Planning a group trip and wondering whether to fly private? Or perhaps, you’re a group looking to fly privately together and are searching for the perfect location? Either way, you’ve come to the right place!
Welcome to group air charter!
Planning a group trip and wondering whether to fly private? Or perhaps, you’re a group looking to fly privately together and are searching for the perfect location? Either way, you’ve come to the right place!
No matter, what your motives are, we’re going to cover all the bases as we explore the benefits of private group air charter vs. commercial flights, as well as the top destinations to fly privately as a group.
What is group air charter?
With a private chartered flight, you essentially hire an aircraft that’s large enough to carry your group to the destination of your choice. Chartered flights allow you to travel on your own schedule, in your own private aircraft, while you’ll have access to more airports worldwide. What’s more is that you can also select and adjust your own departure and arrival times as you require, making it an extremely convenient and personalized experience.
There are several groups that commonly book private group air charter as opposed to seats on a regular commercial flight:
- Corporate events: chartering a group flight provides your business team with the opportunity to transport multiple hundreds of team members to a workation, conference, or another corporate event with a tailored itinerary.
- Group vacations: whether you’re organizing your own trip or you’re a tour operator booking for a third party, a group air charter flight provides a bespoke and memorable travel experience. With fully customized options for pre, during, and post flight requirements, there really are very few limits to what’s possible. Large wedding parties, or family reunions see group air charter as a popular choice, for ease, togetherness, and cost efficiency.
- Sports teams: if you need to fly your team to an overseas match or a pre-season tour, a group air charter flight allows you to easily transport the squad and their necessary equipment in comfort.
- Government delegations: group charter flights are often the choice of embassies and officials, as they can depend on enhanced security and privacy, while flexibility for scheduling and aircraft types are extremely beneficial.
Why group air charter?
When you hear the phrase “private jet travel” or “private air charter”, what springs to mind? Many stereotypes about the rich and famous, or indulgent lifestyles, are often prominent when these terms are used. But private air charter, especially for groups, is far more accommodating and accessible in 2023 than ever before, while there are significant logistical benefits that sit outside the traditional idea that flying privately is about luxury, or elitism.
- Flexibility: providing the opportunity for passengers to choose and change departure times and destinations, while avoiding the constraints of commercial airline schedules.
- Privacy: allowing passengers to conduct business or enjoy leisure time without interruption. Passengers can also rest assured that their conversations and movements will not be overheard or observed by strangers.
- Comfort: private air charter flights typically offer a higher level of comfort compared to commercial airlines, with spacious cabins, comfortable seating, and access to amenities such as bespoke menus for food and beverages, and very specific in-flight entertainment and technology.
- Timesaving: enjoy less ‘dead time’ by avoiding the hassles of commercial airports, including long check-in and security queues, delayed flights, and the potential for missed connections.
- Cost-effective: group private air charter can be more cost-effective for groups of people traveling together, as the cost of the flight can be split among the passengers. Additionally, private air charter can save money by reducing travel time and increasing productivity, allowing passengers to make the most of their time pre, during, and post flight.
- Safety: private air charter flights are subject to rigorous safety standards, and passengers can feel secure knowing that their flight crew has undergone extensive training and certification. accommodating and accessible in 2023 than ever before, while there are significant logistical benefits that sit outside the traditional idea that flying privately is about luxury, or elitism.
Additionally, private air charter allows passengers to avoid the crowds and potential health risks associated with commercial air travel, particularly during times of pandemic or disease outbreaks.
- Increased baggage allowance: When travelling on a commercial flight, your group’s baggage allowance will be limited to the aircraft’s capacity. With a group charter flight, you can discuss your baggage requirements with the airline broker during the booking process, and they can secure the appropriate aircraft for your needs.
- Enhanced experience: Transporting a group on a private flight enables you to request specific details, such as private lounge arrangements before the flight, or a fine-dining service on board.
How many seats are on a charter plane?
The number of seats on a charter aircraft will mainly depend on the size of your travelling party. We’ve listed the most common aircraft categories below so that you can et an idea of their size and uses.
- Helicopters: Typically chartered for sightseeing, short business trips, or where a very small and specific landing zone is in place to receive a small group of passengers.
- Turboprops: More substantial than a light piston engine aircraft, turboprops have a passenger capacity of 6-70 passengers, with a short to medium range.
- Private jets: There are many different sizes of private jets available for hire and passenger capacity ranges between 6-19 people, with varying range.
- Narrow and wide body: These conventional passenger aircraft types can also be booked on a charter basis. As such, the highest seating capacity of a narrow-body aircraft is 295 passengers, while a wide-body aircraft can accommodate between 250 and 600 passengers.
The aircraft you choose will not only depend on how many passengers you need to transport, but also on any additional luggage or equipment you’ll need to take on board. If you have very specific on-board requirements, then these may also have an influence on determining the aircraft that’s right for you and your travelling party.
How do you charter a private plane?
When booking a group charter flight with a broker, you can benefit from the long-term relationships that they’ve built with various aircraft operators This means they will be able to negotiate optimum terms and rates on your behalf. A broker will also have extensive knowledge of an operator’s capabilities, while they should also have the foresight to connect the aircraft to previous or following commitments that match your specific route and dates. This is a cost-saving tactic that can then be passed back to the party chartering the aircraft!
A broker also has more flexibility and access to a larger database of aircraft. Tour operators are limited to their own fleet, but brokers have a much wider network to find an alternative option, which might go unexplored if relying on public information and just what’s provided online.
Brokers can also handle any specific requirements for you, such as flight briefs, catering preferences, crew requirements, and in-flight services.
