Shift in clientele for Luxaviation UK as Millennials turn to business aviation

London, UK – Luxaviation UK is seeing a demographic shift in customer profile, as Millennials now account for 50% of its business jet clientele.

With a clear transition from charter customers traditionally in their 50s and 60s to a younger generation of business professionals in their 30s and 40s, this group are turning to small and midsize jets to facilitate a practical need for business and leisure travel.

New and emerging industries, particularly clients working in tech, finance and private equity, are playing a key role in this demographic shift. George Galanopoulos, CEO of Luxaviation UK, says: “As the tech sector continues to rapidly grow, and businesses become more globalised, the value of face-to-face meetings cannot be overlooked, and business aviation affords customers the ability to get across the globe privately, quickly and reliably.”

Travel to untapped destinations is also on the rise. Galanopoulos says: “Social media is making travel less exclusive, as users can easily find photos and videos of ‘hidden spots’. So there is a growing demand for flight access to undiscovered locations which can be shown off to friends for the first time. They want to be there before the online hype, or at least ahead of the trend. Saudi Arabia, for example, is currently piquing the interest of some of our clients who are eager to travel there while it is still relatively new to the UK market.”

Luxaviation UK is also seeing a younger client profile enquiring about aircraft management services, after taking ownership of their own aircraft, which reflects the high-net-worth wealth transferring to the next generation.

Galanopoulos says: “We’re proud to see younger business professionals in the UK recognising the strategic value of business aviation for global travel. With many turning to the digital world for their news and information, we’ve made an effort to build a social media presence, both as a company and individuals, to highlight the benefits of private aviation to this new demographic.

“The EBAA recently published a report highlighting that business aviation contributed €100 billion in economic value across Europe in 2023. It’s great to see the importance of business aviation continuing to translate across to younger generations.”

Patrick Hansen, CEO of Luxaviation Group, says: “We are pleased to introduce a younger generation to private travel, as they consider the benefits of charter, due to its flexibility and reliability. Millennials also shop digitally, with a growing number purchasing charter flights through the Luxaviation app.”

About the Luxaviation Group:

Since 1964, the Luxaviation Group has been tailoring private travel experiences for a global clientele. Founded by André Ganshof van der Meersch, a Belgian entrepreneur, pilot and nobleman, our sixty year history still proudly takes flight with our commitment to creating excellence through visionary, pioneering and innovative private aviation experiences.

Luxaviation Group is comprised of top-of-the-line aviation brands: Luxaviation, Starspeed, and ExecuJet. Our more than 1300 employees work in an around-the-clock operation on five continents, delivering stellar service in the areas of aircraft management for private and commercial aircraft, private air charter services, and managing an FBO network of 110+ facilities around the world.

Ever innovative in spirit, the group has leveraged its global perspective, carrying the value of its founder into its transformation as the world’s premier luxury experience travel company. Through the development of bespoke luxury travel packages in private jets, various ventures, fine wines, and our very own Luxaviation Client Service Training Academy, we are honoured to evolve our brand in keeping with the ever-changing luxury travel landscape.

Luxaviation Group considers corporate sustainability as an integral part of its business strategy. The company integrates sustainability into its decision-making processes, actively handling social and environmental concerns and continuously seeking to improve its operations.

Further information: ¦ Website: www.luxaviation.com

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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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