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Air Partner’s Private Jets division flying high after a record H1

In its interim results for the six months to 31 July 2016, published on 29 September, global aviation services group Air Partner reported a record first half for its Private Jets division.

Performance in the UK was exceptional, with underlying operating profit up 56%, and good progress was also made in the US and European markets.

Air Partner’s Private Jets division offers two different services: on-demand charter service and JetCard, its unique and highly successful private jet card programme. The latter performed particularly well in the first half of the year, increasing in number to 218 since 31 January 2016. As at 31 July, JetCard cash deposits were also up 18% and utilisation rate had increased by an impressive 25%.

Most popular destinations and events

The summer has proved a particular busy period for the Private Jets division, with some 1500 flights carried out between 1 June and 31 August 2016. JetCard accounted for 52% of all bookings over this period. In addition to arranging the flights for a number of its HNWI clients’ summer holidays, Air Partner has also experienced high demand for private travel to sporting, film and music events.

The most popular European summer destinations of 2016 have been Ibiza and Palma in the Balearics, Nice and Cannes in the South of France, Olbia and Cagliari in Sardinia, and Florence and Pisa in Italy - as was also the case in 2015. Tivat in Montenegro and Split in Croatia have climbed up the list this year, with HNWIs increasingly looking to pick up or drop off yachts there. Meanwhile in the US, Florida and Los Angeles are the most popular destinations during the June to August period.

Sporting events continue to be a big draw, with motor racing dominating in this period. Among others, Air Partner arranged flights to Goodwood Festival, the Silverstone Grand Prix and the Monaco Grand Prix - the event for which the Private Jets team receives the most requests in the summer. Other sporting events flown to include the 2016 Euros, the Olympics in Rio and numerous golf tournaments, for which Air Partner transported the golfers themselves.

Music festivals and events have become synonymous with the summer period and, as such, Air Partner has seen high demand in this area. It kicked off the summer by flying numerous people out to the International Music Summit in Ibiza in May, and continued to operate weekly flights in and out of the White Isle for several big names who were performing there. The team also chartered flights for rock tours and for performers and attendees travelling to the numerous festivals across Europe.

Industry leading product offering

The JetCard’s flexibility and transparency have made it a popular choice among HNWI clients. The card buys 25 hours or more of flying time in the client’s choice of six private jet categories, with guaranteed availability at any time and dedicated account management 24/7. Unlike other providers, Air Partner only charges clients for the time they fly: aircraft positioning, fuel, landing fees and catering are all included, and there are no monthly management fees, peak day restrictions or fuel surcharges. A recent study by independent aviation consultant Conklin & de Decker Independent showed that JetCard surpassed all its major US competitors in terms of pricing and flexibility.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 13th October 2016 | Issue #387