Post published:15/07/2020
Post category:Latest Member News
Reading time:3 mins read

Report reflects the period April – June, with larger aircraft charters almost half of flights, and an increase in flights for families

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the private aviation industry hard at the start of the second quarter. But with beginnings of recovery in May continuing to grow throughout June, PrivateFly, a Directional Aviation company, has issued its latest Private Jet Charter Trends report looking back at the period.

Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly comments: “The April to June period saw us fully immersed in the repercussions of the pandemic and it really was a rollercoaster ride. At the start, activity was at a historic low and we were focussed on repatriations and other essential trips. But by the end of June, we were surprised by the strength of recovery: Back to over 75% of our expected demand in Europe, and closer to 100% in the US.

“This bounce back was fuelled by very strong demand from new entrants avoiding airlines, and almost all flights were for personal or family reasons, with little business travel yet returning”.

Findings from PrivateFly’s Q2 Private jet Charter Trends report include:

Larger aircraft remained in demand, with 48% of flights on Long Range & Super-Midsize aircraft and the large cabin Challenger 350 the company’s most-chartered aircraft type.
Low business travel demand was evident with almost half of flights taking place between Friday and Sunday, with the busiest day Friday 26 June, which followed the lifting of many European border restrictions and lockdowns.
Forward-planning was off the agenda with fewer clients booking flights more than 30 days ahead of time (10% versus 21% last year).
PrivateFly flew more families than ever before, with children under 16 representing 18% of passengers (versus 12% last year) and 6% of flights carrying pets (versus 4% in the same period in 2019).

Adam Twidell continues: “This upward curve is currently continuing in July and, with a significant portion of flying coming from new clients versus returning, we are optimistic about continued strength but it remains to be seen. But what we do know for certain – and what is reflected in this report – is that our business changed very significantly in Q2. And we expect to see that continue, as long as the pandemic persists.”

-Ends-

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Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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