Then, COVID completely changed the way people perceive and access travel.  The fear of traveling on crowded flights and getting infected diminished global air travel by more than 90%.  However, an unexpected trend emerged.  Post lockdowns, while airlines have seen single digit growth compared to 2019 levels, business aviation in Europe and across the Globe showed a remarkable recovery backed by the need of businesses and HNWIs to travel safely for undertaking their businesses in the safety of private aircraft and operators opening new business models of selling seats on private jets.  Per WingX report in October 2020, the recovery in business jet traffic in USA at that point in Autumn 2020 reached around 85% of comparable 2019 activity.

The use of business aircraft saves time, provides convenience, privacy, reduced touchpoints for safety, and overall productivity, leading to a snowball effect of economic growth.  Europe is now primed to take advantage of this situation and focus on re-invigorating its robust business aviation ecosystem. In parallel, allowing vibrancy and prosperity to return to industry at large. It is well documented and evidenced that it makes sound economic sense for certain companies and individuals to utilize business aviation, either through ownership, and fractional ownership or charter business models such as JetClub.

Business aviation positively impacts jobs and the European economy

This industry has generated millions of jobs and added billions of dollars to the economy (source: NBAA).

Just as airlines do, business aviation companies in Europe employ highly skilled engineers, mechanics, flight despatchers, managers and pilots and are supported by several organizations which provide services such as aircraft maintenance, air charter brokerage, ground handling, food and beverage and technology.  It follows that an increase in the number of business aircraft creates high quality career opportunities for professionals, who wish to contribute to the aviation sector.  The industry also has a significant contribution to the economy.

An increase in business aviation also increases the possibilities for new businesses such as fixed based operators (FBO). Consider this, per NBAA (in 2015), there were an estimated 3,000 FBOs in U.S., generating USD 15 billion in annual revenue.  Europe’s FBO industry, although witnessing a flat growth since last 5 years, has opportunity to grow into a sizeable market post COVID.

A change in perception on usage of corporate or charter aircraft will enhance corporate productivity

We have seen instances where CEOs of public companies have put off their decision to purchase a business aircraft or use chartered flights when it was direly needed. This was done from the perspective that the shareholders might think of an aircraft purchase or use of chartered flights as an unjustified expense. For example, in a recent instance shareholders of a well-known company questioned the minor use of chartered flights of its CEO, who travelled for more than 500 hours in a year in commercial airlines.

A business aircraft is an important tool that gives busy executives the ability to remain “close to the customer” in a challenging business environment and reduces waste by saving thousands of hours of non-productive travel time.  Further, business aircraft has become more accessible through fractional ownership business models such as JetClub provides.

The beauty of business aviation via a model such as JetClub is that a team of three to four executives can travel anywhere and return home the same day. The average cost per seat on a light jet is only slightly higher than a business class fare of a commercial airline.  In addition, executives can avoid overnight stay at hotels which not only saves costs, but they are also able to return home to their families rather than spend a night at a hotel.  The cost of accessing business aviation / private jet travel via JetClub is, in many cases, lower than was seen pre-COVID. As such, there is a new customer base of SME’s and entrepreneurs that can access business aviation for the first time. These businesses have a valuable contribution to make to European economies; indeed, they are the future.

Increase in entrepreneurial opportunities

For decades, business aviation companies in the US and Europe have been enhancing business models by introducing fractional jet ownership, aggressive empty leg marketing, shared private flights, airline partnerships by leveraging technology, investments and tax regulations and thus bringing down the cost of chartered and private flights.

Particularly the business aviation has been plagued with mindset fatigue i.e. it continues to follow the traditional marketing business practices and operating processes in the same way as it has been done for the past two decades.  A few companies tried to use technology to drive aggregation but have not yet been successful due to lack of innovation in their offerings and lack of supply of enough aircraft to trigger new innovations.  However, the COVID pandemic has offered a unique opportunity for on-demand aviation entrepreneurs to disrupt this industry.

Innovations happen when markets are large and scalable. New entrepreneurial opportunities will emerge when Government enables change and introduce new regulations to increase supply of business aircraft in the country.

A more sustainable approach to flying

Business aviation has been at the forefront of adopting environmentally sustainable practices even though it contributes to less than 2 percent of all aviation and 0.04 percent of all global GHG emissions.  Stakeholders across the value chain – manufacturers, fuel producers, operators and government leaders have proactively found ways to discuss and implement sustainable flying initiatives such as development of sustainable fuels and formulating carbon offsetting programs.

Recently, JetClub announced its plans to add the electric e-Flyer 800 to its fleet. The JetClub HondaJet is already sustainable in comparison with many heavier jet options. The addition of an all-electric option is a major leap forward for the company and the industry.

With all this said, Europe is ready to embrace the new-normal, facilitate business travel, and support economic recovery.

To learn more about fractional ownership with JetClub – click here.

Business aviation kept going when commercial airlines ground to a halt; it made mission impossible, possible. As international travel became more and more challenging, the awareness of business aviation as a viable alternative grew. While hygiene and travel health concerns reached a peak, business aviation enquiries soared. Utilizing private aviation reduces “touchpoints” by over 80% when compared with commercial airlines, and therefore it became a justifiable option for new users.

