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.