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CEO of Florida-based private jet provider BitLux, Kyle Patel, shares his thoughts and experience on how the private aviation industry serves passengers and areas affected by adverse weather conditions.
The winds of change begin to blow every year with the onset of hurricane season. The period typically lasts from June through November and forecasts often include a high probability of travel disruptions.
While commercial airlines become severely restricted by hurricane events, private aviation offers an alternative option for travelers seeking safe evacuation from the path of the storm. Additionally, private jets can help transport homeowners who want to travel to protect their homes ahead of a storm or return to their property after the storm has passed while airline operations remain restricted by the extreme weather. Private aviation also plays a critical role in humanitarian aid and relief efforts during hurricane season due to the uniquely flexible nature of private jet operations.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year in 2023. NOAA forecasted between 12 to 17 total named storms to occur with five to nine of those storms likely becoming hurricanes. The outlook from NOAA also has 70 percent confidence in the chance of one to four major hurricanes occurring during this season. A major hurricane is categorized as three, four, or five with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher. NOAA’s expectation for a near-normal hurricane season this year is based on predictions for factors that both hinder and fuel storm development, thus leading to a near-normal seasonal classification.
Last year, Hurricane Ian led to widespread destruction and air travel disruptions. Ian first made landfall in Florida as a category 4 storm which led to a disastrous storm surge, damaging wind speeds, and flooding that reached historic levels. According to NOAA, Hurricane Ian caused more than $112 billion in damage which led to its status as the costliest hurricane in Florida’s history and the third most costly hurricane in the United States.
While hurricanes can lead to travel limitations including airport closures, private jets are often able to access alternate airports, conduct departures on short notice, and provide a solution for travelers that intend to fly to a safer destination. The flexible capabilities of private jets were demonstrated during Hurricane Ian as private jet companies experienced increased demand from travelers hoping to depart the hurricane area ahead of the storm, fly to the area in order to safeguard property, or fly back home after the storm was over. While commercial airlines were challenged by extensive delays, more than 3,500 cancellations, and lasting airport closures, private aviation offered a safe and reliable travel alternative to those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Private aviation for disaster relief
Beyond serving private travelers during hurricane season, private aviation also functions as a lifeline during the aftermath of a storm for critical supply and personnel transport. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) maintains a Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator (HERO) database of private aviation individuals and entities that are registered to assist in disaster-response mobilization efforts.
At BitLux, we have coordinated private jets to move precious cargo such as people, pets, and supplies that need transportation during the relief period. If an airport has been partially or completely damaged by a hurricane, private jets can still provide aid with the ability to land on shorter runways that are not feasible for larger aircraft, unpaved airstrips, and other environments which are too prohibitive to other operations. Fixed Base-Operators (FBOs) in the private aviation space have also become temporary bases for supplemental emergency relief operations by providing shelter and assistance in the facilitation of rescue missions.
Private jet providers must consider and understand the risks associated with hurricane season and the potential for limited services, fuel shortages, and airport closures. It is therefore also beneficial for private jet users to select an operator with demonstrated success in their safety record. Users should also work with providers with the ability to maintain prediction and mitigation efforts to help offset hurricane season-related problems.
According to Universal Weather and Aviation, private jet providers should remain vigilant by following best practice methods including staying aware of local media and government advisories, establishing, and maintaining contact with weather service providers, checking for updates related to airfield status, and communicating with ground handlers.
Private aviation continues to hold its rank as a vital component of the hurricane evacuation and recovery ecosystem. Travel on a private jet is especially suitable for those who want to head to higher ground and find sunnier skies, travel to implement procedures to protect their home from potential damage or return home after a hurricane without competing with legions of stranded airline passengers.
Travelers electing to utilize private jets should prioritize relationships with business aviation companies that have an excellent safety record as well as an experienced trip support team. If possible, travelers should contact their private jet operator as early as possible to better secure desired aircraft, dates, and pricing during hurricane season. While hurricane season can pose the threat of a whirlwind of added travel complexities, private aviation can help to weather the storm.
BitLux delivers various services across the air charter industry, but Executive Travel is closest to heart. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, BitLux provides a top-tier private jet service that actively exceeds expectations.
flybitlux.com
BlueSky Business Aviation News | 3rd August 2023 | Issue #711