Although commercial air travel is slowly returning to service; travel times, conditions, and overall efficiency have plummeted. In parallel, business aviation has provided a lifeline to corporations and individuals. The value of business aviation as a tool, enabler, and solution has been realized.

Back to business

The misconception previously was that business aviation was an unnecessary expense. Now, shareholders are increasingly viewing private air travel as a way to maximize executive productivity. Business aviation is shedding the outdated, elitist aura as more SME’s adopt it as an efficiency tool.

The JetClub approach

JetClub has created a business model that is perfect for first time users, SMEs, and individuals to join.

JetClub is based upon an innovative aviation fractional ownership system whereby owners have access to the jet for a number of days per month. Users / owners can access multiple destinations in the same day at no extra cost, which is a unique offering in the private aviation market. The cost of flying privately via JetClub is significantly lower than traditional charter options, making it a justifiable expense to businesses that rely on travel.

JetClub’s light jet also presents a greener option. As consumers and businesses continue to place a heavy emphasis on sustainability, JetClub’s meets the needs of the market.

So why choose business aviation?

The following are top five reasons why business aviation is beneficial for most companies.

1. Convenience
2. Time saving
3. Privacy
4. Economics
5. Seamless experience

1) Convenience

The basic premise of business aviation is that it provides a tremendous amount of flexibility to the senior executives who want to travel where and when they need to do so. For example, in many cases the corporate headquarters are located in tier 1 cities and the factories or project locations are based in tier 2 or 3 cities where commercial air connectivity may either not be available or the timings are highly unsuitable. In such cases, a CEO along with her or his team of three to four executives can travel to multiple destinations and return home the same day.

Furthermore, the most tiring part of air travel in case of multi city visits is the layover time at airports. When using business aircraft, executives can move in and out of airports in less than 15 minutes and can cover three or four cities in a single day.

Business aviation is an important tool that gives busy executives the ability to remain “close to the customer” in a challenging business environment and reduces waste by saving thousands of hours of non-productive travel time.

According to 2017 NBAA report business aviation contributed to enterprise values of the best managed companies in USA.

It is clear that the convenience offered by private air travel has a significant, positive impact on the morale and productivity of the executives and is a justified use of corporate resources.

2) Time saving

For corporate executives, time is the most precious and limited resource. It becomes a stressful situation when airlines get delayed or executives get stuck in traffic and are anxious of missing a flight. Second, the pandemic has increased travel administration and in turn check-in and security check times are now far longer. At the minimum, travelers must arrive at airport at least three hours prior to departure. Hardly an efficient process for a business leader trying to do more with less time.

In private air travel, executives can arrive just 15 minutes prior to departure, check in via a dedicated aviation terminal and their luggage can be loaded directly in the aircraft. In some cases, travelers can save almost 80% of the dwell time that they would spend at an airport. In addition, if the executives are late for some reason, the aircraft will wait.

Business aircraft are often referred to as time machines because they free up significant amount of valuable executive time thereby creating a stress-free, smooth travel experience.

3) Privacy

The value addition of this aspect is incomparable to those executives who like to make full productive use of their time on the aircraft. Most executives like to get their work done or discuss important client issues prior to their meeting at the destination city. By utilizing private aviation, a team of three to four executives can sit in a club style seating arrangement in a business aircraft and can discuss sensitive project issues or have a full scale meeting in the privacy of their aircraft. This cannot be done in a commercial airline business class where other travelers can listen to your sensitive business communication or long-haul first-class compartment, where seats are often highly segregated and such discussions are often not possible. If an executive is traveling alone, it also provides a much needed ‘disconnected’ or ‘me time’ to reflect about macro business issues.

According to a 2009 survey by the National Business Aviation Association, respondents rated themselves as 20% more productive while on company aircraft than in the office. Their counterparts flying commercial reported a 40% drop in productivity.

The privacy offered by business aircraft is much valued by corporate executives for the value it adds to their work.

4) Economics

The average cost per seat on a JetClub light jet is only slightly higher as compared to a business class fare of a commercial airline but provides all the value associated with private air travel as mentioned above. In addition, executives can avoid overnight stay at hotels which not only saves corporate costs, but they are also able to return home to their families rather than spend a night at a hotel. In addition, executives can report to work next day and spend productive time in the office rather than spending time traveling on commercial airline the next day had they not used a private air service.

Economics could be a secondary consideration when safety and privacy of the passengers could be a concern. Top executives of Fortune 500 companies, politicians, celebrities and sports teams usually attract lot of attention and need to have a hassle free and secure way to travel, which is provided best by private air travel.

5) Seamless experience

Finally, the key rationale of business aviation is to have a hassle free and seamless travel experience, while utilizing the quiet space and efficiency that is needed to successfully carry out executive responsibilities.