Popular group charter destinations
Ok, so now you’ve learned about the benefits, aircraft options, and how to book a group charter flight. Now for the exciting part, where to travel!?
We’ve provided a short preview of key destinations that are proving popular with Chapman Freeborn’s corporate clients over the past year ― we hope they provide some inspiration!
New York
New York, is one of the world’s premier hubs for finance, media, and many other leading industries.
With the largest metropolitan area on the globe, New York is also home to the world’s largest stock exchange, situated on Wall Street. “The big apple” is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Time Square, and Central Park, all drawing millions of visitors each year.
Home to many major events throughout the year, including New York Fashion Week, and the Tribeca Film Festival, New York also offers fantastic nightlife, no matter your taste in music, bars, nightclubs, or restaurants. After all, it has a reputation to maintain as “the city that never sleeps”.
New York City has several major airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport, which offer direct flights to many destinations around the world.
London
As the capital city of England, London is one of the world’s leading financial centres, with large CBD areas located at Bank, Canary Wharf, and Farringdon.
A major tourist destination for world travellers, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace, are just the beginning of the endless opportunities for sightseeing and excursions on offer. The city also boasts a kaleidoscope of museums and art galleries, with each part of the city offering nightlife that appeals to a wide range of tastes and trends.
London is also home to many major events throughout the year, including a multitude of music festivals, sporting events, and cultural celebrations. As one of the largest and most diverse cities in the world, the London Underground (or “The Tube” as it’s affectionally known) is the backbone of London’s transportation system.
London has several major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, which offer direct flights to many destinations around the world. This makes it a convenient hub for group air charter, as passengers can easily connect to other destinations from London.
Dubai
Dubai welcomes numerous international conferences and exhibitions throughout the year, which attract business travellers from all over the world. With a leading reputation for its luxurious hotels, shopping malls, and entertainment options, high-net-worth individuals travel to the tax-free country for work, rest, and play.
Dubai also hosts a range of major events, such as the Dubai World Cup, Dubai Air show, and Yas Marinas F1 Grand Prix, while major sights include the Burj Khalifa building, Dubai Fountain, Ferrari World, and an offshore island, “Atlantis ―The Palm”, which is equipped with a sublime water and marine-life park.
Neighbouring Abu Dhabi is less than an hour and thirty minutes away by car, offering a plethora of cultural sights including the vast Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.
Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates and is located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, making it easily accessible for travellers from different regions. Routes into Dubai are usually via Dubai International Airport of via Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and is one of the largest business centres in the world. It’s home to numerous multinational corporations and hosts many international conferences and exhibitions.
World-renowned for its rich culture, unique cuisine, and advanced technology, Tokyo mixes the ultramodern and the traditional — from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples.
Many business meetings in Tokyo take place in hotel conference rooms, but if you want to impress your clients, consider arranging a meeting in a traditional Japanese restaurant or tea house. Some good options include the Happo-en garden, the Kozue restaurant at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, and the Roppongi Hills Club.
Tokyo is well-connected to major cities around the world, with two major airports — Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport. Group air charter can provide direct flights to Tokyo from various locations, saving time and hassle for travellers.
California
California is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, Hollywood, and the beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu.
Many multinational corporations, including those in the technology, entertainment, and finance sectors are based in the “Golden State’, while California is also host to many major events, including the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, and the Silicon Valley Comic-Con.
San Francisco’s Financial District is the state’s main business area. Among the skyscrapers that dominate the skyline is the striking, spire-topped Transamerica Pyramid building.
California is well-connected to major cities around the world, with airports such as Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and San Diego International Airport.
Singapore
Singapore is strategically situated in Southeast Asia, making it a primary gateway to other countries in the region. More than 40% of Fortune 500 companies have chosen Singapore as their regional HQ for the APAC region, making it a thriving business hub.
Business travellers generally stay in the downtown core or Marina Bay area, with the Orchard Road belt as an alternative. Major hotel chains are located in these areas, and most of the corporate offices are located in the downtown or Marina Bay areas, which also boast great views of the city skyline and fantastic dining options.
World-renowned for having an extremely low crime rate, Singapore has a reputation for being one of the safest countries in the world. Furthermore, Singapore has a super-efficient transportation system, which makes it easy to get around the city. Changi Airport is the main route in and out of Singapore for both commercial and private flights.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a major financial and commercial hub, with the sixth largest stock exchange in the world. As Asia’s most popular city destination, it’s an aviation nerve centre, which supports more than 100 airlines and 1,100 flights per day.
Attracting around 2 million business travellers and groups for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) each year, 49% of these arrivals are from mainland China. Business travellers are encouraged to visit Lan Kwai Fong – an area full of nightlife, bars, and restaurants which adhere to Hong Kong’s work-hard, play-hard ethos. With a rich cultural heritage, Hong Kong offers a unique blend of eastern and western cultures and is home to world-class theme parks, shopping, and dining experiences.
Hong Kong is also situated at the gateway to mainland China, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the likes of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Macau. Chek Lap Kok International Airport is the most likely destination for flights in and out of Hong Kong.
Next steps
We hope that our “magnificent 7” destinations for business travellers have provided some inspiration for your next group flight bookings.
Whether you’re booking for business or leisure, group air charter can provide corporate executives, friends family, and loved ones with a unique, hassle-free experience. If you’re looking to be super-efficient with time, but also want extra comfort, or even some luxury touches, group air charter will provide you with everything you need to make the travelling to and from your destination a memorable journey.
If you’d like to find out more, contact our dedicated group air charter team at Chapman Freeborn and we’ll be happy to talk you through the process and any finer details.