0) 203 880 9005.

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Why use Commercial Jet Charter?

There's a common misconception that the large commercial planes are only used by big airlines. This is far from the case, and there are actually smaller alternatives available. Commercial aircraft charter is the perfect way to move a large group of people together, and can be much more convenient than booking multiple airline seats.

A commercial aircraft is classed as an aircraft that seats more than 19 passengers, so is the perfect option for when your group size exceeds the capacity of a private jet. 

It's a common misconception that commercial jet charter is as luxurious (and as expensive) as private jet charter, but that absolutely does not have to be the case. Commercial jets exist in varying cabin classes, from economy right through to VIP - or even a split cabin with a combination of business and economy seats, so you can have the most appropriate aircraft for your needs and budget. We work with a number of airlines to offer jets with anything from 20 to 500 seats, so you can be sure that 

If you have  a large group of people, chartering an aircraft can actually be more cost effective and is definitely far less hassle than booking 20+ airline seats - where availability is very often limited and pricing can be hugely variable. Combine this with then adding costs for catering and checked baggage for each passenger, and suddenly it's a logistical nightmare! When booking a chartered commercial aircraft, your price is inclusive of a comprehensive service, baggage space for all passengers, guranteed seating for everyone on the same flight, and all scheduled to an itinerary that suits you (instead of being at the mercy of when the airline flights are). 

Commercial aircraft charter is extremely popular with sports teams, but it's perfect for company incentive trips, destination weddings, fan travel to away sports games, or just a large group of people wanting to go on holiday together! 

What really sets this apart from standard airline travel is that we can work with you to offer a fully branded service - with customised check-in desks, headrest covers and even vinyl stickers on your aircraft,  for a bespoke and personalised experience throughout your flight and creating a brilliant atmosphere amongst your passengers. 

If you have a group of 15+ people who need to travel together, why not find out how commercial charter can transform your travel experience? Whatever your reason for flying, we would love to help you organise your trip. We are available for consultation 24 hours a day, so get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts and let us tailor a schedule to suit you +44(0) 203 880 9005. Alternatively, click below to submit a request for a no obligation quote and see how we can help you!

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

What Food can be Served on a Private Jet?

It's not unusual on a private jet flight for the pilot or crew to cater to your exact needs when it comes to food. we frequently receive a wide range of questions when it comes to catering for private jet charter - today we'll answer the most common!

VIP Catering is provided as standard

The nature of your food will be tailored to the time of day and length of your flight. This could include a selection of cold meats, a tray of sandwiches or a fruit platter for a shorter flight on a small jet. Longer flights tend to take place on a larger aircraft, which will usually have the capability to serve hot food - and you're able to request this in advance. 

Corporate airliners, long range jets and some medium jets will have a flight attendant on board to serve your food and drinks throughout the flight. Smaller executive private jets will usually have catering laid out for passengers to help themselves to, but if you would prefer to have a flight attendant with you in the air, we are able to arrange this for you on any aircraft. 

Special requests 

Anything is possible! Many clients like to have food of their choice on board, and we will make every effort to arrange this - subject to availability and suitability for the aircraft. Some passengers may request lavish menus, but it might be surprising to hear that many of our requests are for incredibly simple dishes.

There are catering providers at each Fixed Base Operator (FBO) that will prepare your requested food and ensure it is on the aircraft for your flight. Each passenger is able to order their own food, even if it is completely different from the next. Private jet travel is tailored to you and your needs, and it is not unreasonable to request something completely different for each member of your party. This is often the case if parties are travelling with children, who may prefer to eat something as simple as turkey dinosaurs whilst the adults can indulge with their meal choice!

Some of our most common food requests for private jet catering include sushi, pizza, cured meat platters, sandwiches and pastries. You can see there is no upper or lower limit to the complexity of your tailored menu. That being said, if you fancy food from a particular retailer - such as Nando's - we are usually able to arrange this for you and have it delivered fresh to the aircraft in time for takeoff. Sometimes, you choose private jet hire for a special occasion. Items such as flowers or birthday cake on board can absolutely be organised - just let us know. Extra catering will usually involve an extra cost, but this will be included in your overall charter quote (read more about how much private jet charter really costs here). 

Drinks on Board

There will always be tea, coffee and soft drinks available on any flight, regardless of duration or the time of day. Alcohol is also served on most flights, although this is not possible in certain circumstances within the Middle East. Drinks such as champagne are available as standard on many aircraft, but can be arranged for any flight if this is requested beforehand. 

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Whatever your reason for flying , we would love to help you organise your trip

Get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts today and let us tailor a schedule to suit you +44(0) 203 880 9005

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Private Jet Booking for PAs

Time is precious for everyone, even more so for executive assistants. So when it comes to booking private jets, simplicity is key. 

