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.

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.

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

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

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

Private Jet WiFi

Staying connected whilst flying is becoming the new standard across the globe, and private jet travel is at the front of the advances

Private jets are incredibly popular amongst business travellers, and not just due to the speed and flexibility that they offer over commercial airlines. They allow you to carry on working throughout your entire journey - the cabin can be configured to resemble a flying boardroom and there are no other passengers that could listen to confidential conversations. Read more on choosing business jets over business class here. 

The internet era has led to a demand for being able to remain fully connected, even 40,000 feet above the ground. Increasing numbers of private jets are now wifi enabled, so you don't need to disconnect and lose productivity for the duration of your flight. 

Wifi onboard an aircraft is provided through either a land-based or satellite antenna, so available bandwidths can vary depending on the system used and the flight route. Land-based internet systems can be less effective for transoceanic trips, so tend to be installed on smaller aircraft that do not routinely make these journeys. Likewise, satelline wifi is more commonly used on long range jets which fly further, and so provide their passengers with a more consistent connection throughout their entire flight. Regardless of which wifi system your private jet has, you can be safe in the knowledge you will still have access to your emails and web browsing, or hold video conferences with your colleagues on the ground whilst you travel - something that would never be a possibility on a commercial flight! 

Wifi-enabled private jet requests are not limited to business flights, as some passengers simply want to be able to remain connected to friends and family, or have the option to stream films and TV programmes whilst they fly. 

We understand the importance of staying connected, and your productivity should never have to stop just because you're flying. When enquiring about private jet charter with us, simply tell us about your wifi requirements and we'll ensure that any aircraft we include on your quotation have what you need. Prices for internet access vary between aircraft and operators, but we will advise you and negotiate the best possible rates on your behalf. In some circumstances we may be able to offer a wifi package. 

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

How quickly can I book a Private Jet?

Sometimes, you need to fly urgently. Commercial airlines can't usually accommodate these needs, whereas a private jet charter will get you where you need to be as soon as physically possible. 

For urgent requests, we aim to get you airborne as little as two hours after request a quote. This time-frame depends on several factors, mainly aircraft availability. There are many reasons why someone may need to urgently charter a private jet, but some of the most common reasons include a family/medical emergency, cancelled commercial flights and last minute schedule changes. However, that doesn't mean you need a negative reason to hire a jet at last minute! You may choose to go on a last minute surprise trip, and what better way to enjoy a romantic weekend in Paris than by arriving on a private jet?

At such last minute, your choice of private jets is limited to those in close proximity to you as there isn't always time to reposition an aircraft that is based hours flight away. This may mean flying in a private jet that is in a higher category than would usually be recommended for your flight and party size - but this will only be presented to you if it provides the cheapest charter option on the day. This can be the case when it is closer to your departure airport than a more appropriate jet, allowing you to have lower repositioning costs as well as being in the air sooner. If both you and a suitable aircraft are already at your departure airport, you can be airborne almost immediately.

We understand just how important it can be to get somewhere as quickly as physically possible, and will do everything we can to make this happen.

We have access to over 30,000 aircraft worldwide, many of which will also be known to our competitors. This means that requesting the same quotation from a number of different charter companies will not only drive the price up for you, but will also make our job more difficult to negotiate the charter price on your behalf. After all, you wouldn't sell something for under the going rate if you had plenty of interest. Our main focus is getting you to where to need to be, as quickly as possible for the least amount of money. 

Being a member of our Laminar Club would also be an advantage in an urgent flight request scenario. Although usually it is not an issue to process last minute payments, it certainly makes the process smoother as we'll already have access to cleared funds and can allocate your flight, which gives you one less thing to worry about when trying to organise a private jet charter at short notice.

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