Why five-star hotels are flying private jets – Four Seasons and Aman offer luxury in the skies as safety and discretion becomes the post-pandemic travel trend

May 26 , 2021

Concerned fliers wary of virus-related safety on commercial planes are looking to private jets for the first time. Photo: Getty Images

Private jets are up to 35 per cent safer when it comes to exposure to viruses – so flying solo is the prime concern of wealthy travellers post Covid-19

Qatar Executive offers worldwide luxury charter flights while Netjets, the world’s largest private jet operator, has seen an uptick in demand since April 2020

The pandemic has provoked painful new realities for commercial air travel: ever-changing restrictions by governments and the looming spectre of transmissible disease in a crowded cabin.

For top executives and families with means, flying has long been a way of life, and so private aviation is starting to look particularly appealing. Factoring in social distancing norms and decimated commercial airline schedules, it’s no surprise that travel companies and hotel groups are offering a host of new services to provide first-class comfort, discretion and safety in the air.

One analysis shows that the risk of exposure to viruses in a private jet is up to 35 times lower than on a commercial flight

Blue Island in the Bahamas’ Exuma Cays is for sale for US$95 million. That makes it one of the most expensive private islands on the market, in part because it is the only Caribbean isle with its own jet landing strip. Photo: Sotheby’s International Realty

Winner of Skytrax Airline of the Year in 2019, Qatar Airways Group has been better known for its international flight network, spacious airport lounges and Qsuite business class. It has a private jet charter division, too: Qatar Executive offers luxury services for worldwide charter on board the operator’s wholly owned business jet fleet and reaches more than 400 airports around the world. Qatar Executive is the world’s first commercial service operator of the Gulfstream G500 and the largest commercial operator of the G650ER worldwide.

On board, multilingual flight crew are ready to assist with special flight arrangements for a bespoke travel occasion. Small animal companions are permitted to travel on board with guests if housed within appropriate cabin cubicles. Guests can even smoke any time they wish during the flight.

As the pandemic continues, private jets may be literally the only way to travel. Photo: VistaJet

In July 2020, Qatar Executive introduced The Diamond Agreement, which enables guests to pre-purchase flight time at fixed hourly rates on long-range and ultra-long-range private jets. Pre-purchased hours have no minimum annual usage and no maximum carry-over. Qatar Guests are also offered guaranteed availability for reservations booked 72 hours in advance.

As well-heeled travellers seek to avoid airports and commercial flights, private jet travel is staging a faster comeback in the midst of reduced travel. Concerned fliers wary of virus-related safety on commercial planes are looking to private jets for the first time. One analysis shows that the risk of exposure to viruses in a private jet is up to 35 times lower than on a commercial flight.

Coming soon to skies near you – Four Seasons Private Jet service. Photo: Four Seasons

In April 2020, passenger count on commercial airlines fell 95 per cent year on year, while passenger count on private jet charters was down 67 per cent, according to data from aviation consulting firm, Argus. By June, private jet operators saw just a 22 per cent decrease. On July 5 this year, commercial airline travel was down 74 per cent year on year, while private jet flights were showing an increase of five per cent.