A PA is no longer someone who takes their orders from the boss. The role has evolved, and personal assistants are now a pivotal point within a successful company, often managing complex schedules of multiple executives. This involves reservations, travel bookings, meetings and calls - and frequently dealing with last minute changes to all of these. 

More often than not, PAs are solely responsible for booking travel for the directors and executives they look after; and the wrong decision can have huge consequences. Can your business afford not to charter a private jet? If this is still a question you're asking yourself, have a read of this post. Understanding the value of private jet charter is fundamental to the success of big businesses, given how much more time is saved and is therefore available to accomodate an already bursting schedule. 

The PA is the first port of call when there is a delay or last minute change to any event, who then manage the knock on effect on the rest of the day. Private jet travel has two major benefits here: it's flexible and a private jet won't leave without all its passengers, so an executive being delayed can be very easily accommodated unlike a commercial aircraft. On the flip side, commercial flights are subject to delays, which can be significant enough to disrupt the next few days in a busy calendar. Business jet charter eliminates this risk and allows each day to continue running smoothly. 

We understand the importance of the PA's role within the business, and we liase with them accordingly. We make the private jet booking process as straightforward as possible - all you need to tell us is where you're going, when you want to go, and how many passengers. We're not an app or online system that forces you to submit all the details yourself, risking a mistake. Simply email over your trip requirements, and we will do the rest. We'll send you a selection of the most suitable aircraft for the journey, all you need to do is select the perfect one. For any complex requirements, adjustments or even minor details, you can let us know whatever it is you need and we'll take care of everthing - from internet access right through to catering, allowing you to make the most of your time on the bigger things. 

We'll create bespoke itineraries for each flight, and can organise any road or helicopter transfers to and from airports. All transport is included in one quotation and you don't need to worry about co-ordinating with several travel providers - we'll do it all for you. Get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts and let us tailor a schedule to suit you +44(0) 203 880 9005.

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Which London Airport is best for private jet flights?

Being a huge magnet for global air traffic, london has an impressive selection of airports available to private and commercial aircraft. but which airports are the best to use when flying by private jet?

To view the full list of airports in London and the surrounding area click here. This post will focus on the most popular London airports!

London Heathrow Airport

Well known as one of the busiest airports in the world, London Heathrow may seem like an obvious choice for many private jet passengers. The FBO facilities are high quality, and the airport has excellent transport links for onward journeys. However, its popularity comes at a price! Landing fees at Heathrow are pricey, so the landing fees can potentially double your total charter cost. In addition to this, slots are less readily available due to the large numbers of flights leaving and entering the airport. 

London Gatwick Airport

Situated just south of the M25, Gatwick can be a straighforward alternative to Heathrow and is very popular for commercial flights. It does also have similar drawbacks to Heathrow, as the landing fees are almost just as expensive.

Biggin Hill Airport

Biggin Hill is a mere 30 minute drive from London Gatwick, and offers a more suitable alternative for private jet charter flights. It boasts two FBOs (private jet passenger terminals) and is also closer to central London! Landing fees and hangar facilities are far less expensive, so Biggin Hill can offer a more cost-effective solution as a London airport. 

London City Airport

London City is naturally a great choice when flying into London due to it being situated just a few miles from Canary Wharf. It comes with some limitations (due to being so close to the city centre!), as a much steeper approach profile is required, meaning that only certain aircraft with suitably trained pilots are able to land here. This limits the number of aircraft we can offer into London City, but this doesn't necessarily need to be a limitation on your trip. London City is incredibly popular for private jet flights, especially for our business clients. 

London Luton Airport

London Luton is one of the most popular UK airports for private jet flights. This is mainly down to it having lower costs than the other private jet orientated airports. London Luton Airport offers great transfer times into central London while being just outside of the premium zone, meaning airport landing and handling fees are lower than the likes of London City or Farnborough Airport.

Farnborough Airport

Farnborough is the UK's only fully dedicated private jet airport - so no commercial flights arrive or depart from here at all. It is the airport of choice for most private jet customers in the south of England, due to its exclusivity, privacy and proximity to London as it's just a short trip down the M3. Although landing and handling fees can be a little higher than the likes of Luton, Farnborough still offers a cheaper alternative to Gatwick and Heathrow with the added bonus of the exclusive and highest quality passenger facilities. 

As mentioned, this is not an exhaustive list of airports available to private jet charter clients in the London area. When requesting a quote with us, we are able to recommend the most suitable airport for your needs and location. Whatever your reason for flying, we would love to help you organise your trip. Get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts and let us tailor a schedule to suit you +44(0) 203 880 9005.

