Faced with the risks of contamination by coronavirus and flight cancellations, wealthier travelers are increasingly resorting to private jets. Unlike airlines offering commercial flights, companies that allow these types of connections are experiencing a strong increase in their activity.
The Swiss company specializing in private trips, Luna Jets, has thus recorded an impressive increase in requests for information and reservations, explained on CNN its commercial director, Alain Leboursier. He said that in February, 15% of requests were related to the Covid-19 epidemic. This proposal has since reached 30%.
The #demand for private jets is #skyrocketing due to #coronavirus: LunaJets. @lunajets https://t.co/5ULMYOKCWT via @ 50skyshades
- 50 SKY SHADES (@ 50skyshades) March 12, 2020Older customers prefer these flights
Donald Trump's decision to cut air travel between the United States and Europe has also generated renewed interest in private jets. Elderly or weakened customers are also among those who prefer these flights, even outside areas where commercial services are limited or interrupted. Contracting the coronavirus poses a greater danger to them.
"They prefer to be alone on a plane than with a crowd of people on airline planes," said Jerod Davis, director of pilots for the Southern Jet company. The airports used by small carriers are generally not large international hubs. On board, the seats are spaced from each other. And the interior is now disinfected after each trip, says Yann-Guillaume Jaccard, CEO of Simply Jet SA.
Many of these customers are new to the industry. They previously chose the business or first class of commercial flights. Business professionals hope that after the health crisis, these passengers will continue to use their services.
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