The private aircraft charter industry has been on the rise since the start of the pandemic. From 2020 to 2021, the market grew by 4.55%.
This is partially the result of more businesses deciding to forego business travel using regularly scheduled airline services. The convenient commercial air travel option businesses are turning to more and more in chartering an aircraft.
But what are the benefits of chartering aircraft? Is this option a feasible one for businesses to make? Does the convenience of chartering an aircraft match the familiar booking of seats on an airline? Does charter deliver on giving businesses a travel advantage?
This is how to charter an aircraft.
Determining the Price
The first thing that will factor in for most businesses is how much the charter is going to cost. Well, there are a few predictable factors that will help you give a better idea of the price.
To begin with, the cost factor with the greatest impact will be the distance you need to travel. In addition to distance, the length of stay at your destination and the number of people travelling with also affect the price.
The type of aircraft will determine how much you will need to budget. Airplanes range in size. There are ones that carry a maximum of nine passengers; ones that carry up to 19 passengers; and then airline class aircraft that carry over 20 passengers and all can be used for a group charter flight.
Determining the Type of Charter
Next, your business will need to figure out the type of charter they want to hire. A typical charter provides an aircraft and flight crew for roundtrip travel. If you only require a flight one way, the aircraft will still need to return to base.
However, there are other options for businesses if they think they are going to need charters on a regular basis.
One option is something called a wet lease. This allows a business to hire the same charter operator multiple times and makes the airline or charter company responsible for everything involving the aircraft. This includes organizing a crew, airplane maintenance, and insurance.
Another option that businesses have is called a dry lease. Here, businesses would simply only charter the aircraft. The business would be responsible for everything else involving it, including staffing an entire crew.
Look at Fixed Based Operators
For people who are unfamiliar with the term “Fixed Based Operator” (usually referred to as FBOs), these are private terminals where charters and private airplanes go to at the airport. You should look at these to get an idea of exactly where you will be arriving at the airport and what type of facilities they have.
FBOs work in conjunction with charter companies. FBOs can make arrangements for ground transportation to your final destination (either by setting up a taxi or a rental car). They can also help with checking in passengers, arranging catering, and setting up parking at the airport.
For those who are looking at travelling to the centre of a big city, FBOs are more likely to be closer to that destination because they are located all around the airport and do not need to be in a central location near the airport tower.
Learn How to Charter an Aircraft
These three tips are the start of how to charter an aircraft. Make sure you are organized, know where you are landing, and come up with a charter plan.
Are you ready to enter the charter aircraft world? Get a quote from Airco Aircraft Charters today.