Pilatus PC-24 enters service

Following our post in december about the PC-24 becoming certified, The first aircraft are now being delivered and starting to fly.  Pilatus unveiled their first production of 84 aircraft which sold out in a matter of hours, so we expect the first Pilatus PC-24 to be available to charter very soon!

The PC-24's specification is unlike any other business jet currently on the market, but with the capabilities to land on unpaved surfaces (think grass and gravel), it gives you access to over 20,000 airports worldwide. That's almost double the number of paved runways that other private jets need to land on. 

The new Super Versatile Jet will hold up to 11 passengers, with other configurations available for a more spacious layout. There is also an extremely generous baggage compartment, which is fully adjustable to the passenger requirements. The compartment volume surpasses that of any other private jet of a similar size. 

Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear when PC-24 aircraft become available for charter!  Whatever your reason for flying, we would love to help you organise your trip. Get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts and let us tailor a schedule to suit you +44(0) 203 880 9005.

Missed your Scheduled Flight? How Quickly can you get a Private Jet?

One of the beauties of private jet charter is that there are no fixed schedules, and it's totally possible to book a flight at the very last minute. Circumstances depending, we can usually have you airborne in just a few hours. 

If you've missed your scheduled flight and have somewhere you need to be urgently, booking a private jet can be the best way to go. Commercial airlines only run a fixed number of flights per day, so the next one going to your destination may not get you there in time. Not to mention that availability is limited on commercial flights, especially during busy periods. 

A private jet can get you to where you need to be, fast. When we receive an urgent request for a flight, our first stop is to see if there are any private jets already at your departure airport, since this eliminates the need for an aircraft reposition and gets you airborne sooner. If there are none on the ground, we'll look at nearby airports with the shortest possible repositioning time. Minimising repositioning can also help keep costs down. 

Every urgent request we get (we class within 24 hours as urgent), our priority is making everything happen as fast as possible. During the private jet booking process, there are several steps that can slow the process down, and we manage each of them effectively. 

• Operator approval, which we wait for after we've sent off a request to confirm availability and the price. We'll always let the operator know that the process is urgent.
• Crew. This is a minor one, but they are always necessary to fly! They'll need to be sourced and make their way to the airport, but often they are already nearby.
• Repositioning. If your aircraft isn't already on the ground at your departure airport, there is a waiting period whilst your private jet flies in to collect you.
• Payment. This is usually the longest wait, as payments can take a while to clear. We'll always do our best to make sure that it has a minimal impact on getting you in the air. 

So, factors depending, you can be airborne in as little as two hours if you need to fly urgently. Whatever your reason for flying, we would love to help you organise your trip. We are available for consultation 24 hours a day, so last minute requests can be processed at any hour. Get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts and let us tailor a schedule to suit you +44(0) 203 880 9005.

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Dassault Announces the Falcon 6X

After the cancellation of the 5x development program last year, Dassault have unveiled their new falcon 6X - which is set to be the most advanced, versatile and spacious business jet in its category. 

It's set to be a game-changer. Dassault Aviation have chosen Pratt & Whitney Canada Pure Power PW812D engines to power their brand new jet, which has allowed for the marked improvements in both speed and range over the Falcon 5X. The new 6X will also boast a super efficient wing that helps to minimise turbulence, as well as flaperons - a wing feature which will help to stabilise the aircraft on steep approaches. 

Technical spec aside, what will really set this aircraft apart from any other jet in its category is the one-of-a-kind cabin. It will measure 6 feet 6 inches (1.98m) high and 8 feet 6 inches (2.58m) wide, giving the largest cross section for a purpose built private jet. With it being almost 40 feet 8 inches (12.3m), all 16 passengers will have plenty of space split between three distinct lounge areas. There is room for many different cabin configurations which can be customised to your needs. The Falcon 6X will also contain the first galley skylight, which will fill the cabin with even more natural light than the 29 extra large windows would alone. 

What's unique here is that Dassault designed this business jet from the cabin outwards, listening to clients who said that they wanted more space inside - which has resulted in a passenger-centred jet which delivers exceptionally high performance across all areas. Dassault Aviation chairman and CEO has promised a jet with the "quietest and most comfortable cabin" of any aircraft in its category. With a top speed of 0.9 mach and a range of 5500 nautical miles - it can fly you further than any other super mid-sized jet, which really brings it in to  a whole new class of its own.   

The brand new private jet will make its first flight in 2021, and begin deliveries in 2022. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear about any updates and when it will be available to charter!

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Private Jet from London to Dubai

Dubai is becoming the new go-to destination for business and pleasure alike. The rapidly growing city now has two airports, and its popularity is still on the rise. 

