Professionals and high net worth individuals (HNWI) in the UK’s major cities are dreaming of pristine beaches and luxury resorts more than classic cars and expensive jewellery.
40% of these individuals cited an extravagant holiday as their most desired luxury for the year, above cars, jewellery and designer furniture, according to research commissioned by private aviation charter company 365 Aviation.
And respondents are eager to maximise their time “on the ground” in these exotic locations by flying to and from their destinations on private aircraft. 39% of respondents saying trips on private jets were on this year’s wish list.
Private aircraft allow travellers to avoid the bugbears of air travel. When asked about the irritations of travel, respondents were most frustrated by time-wasting, including lengthy checking in procedures (38%), flight delays (32%), getting to the airport early (30%), waiting for your luggage (27%) and queuing for immigration (26%). Only cramped aeroplane seats (30% of respondents) were equally bothersome to the time frittered away at the airport.
Queues and hassle at commercial airports will likely only get worse, with the number of passengers passing through UK airports set to double by 2030, from the current level of 236 million.
So it’s little wonder high net worth families and business travellers are looking to private aircraft instead—for comfort, convenience and for the ultimate luxury of time saved.
Travelling by private plane also opens up hundreds of new airports to travellers. The UK’s 65 airports used for commercial flights represent just 30% of the number available to private travellers.
Colin Baker, executive chairman of 365 Aviation, said: “There is clearly a love-hate relationship with travel. Our study reveals that travel wins ‘hands down’ on the desirability factor, and yet, some aspects of it are far from luxurious.
“With such huge growth [in air travel] imminent, it’s imperative that the industry responds. Our clients, mostly high net worth families and business travellers, come to us to achieve good value and assure themselves of the convenience offered by private jet travel not to mention that ever-elusive luxury—extra time.”
