Back to newsBack to news  |  14th August 2024

The global trend for aircraft charters reflects a fundamental shift in the aviation industry. As a consequence, the revenue from worldwide air charter services is expected to increase by £6.13 bn ($US7.76 bn) by 2028, according to figures from Technavio.

Booking a charter flight allows for a personalised flight tailored to specific needs, providing significant benefits such as privacy, comfort, convenience, and access to specific airports. This makes it an ideal choice for group business, charters for sports teams and supporters, and VIP travel. In addition, passengers can avoid queues, access VIP lounges, and check in just minutes before take-off.

Within this context, aircraft charter brokers have a vital role to deliver personalised services despite economic and geopolitical tensions, higher operating costs, regulatory challenges, fluctuating fuel prices and operational costs.

Charter market is seeing greater than ever demand

There is year-round demand for charter services with significant peaks during the summer due to aircraft shortages and under capacity in the market. As passenger numbers increase, early charter and series seat block-bookings are vital to guarantee the necessary capacity to fulfil customer demand. Charter flights can be particularly cost-efficient for groups such as travel groups, sports teams, or the staff of a company.

As such, aircraft charter experts, like Skytrail, focus on innovative services and resources to underscore key attributes, notably for convenient stress-free travel, versatile flight scheduling and the ability to accommodate groups of various sizes. Customers appreciate the flexibility to fly to their chosen destinations at preferred times, which adds to the overall appeal of charter services.

Skytrail Head of Charters, Matthew Savage comments: “Customers, such as orchestras, choose charter flights because they like the ability to travel together in larger numbers while on tour. It means they can dictate their own schedules rather than being governed by airline timetables.”

With extensive market coverage and partnerships with major airlines, like easyJet, Skytrail can organise whole plane charters from all major UK airports. The team has the experience, specialist knowledge, and industry connections to manage booking operations, logistics, and customisation based on passenger demographic to giving customers what they want, when they want it.

Matthew says: “As an approved partner for easyJet aircraft charters, Skytrail has access to the airline’s extensive network. This makes it possible for tour and cruise operators to book whole plane charters throughout the year to gain maximum commercial advantage to key seasonal routes.”

Increased demand in charter flights for seasonal events

A comprehensive charter service offers the unique travel requirements of national, European, and international sporting events, such as annual football, rugby, hockey, golf, and boxing fixtures, providing travellers with the flexibility to choose their preferred destination.

Demand for whole plane charters to and from football tournaments is especially buoyant, says Matthew: “Football charters are now a 12 month of the year requirement due to early stages of European competitions starting at the beginning of July. Charter flights allow fans to arrive at their destination efficiently and comfortably, enhancing their overall experience.”

In winter, the focus shifts to the conference and events market, he explains, although tightening budgets and the willingness of businesses to invest in customer incentives and product launches could impact this trend.

He adds: “Oversupply of aircraft in the winter means pressure on operators and brokers to compete, so it is really important in the winter to have a niche market or a unique offering in order to differentiate from competition and achieve margins and growth.”

Sustainability is a factor in choosing the right charter flight partner

Concern among passengers and event organisers in relation to sustainability, means choosing an airline with a more environmentally friendly fleet is important.

easyJet has devised a roadmap to net zero that aligns with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – established by global business and environmental organisations to help tackle the climate crisis. Targets set out by easyJet aim to deliver a 35% reduction in carbon emission intensity by 2035, building up to 78% by 2050 through fleet renewal, operational efficiencies, and airspace modernisation.

Increased usage of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in easyJet aircraft will lower carbon lifecycle emissions, compared to conventional jet fuel, while investment in new aircraft and airport technology is paving the way for the first industry regulated hydrogen-powered engine.

Seamless Pan-European Business Travel for Major Car Manufacturer:

Skytrail’s Successful Charter Arrangement with easyJet 

With its approved partnership status with easyJet, Skytrail can source aircraft even under the most challenging circumstances, offering tailored and flexible private flights for businesspeople. Engaged by the travel organiser of a global car manufacturer to arrange charters for UK-based staff taking part in a pan-European conference in Berlin, Skytrail managed to overcome availability issues and arrange return flights in two easyJet aircraft for delegates flying from two separate UK locations.

“These flights took place in May, when it is normally difficult to obtain slots for charters, especially from Gatwick, but thanks to easyJet having their largest base at Gatwick we were able to secure slots from within their current portfolio and operate these charters,” says Matthew.

“This booking allowed the client to keep all guests together rather than spreading them out over several different scheduled flights. Since Berlin is a major easyJet base, it also meant we were able to plan arrivals and departures seamlessly using the airline’s team on the ground. In addition, we had an exclusive area within the easyJet bag drop facility, so all guests were processed in minutes despite it being a peak week of operations at Gatwick. For those seeking the utmost in security, comfort, and efficiency, charters offer an excellent alternative to commercial flights for both business and leisure travel.”

Supply chain issues expected to last several years

Delays to brand new aircraft deliveries and engine overhaul issues caused by problems with the global supply chain are expected to last for several years, according to Matthew, which means operators of newer models of aircraft are limiting their availability. “As a result, many of these operators are leasing in aircraft from second tier carriers who normally service the charter market, but that potential charter capacity is being used to supply replacement aircraft for major carriers on long term leases, meaning supply is dwindling further,” he says.

In addition, the shortage of crew is affecting many airlines in the peak summer season, and some are having to cancel flights due to pilot shortages as demand outstrips available workforce.

This all demonstrates the highly competitive nature of the aviation sector and the significant investment required to keep up with customer demands on price, location, and efficiency. To capitalize on emerging opportunities in the aviation sector, it is essential that brokers and travel consultants understand and leverage market trends to provide services that allow clients to travel the world with flexibility and comfort using charter services.