There are two airports to choose from when flying into the city - Dubai International and Dubai World Central. Although Dubai World Central is further from the city centre than Dubai International, the journey time is often the same as traffic can be heavy when leaving the very busy International airport. 

Whether you're going for a luxury holiday in the sun, or are on a business trip, private jet passengers are extremely well catered for. Benefit from reduced flight times and beat jet lag when you travel across multiple time zones by private jet, both of which will enable you to bounce back faster and make the most of all time available to you in Dubai. 

Legacy 500

Offering excellent prices for a luxurious private jet, it's the best way to fly to Dubai in true VIP style.

London to Dubai | 3 day return | Legacy 500 | £51,198

Citation X

One of the fastest passenger aircraft in the world; this will get you from London to Dubai in under 6 hours. 

London to Dubai | 3 day return | Citation X | £58,320

Global 6000

With space for up to 14 passengers, the Global 6000 has a huge luxurious cabin space that's highly customisable.

London to DUbai | 3 Day Return | Global 6000 | £86,300

Whichever private jet you choose to travel to Dubai, you can be assured you'll get an unrivalled service from us. From enquiry right through until after your trip, we'll take care of every detail to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. 

Private Jet empty legs from London to Dubai

Empty legs (learn more about them here) are frequently available between London and Dubai due to the popularity of the route, and can offer a saving of up to 75% off regular private jet charter pricing. Subscribe to our empty leg updates to be the first to hear about your favourite routes!

We are available for consultation 24 hours a day, so get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts and let us tailor a schedule to suit you on: +44(0) 203 880 9005.

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Why do Yacht Charter Customers Fly by Private Jet?

People that charter yachts will more often than not hire a private jet to fly to their awaiting floating paradise, but why? 

The beauty of yachts (and the reason you'll want to charter one) is that they move. On your demand, wherever you'd like to go. This can also prove a logistical nightmare when looking to fly to and from your yacht - which is where private jets come in. If you fly commercially, you may need to book two one way flights (if your yacht charter will end in a different place to where you started), and the yacht will need to dock in a bigger, more expensive port to meet you. In many cases, you can liase with your yacht charter company to arrange an appropriate meeting point for the lowest possible repositioning and docking costs. Chartering a private jet to a smaller, little known airport closer to your yacht can actually offer a lower price than an expensive reposition for the yacht. 

It's well known how much time you save when travelling by private jet. Can you imagine sitting in a commercial airport for three hours, with the anticipation of a luxury yacht waiting for you at the other side? Hire a private jet to get you as close to the yacht as possible - then we can book road or helicopter transfers to your yacht if you require it. Most yacht charters charge weekly, so make the most of all the time available to you on board.

Private jet charter also offers the unparalleled experience of luxury travel, which can't be matched by a commercial flight on any level. Flying privately is in some circumstances only a fraction of the cost of chartering a large yacht for a week, so why not complete the experience?

Whatever your reason for flying, we would love to help you organise your trip. We are available for consultation 24 hours a day, so get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts on +44(0) 203 880 9005 and let us tailor a schedule to suit you. After all, luxury is freedom, so why stay grounded?

www.astutaviation.co.uk

How to Book a Private Jet

Flying by private jet is exciting, and offers an unrivalled level of flexibility within luxury travel. But how does the booking process actually work for a private jet, and how does it differ to booking a commercial flight? 

There is one fundamental difference between flying commercially and by private jet - flexibility. When booking an airline flight, you enter your travel dates and are presented with times (and sometimes even dates) that are predetermined. Some airlines only fly into certain airports, and this can really hinder the number of choices you have. And these constraints apply to all passengers - regardless of whether they fly economy or first class. 

Step one - enquire with us

If you're even considering flying privately, the first step is to contact us in the way that suits you most. You may know exactly what you're after, or you may want to have a conversation with us to discuss your requirements and let us tailor an itinerary that works for you. This can include finding out which airports are closest to you and your arrival destination - since private jets have access to a huge number of airports that commercial jets do not. From here, you can just leave the hard work with us! We will find the ideal aircraft for your trip and party size, and come back to you with a selection of options. Any extras (such as helicopter or road transfers) can also be discussed here, and we will look into this for you at the same time.

Step Two - Your Proposal

Your request will be assigned to a dedicated charter expert, ensuring you have continuity throughout the booking process. We have access to thousands of private jets worldwide, so your perfect aircraft is never far away. We will source quotations for a number of private jets that match your needs and place these into one single proposal document (with prices that include all relevant taxes for your flight), with multiple photos of each relevant aircraft. Our relationship with our closest operators puts us in a position to negotiate the best possible rates on your behalf, so you know you won't be paying more than you need to be. Once you've received these and are happy with the options, you simply need to let us know which one you would like to book - no fuss.

