United Kingdom

Air Partner reports significant UK and US JetCard activity as private flyers prepare for easing of restrictions

Air Partner’s Private Jets division has seen a significant year-on-year increase in JetCard deposits in both the UK and US in February and March 2021, indicating that leisure travellers are increasingly preparing for the easing of travel restrictions and looking to secure flexible and safe travel.

The US Private Jets business, which benefits from a large domestic market where skies have remained open, sold 500% more new JetCards in the period year-on-year and recorded a 450% increase in deposits from new customers (£300k). Total JetCard deposits, from both new and existing customers, amounted to approximately £1.4m, up 30% on the same time last year, when Covid-19 travel restrictions were starting to be introduced.

In the UK, the number of JetCards sold and renewed in February and March increased by 15% year-on-year, with £750k worth of JetCard deposits secured from new customers. Deposits from new and existing customers in the period totalled £1.6m, up c. 20% from the same timeframe in 2020.

Air Partner has seen demand recover faster for its JetCard product than ad-hoc flying. The JetCard programme allows clients to plan their travel for the year ahead by buying private jet flying ‘hours’ in advance, offering fixed rates across six cabin sizes and the ability to change booking details or cancel up to the very last minute without penalty. It is proving extremely popular as it gives travellers the ability to fly in safety the moment travel restrictions are lifted, but with flexibility in case they need to amend plans.

Mark Briffa, CEO of Air Partner, said: “The US private jet market is one vast, domestic market so it has not been subject to the types of restrictions and national lockdowns that we have seen in the UK and Europe. As a result, the skies have remained open and we have seen sustained private leisure flying from high-net-worth individuals in the region.

"It is no surprise to see this demand continue, with our new customers from February and March making particularly significant deposits for future travel. In a very encouraging sign, this has also been the case in the UK as confidence returns to this market ahead of the anticipated easing of restrictions.

"The pandemic has really shone a light on the benefits of our JetCard product: for those who are able to reserve private flying hours in advance, it offers unparalleled flexibility and access to a private jet at very short notice. This means it is proving very popular among customers who want to know they can travel easily and safely when lockdown restrictions lift.”