Businessman David Best with flying instructor Gloria Hall and the Commander 114B he bought to celebrate getting his licence. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0614076)
AN INCREASING number of business travellers are looking to executive aircraft ownership schemes, according to the Chamber of Commerce.
Private aircraft were the preserve of the super-rich for years, but low-cost fractional ownership programmes have brought them within reach of many more companies and wealthy individuals.
Shares are sold in an aircraft and each buyer is entitled to a certain number of days they can use the aircraft.
Travellers are able to skip lengthy queues and fly to destinations not covered by conventional commercial routes.
Rob Le Page, head of Chamber’s transport sub-group, said that while it was nothing new, it was a growing trend.
‘There are several companies that operate executive aircraft ownership schemes out of Guernsey and have been doing so for the past 10 years or so.
‘High-powered business people often don’t want to deal with all the hassles and delays of travelling on a standard airline and this offers a way for them to avoid that for a fee. With the corporate system, you turn up 10 minutes before the flight and you’re away and can have a car waiting for you when you land.’
Flying privately can be all the more worthwhile because an overnight stay is often necessary with commercial flights, added Mr Le Page.
‘Business people will often go to UK or Continental destinations and back in a day, saving one or two nights away and the associated costs.
‘More companies are jumping on the bandwagon and the market is growing fast, with there now being five times the corporate jet aircraft movements in Guernsey compared with just a year ago and I think it will grow even more.’
Flybe downsizing its aircraft is going to have a serious effect on Guernsey, said Mr Le Page.
‘If present Gatwick flights are running to capacity, then with the smaller capacity aircraft and no extra flights, there won’t be enough seats for business travellers or tourists and prices could spiral as demand increases.’
Mr Le Page said the States had not kept up with infrastructure requirements, demonstrated by the problems with the airport runway.
‘I have no doubt that this will fuel more executive aircraft ownership schemes setting up here and Chamber is fully supportive of this. There are many of our members who regularly use such a facility.
‘I’ve even heard of a dozen people who flew privately to Southampton for a shopping trip. Even though it would have been more expensive than flying commercially, it was the service that they needed.’
Article posted on 28th August, 2008 - 1.00pm
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