Step three - Confirmation

After letting us know which private jet you've chosen for your trip, we will return to the operator for a final confirmation of the flight. Here, your dedicated account manager can also deal with any personal requirements such as the catering you'd like during your flight, as these are booked through the aircraft operator. Once this is completed, the aircraft is reserved and charter agreements will be exchanged. Payment dates and details will be outlined in your agreement, and we'll need to you send in a few things (such as passport details) prior to your departure. Upon completion, your private jet is booked and the flight ready to go ahead!

Step four - fly

On the day of departure, you simply need to arrive at the airport 15 minutes before your flight is due to take off. Everything will be taken care of to ensure a smooth journey, so you simply need to board and enjoy the experience. 

Whatever your reason for flying, we would love to help you organise your trip. We are available for consultation 24 hours a day, so get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts on +44(0) 203 880 9005 and let us tailor a schedule to suit you. After all, luxury is freedom, so why stay grounded? 

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Beating Jet Lag with Private Jet Travel

Jet lag occurs when you cross time zones, and the time differences disrupt your body's circadian rhythm. Although the degree of impact varies between individuals, there are several steps you can take to minimise jet lag. 

A quick search will tell you the main steps to battling jet lag after a flight. Simple steps such as drinking plenty and avoiding napping during the day at your destination are fairly achievable - but it can still take some people a full day to recover. More often than not, people don't want to lose the first day of their holiday groggy and adjusting to the new time zones - and business travellers can have important meetings to attend on day one. 

There are several ways that private jet travel can significantly reduce the impact that crossing the time zones has on your body. Private jet cabins are pressurised to a lower altitude than commercial aircraft, so private jets offer a journey that is much gentler on the body (especially in terms of fatigue and dehydration). Cabin air is also fresher, and you are in charge of how bright the lights are - regardless of the time of day. 

A very common point across the internet is to adjust your meal times on the day of travel, and eat according to the time at your destination. Generally, commercial airlines will provide food according to the departure time zone which limits your control over this. When flying by private jet, you'll be served exactly what you want when you want, so your body will be well on the way to acclimatising to your new time zone before you even land. 

The same goes for sleep! If it's 1am at your destination when you take off, you should try and get at least a couple of hours of sleep during the flight. This will help kick start the adjustment and give you energy to make it through a full day on the other side instead of forcing yourself to stay awake for 18 hours. This is always far easier said than done on a commercial flight; the seats are uncomfortable, the lights can be bright and there is usually a lot of noise. Most private jets have an area that can be converted in to a full bed, which will make it far easier to get a good rest before arriving.

If you take off late at night but it's the middle of the day where you're flying, you can keep the lights bright to simulate daylight, and the whole cabin is yours to move around freely. Many people suggest light exercises or yoga, and anyone can tell you how easy that would be in the narrow aisle of a commercial airliner!

We are also able to schedule your flight times to help minimise the impacts of jet lag, such as ensuring you land in the morning at your destination so you're able to stay busy throughout the day, and have a full nights sleep at the end of it. 

As much as private jet charter won't leave you completely immune to the effects of jet lag, it can certainly offer a lot more to help you combat it - so you're already most of the way to being adjusted to your destination time zone before you even step off the aircraft. If massively reducing jet lag isn't enough of a reason to charter a private jet for business, have a read about the other benefits of business charter. 

Whatever your reason for flying, we would love to help you organise your trip. We are available for consultation 24 hours a day, so get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts on +44(0) 203 880 9005 and let us tailor a schedule to suit you. After all, luxury is freedom, so why stay grounded?

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Business Jets or Business Class?

Business Jets or Business class, similar in some ways, very different in others. We took a look into the benefits of using a business jet over business class. 

Time

A huge factor for anyone who travels regularly for business purposes! Business class is a pleasant experience, with many commercial airports offering  separate security queues and lounges for these customers. However, this doesn't automatically reduce your total time spent travelling. With a business jet, you're able to arrive up to just 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time, with the option to arrive sooner and enjoy lounge facilities if you wish. We are also able to provide for most catering requests and include this in the charter price, meaning employees can eat anything whilst in the air. A small touch maybe, but reducing the number of things to do on the ground can really help reduce the overall duration of the journey.

Private jets also have generally shorter flight times than commercial aircraft, due to the fact that we fly higher and have more direct routings in to the arrival airport. We thought a side by side comparison of the time taken by a business jet charter versus a commercial trip would give a better insight, so you can see a breakdown and just how much time you could potentially win back. We have based this on one of our more common business routes - London (office situated in Canary Wharf) to Dublin City Centre for a meeting at 11am. This is a common occurrence due to the large number of tech companies based in Dublin.

