Traveling by private jet is out of reach for most people, unless you have a spare $70 million to buy the latest Bombardier Global 7500 or Gulfstream G700. But those who cannot afford their own private jet can charter one, although this still entails a hefty fee. Of course, these aircraft have a very long range and at the fastest speed (and comfort is supreme).

Now with the pandemic, there has been more demand for private jet travel, what with airlines restricting routes and times (if flying at all). Chartering space on a private plane allows ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) to travel when and wherever they want. Of course, some companies found that using a private jet was cheaper than paying for numerous business class seats for their employees too.

Private jets are kept immaculate and high standards of cleanliness are expected. Of course, you will not have guests onboard that you don't know. But how else are VIP flights different from a standard commercial flight?

Travel on demand

Firstly, you can choose what time you want to travel and where to, and the aircraft and crew will be there. The client will mostly fly from a small private terminal or FBO (fixed-base operator), so there will be less hassle and next to no people compared to the regular airports. There is no waiting around.

From there, the client will be driven a short distance by limousine to the aircraft steps to board immediately, where they will be welcomed personally by the Captain and crew. Once the client has settled into the luxurious leather seating, they can choose to have canapés and champagne, as they wish, prior to take off, which will be imminent.

The luxury never ends

The top-of-the-range private jets are designed to be extremely comfortable and the ultimate in luxury, with everything from gold fittings in the bathrooms to the best in china, glassware by Baccarat and Christofle, high-end silverware along with the finest cashmere blankets. Some have showers and private sleeping quarters depending on the aircraft type and design, often picked by the private owner and their requirements. Most have seats that turn into lie flat beds at the minimum. Wireless internet and availability to make calls to the ground are the norm.

There are fresh flowers, personalized menus, a selection of platters for light grazing and the latest in movies and magazines. All amenities are high-end brands (everything from hand cream and shoe cleaner to cashmere socks). We also cater for pets and children and can arrange special treats for them too. Some private jet airlines, have a curated wine selection or even book clubs onboard - it is luxury to the extreme.

No airline meals here

The catering is personalized to the client, this can be through special requests (always granted!) or passenger profile if they've traveled with us before. Whether it is lobster thermidor, beluga caviar and Krug champagne or a Middle Eastern feast (or sometimes just a McDonald's), we will make it happen. Whether you need a birthday party, a particular brand of chocolates or a certain bouquet of flowers, it will be there.

Service is exactly when the client wishes and the dishes are cooked to order and presented as a 5-star restaurant meal would be. The meals are usually individually plated, but can be served as buffet or family-style, however it is wished. It's quite a formal service being somewhere between silver service and butler. Passengers can have as much food and drink as they like, or as little.

Confidentiality

If the client wishes to sleep, we can make up a bed for them, no problem. Nothing is too much trouble. The flight attendant is available on-demand and has to be discreet and 'invisible' also. Our clients are often high-profile individuals, so we have to sign confidentiality contracts to not disclose anything regarding the passenger.

Of course, once we reach the destination, again to a private terminal, we say our goodbyes and the limousine awaits our client to be whisked away to the 5-star hotel or their very own private estate.