Private Jet

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LEAVE OFFICE: 9.00

ARRIVE DEPARTURE AIRPORT (LONDON CITY): 9.11

DEPART LONDON CITY: 9.25

LAND DUBLIN AIRPORT: 10.24

CLEAR SECURITY AND LEAVE AIRPORT: 10.25

ARRIVE DUBLIN CITY CENTRE: 10.55

MEETING: 11.00 -12.00

ARRIVE DUBLIN AIRPORT: 12.30

DEPART DUBLIN AIRPORT: 12.45

LAND LONDON CITY: 13.44

CLEAR SECURITY: 13.45

BACK IN OFFICE: 13.57

TOTAL TIME OUT OF OFFICE: 4 hours 57 minutes

Commercial flight

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LEAVE HOME (AVERAGE COMMUTE 1 HOUR): 03.45

ARRIVE DEPARTURE AIRPORT (LONDON HEATHROW): 04.45

DEPART LONDON HEATHROW: 06.45

LAND DUBLIN AIRPORT: 08.10

CLEAR SECURITY AND LEAVE AIRPORT: 09.00

ARRIVE DUBLIN CITY CENTRE: 09.30

 MEETING: 11.00 - 12.00

ARRIVE DUBLIN AIRPORT: 12.30

DEPART DUBLIN AIRPORT: 15.20

 LAND LONDON HEATHROW: 16.45

CLEAR SECURITY AND LEAVE AIRPORT: 17.30

RETURN HOME/OFFICE: 18.30

TOTAL TIME OUT OF OFFICE: 14 hours 45 minutes

Immediately you can see that flying commercially can cost you more than an entire working day, whereas a business jet charter allows your employees to start their day at the usual time, and still be back in the office for the afternoon. Not only this, but flying commercially limits you to flying at the times of the airline, which can leave large chunks of wasted time in between flights and meetings. The commercial flight is also best case scenario, and you have no control over any delays which may cause you to miss crucial meetings or lengthen the trip even further. 

Convenience

Although time spent at the airport plays a part in this, chartering a private jet for business also gives you many more options. Being much smaller than commercial aircraft, private jets are able to fly into smaller airports that may be much closer to your final destination and therefore reducing your transfer time. When flying with a commercial airline you are limited to their schedule, but if you charter your own jet you have full control over when you travel. Business jet hire can be fully worked around your needs, and there is even potential to have facilities for employees to sleep on a flight back from a business trip, allowing them to be ready to get back to work the next day - potentially removing the need for an overnight stay. Private jet cabins are also pressurised to an altitude usually around 2000ft lower than those of commercial aircraft,  this greatly reduces the impact on the human body that flying can have, such as fatigue and dehydration, allowing you to be working at full capacity sooner after landing. 

Productivity

A business jet is all yours for the duration of your flight, and other passengers looking over your shoulder is one thing you shouldn't have to worry about. The aircraft can essentially become a flying boardroom so that business can go on as usual with minimal disruption. Wifi is now available on many private jets (read more about it here), so you don't even need to disconnect from your colleagues whilst you fly. We understand how important it is to maximise the productivity of employees, or even make the most of a contractors hourly rate, so from booking to post flight feedback, we ensure that the process is smooth and requires minimal time input from Personal Assistants or travel bookers, compounding the benefit of charter.

Cost

Buying a business class ticket for just one person may work out cheaper than chartering an entire jet, but there are definitely circumstances where charter is the more cost effective option. This may be if you need to send several employees on the same trip, and chartering one plane could well be cheaper than buying multiple business class tickets for a flight. And as previously mentioned, a private jet is usually able to fly much closer to your destination, reducing the cost of transfer time after the flight. Empty legs may also be an option, we will always see if there are any aircraft heading to, or from your destination around when you need to travel, as these aircraft can be priced up to 75% off the usual charter price. 

All images provided by Gulfstream 

Whatever your reason for flying, we would love to help you organise your trip. 

Get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts today and let us tailor a schedule to suit you +44(0) 203 880 9005

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Can your business afford not to charter private jets?

Private Jets are for the rich and famous.... or so many people think. In actual fact, private jets make a PHENOMENAL business tool.

There's a very common misconception that private jets are mainly used by celebrities, but this isn't actually true. A large percentage of private jet flights are actually for business purposes. 

In business, time is money. To put it very simply, travelling by private jet puts time on your side, as it enables you to achieve more in less time than your competitors. Private jet travel gives you the ability to visit multiple countries in one day, whether you're flying to finalise a deal or attending a board meeting - you can always be home to sleep in your own bed at the end of the day. 

Say goodbye to 4am starts and 3 hours hanging around in an airport. We thought a side by side comparison of a business jet charter versus a commercial trip would give a better insight, so you can see a breakdown and just how much you could potentially win back.

Scenario: Eight executives from your London office need to attend an important board meeting in central Manhattan at 10am on a Wednesday. 

Private jet

Challenger 350 | 8 Passengers | £57,000

+ 1 night in a Manhattan hotel for 8 people. Tuesday Dinner and Wednesday Lunch and Dinner included in private jet charter price

COMMERCIAL FLIGHT

8 Business Class Tickets | £45,500 or 8 First Class Tickets | £74,800

+ 2 nights in a Manhattan hotel and all meals on Wednesday for 8 people

TUESDAY:

Leave the office at 5pm, for a 6pm departure from London Luton. Land in Teterboro Airport at 8pm New York time.

WEDNESDAY: 

Board meeting at 10am. Leave Manhattan around 11am for an 11.45 departure from Teterboro Airport. WiFi enabled private jet so work can continue as normal for the rest of the working day. 

Land in London Luton at midnight UK time. 

THURSDAY: 

Back to work as normal.

TUESDAY:

Leave the office at 12.30pm for a 4.15pm departure from London Heathrow. Land in JFK Airport at 7.15pm New York time. 

WEDNESDAY:

Board meeting at 10am for an hour, then spend the rest of the day in Manhattan to continue working. Evening in Manhattan including dinner for 8 to be expensed.

Stay a second night in Manhattan.

THURSDAY:

Arrive 5.30am at JFK airport for a 7.55am departure, landing in London Heathrow at 7.45pm UK time. 

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The difference is clear here - flying commercially can lose you eight of your top executives for an entire working day whilst they fly, which could cost the business an unprecedented amount. Not to mention the fatigue experienced by an extra three hours of airport time added to each journey! For long flights crossing multiple time zones, jet lag can also prove an issue. Learn about beating jet lag with private jet charter to maximise productivity during business trips. 

Private jet charter provides a higher standard of service than airline first class, and allows your executives to continue working online for the duration of their flight - all for £18,000 less than sending them on a commercial flight. Treat your private jet cabin as a flying office, where no other passengers can listen in to confidential conversations, and you can remain up to date with emails or join a teleconference as you fly. 

You can read about choosing business jets or business class for short flights here. 

With the significant time saved with increased productivity, with the added possibility to save large quantities of money, can your business really afford not to charter a private jet? Get in touch with one of our charter experts today on +44 (0) 203 880 9005 and see how we can tailor a schedule to suit you.  

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Why use a private jet broker instead of an operator?

Private jet charter is absolutely not limited to celebrities - anyone can hire a private jet for a tailored luxury travel experience. but what actually is the difference between a private jet broker and an operator? and which is better to book your private jet travel through?

Operators own and look after their own fleet of private jets, and manage the aircraft flight schedules. There are hundreds of private jet operators worldwide, and each works independently. If you enquire with an operator directly for a private jet charter, you are only able to receive quotations for the aircraft in their own fleet - and it can be difficult to keep track of everything when enquiring with multiple operators simultaneously. 

Private jet brokers deliver a personalised quote containing the most suitable aircraft from a number of operators on your behalf. We have a strong aviation background and will always determine the best aircraft for your particular requirements, and then source the operators who own these. Since we have access to over 30,000 aircraft worldwide, availability for us is nowhere near as limited as it is for an operator with a fleet of 30 private jets - so we can guarantee we are able to find you the best aircraft at the best possible price. We have long-standing working relationships with many operators, so are often able to achieve more favourable pricing than if you were to go to them directly. 

POSITIONING

Every private jet has a home base, which is the airport at which it stays when not in use. If you charter a private jet out of an airport that isn't its base, you also incur charges for repositioning the jet before and after your trip - for example, flying from London to Hamburg in a private jet that is usually based in Geneva would add a large extra cost. When booking through an operator, you are limited by where they keep the aircraft that you want to use. As a broker, we are often able to find the same model of private jet that is based much closer to (if not, at) your departure airport, keeping unnecessary costs to a minimum. 

RELATIONSHIPS

Our founders have been a part of the aviation industry for several years, and, as previously mentioned, have built up good relationships with multiple operators. As well as access to better rates for private jet charter, you can rest assured we will only book you to fly with a safe and reputable operator who will offer you nothing short of a luxurious service - saving you the time of having to do the research yourself!

A TAILORED EXPERIENCE

We will work to create fully personalised, bespoke travel arrangements on your behalf. Where an operator books your private jets dependent on their own fleet and availability via the sales team, we are able to organise travel outside of the flights. Need a helicopter to get you from the airport to your destination? Or road transport to and from the airports? We are usually able to book all of this on your behalf and include it all in your charter quote - no unnecessary hassle for you.

We also work to perfect every single detail of your flight. Although an operator is able to do this with your guidance, having your broker take care of everything saves you valuable time. This can include anything from your catering (we can organise your in-flight menus, or if you fancy a Nando's during your flight, we will sort everything!) to placing your favourite champagne on board your private jet for you to enjoy during the flight. 

Private jet travel is about luxury, so use a charter broker to do all of the work for you - then all you have to do on the day is turn up! Whatever your reason for flying, we would love to help you organise your trip. We are available for consultation 24 hours a day, so get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts and let us tailor a schedule to suit you on: +44(0) 203 880 9005. 

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Hire a Private Jet for Valentine's Day

Is there a more romantic gesture out there than hiring a private jet to whisk your loved one away for valentine's day? We're yet to find one!

Maybe you want to plan the perfect proposal in a private jet as you fly over Paris at sunset, or over the sights of London in a private helicopter. Perhaps there's a special memory you'd like to recreate, only make it even better than the first time.  Private jet charter is not only a luxurious and one-of-a-kind treat for you and your other half; but it allows for the ultimate flexibility and high level, tailored service that you won't find anywhere else. 

Practically anything is possible, and our tailored client service means we can assist as much or as little as you would like. Even the tiniest details such as providing your favourite champagne on board your private jet, or some photographs for an extra personal flight for a loved-up couple can be arranged - no request is too small for us to help you engineer the perfect Valentine's Day celebration. Have a read of some of our favourite ideas for Valentine's Day by private jet. 

Sunset flight into New York

Wherever your departure airport, we can precisely co-ordinate the flight times so that you fly over the iconic New York City skyline as the sun goes down, making for the absolute perfect view. 

London to New york | 5 day Return | Falcon 2000X | £62,983

Day trip to paris

Whisk your loved one away in the morning, and enjoy a day roaming the streets of Paris together. We can even help organise the perfect lunch or dinner, and reserve you a table in one of the many famous restaurants with an idyllic view of the city. Then return home in quiet comfort and luxury in the evening. Check out a full blog post on private jet trips from London to Paris here.

London to Paris | Day Return | Phenom 100 | £5380

Weekend in venice

Renowned as one of the most romantic cities, why not spend a few nights overlooking the water and indulging in traditional Italian cuisine together? 

London to Venice | 2 night return | King Air b200 | £10,995

Private Helicopter tour

Whether you've travelled abroad and want to get the optimum view of your destination city from above, or are looking to stay closer to home for the day, we are able to organise private helicopter flights (and transfers) anywhere in the world. Simply get in touch with your desired itinerary and we will do the rest! When booking a private jet and helicopter flight with us together, everything will be included in the same quotation and agreement, so everything is included in one charter price. Helicopter flight prices vary massively depending on the destination and length of the tour, but we will always endeavour to find you the best possible deal. Get in touch today for the most up to date prices!

Empty Legs

Private jet travel doesn't have to be as expensive as many people think! Empty legs are always available (find out more about empty legs) and can be up to 75% cheaper than paying full price for private jet hire. You can sign up for our empty leg updates and specify Valentine's Day in the preferences to be the first to hear about cheap private jet flights around the special day.

Whatever your plans for Valentine's Day, we would love to help you organise your trip. We are available for consultation 24 hours a day, so get in touch with one of our private jet charter experts and let us tailor a schedule to suit you on: +44(0) 203 880 9005.

www.astuteaviation.co.uk

Astute Aviation Opens Manchester Office

We're excited to announce the opening of our second uk office. 

With Manchester being one of the fastest growing UK cities and one of our most popular UK private jet departure airports, it made sense for us to have a presence here. 

With lots of our clients having satellite offices, and a number of our HNW clients being based around Manchester, we decided we'd  be able to best serve them with a constant, local service. 

We have acquired space in the ultra modern, brand new building that is No1 Spinningfields. This is an exciting move for us, opening up a whole new talent pool and increasing our UK coverage. 

Manchester Airport is only a stone's throw away, meaning it's super easy to see off all of our private jet & commercial charter departures. 

We're looking forward to growing this office, adding top talent and embarking on a new chapter of growth. 

Chartering a private jet from Manchester Airport has never been easier with Astute Aviation. With 24/7 support, based locally we accommodate even the most complex requests.

We would love to discuss your 2018 private aviation plans, contact our Manchester Office today on +44(0) 161 504 0608. 

Private Jet Charter Request - Manchester Airport

Private Jet Charter Request - Manchester Airport