Few good quality air charter companies or in-house aviation companies managing company aircraft work hard to work out the minor details such as car drop to the airport, fast check-in, customized onboard catering according to passenger preferences, inflight calls and/or wi-fi service, transfer to a helicopter, if required, and car pick up at the destination airport etc.

Such seamless travel experiences are not indulgences. Rather they are essential to executive travel and if carried out as one unified process with great attention to details, they significantly help executives to focus on matters which are of highest priority to the company while on business travel.

In summary, business aviation has become an essential business requirement. Hence the paradigm shift towards perceiving business aviation as a necessity and not as a luxury indulgence is a step forward in increasing executive productivity.

(* Business aviation, for the purpose of this article, is considered any flight which is undertaken on company owned aircraft or a chartered aircraft for business purposes)

Join the conversation, we would love to hear any comments from you, if any.

Sudhir S. Rajeshirke is Chief Operating Officer, JetClub.

Fifi Huang, Flight Operations Coordinator

What do you love about aviation?

As with so many in our industry, my passion for aviation began when was I was a child. My parents lived in South Africa and flying was a huge part of our lives as it connected us with the rest of family and friends back in China. As a child, I recall that feeling of excitement stepping into an airport and then looking out the window 41,000ft above the ground.

I dreamt about being a pilot once but unfortunately, my dream did not come true. I studied Aviation Management in College and received my dispatcher’s license. This is my way of connecting to flying!

Why did you choose to work for JetClub?

Quite soon after completing graduate school, the pandemic hit the world and impacted so many jobs in aviation. I was fortunate to connect with Vishal Hiremath, the CEO and founder of JetClub, via my alumni program. I soon learned that we shared a passion for aviation, but crucially, that the JetClub business model is one that can transcend the challenges of the pandemic by bringing value and transparency to business aviation. I also value the opportunity to work with a global, diverse, and inclusive team that gives me an opportunity to learn and advance professionally.

Describe the company in 3 words

Dynamic, Passionate, Young

Describe yourself in 3 words

Fearless, Humble, Fun

#JetClubAllStars

An 8-seat, all electric, twin turboprop aircraft, the eFlyer 800 paves the way for the future of aviation by offering a more innovative and sustainable mode of travel. With businesses prioritising responsible travel more than ever, this all-electric option is a great solution for sustainable tourism and helps to reconcile essential business travel concerns about climate change.

JetClub CEO & Co-Founder, Vishal Hiremath commented: “Sustainability is a core pillar of the JetClub philosophy. Innovation in this context aligns with our future vision for the group, which is toward resilient, zero emission and affordable private travel. While private aviation contributes only 0.04% of global emissions, we are working towards zero percent. The past two years of exponential growth of the brand in the US has shown us that business travel is essential to protect jobs and economies, but not at the expense of the environment. As passionate aviators, we are excited about finding solutions for the future of aviation. With the addition of the eFlyer 800 to our fleet, we take a leap forward in our sustainability goals.”

Slated to be in operation by 2025, the eFlyer’s configuration consists of up to seven passengers and one or two pilots. The eFlyer 800 will have only one-fifth the operating costs of traditional twin turboprops and is geared for the air-taxi, air-cargo, regional and charter aircraft markets.

Key features of the eFlyer 800 include up to 320 knots cruise speed, 35,000 feet ceiling and 500 nm range with 45-minute IFR reserves. Enhanced safety features include two wing-mounted electric motors, each with dual redundant motor windings, quad-redundant battery packs and a full airplane parachute. Additional features include emergency auto-landing system, artificial intelligence and an option for supplemental power solar cells and in-wheel electric taxi.

George Bye, Founder and CEO of Bye Aerospace commented “We have developed an aircraft that meets the needs of our growing global population without compromising the environment. Innovation exists to serve humanity and the planet, and we believe that electric flight is a meaningful step forward in aviation sustainability. Through the partnership with JetClub, we look forward to rolling out electric flight in Europe and Asia.”

Beyond the business aviation sector, 64% of global consumers want to travel sustainably and 76% of consumers are expected to be more concerned about sustainability after COVID*. While current methods of aviation sustainability include purchasing carbon credits to offset carbon emissions, by committing to operate the eFlyer 800, JetClub is making a paradigm shift in the way people fly sustainably in the future.

*Source: earth-changers.com

About JetClub

JetClub is an innovative business aviation company with a private jet usage model that combines the newest jet aircraft with a sharing economy to provide members with an affordable, private, fast and intelligent solution. Client members have the flexibility and convenience of owning a business jet without undergoing the traditional hassles of administration, operations and expenses. JetClub has a dedicated flight operations team to take care of pilot training, maintenance, logistics and international operations.  A world class concierge team manages all travel details and provides best in class service and trip support. JetClub is co-founded by Vishal Hiremath and Glenn Gonzales for the Asia, Europe and South American regions. More information available at https://www.jetclubgroup.com.

About Bye Aerospace

Based at Centennial Airport near Denver, Colorado, Bye Aerospace specializes in the design and manufacture of electric aircraft, including the eFlyer family of aircraft. Bye Aerospace, named “2020 Small Business of the Year” by the Aurora, Colo. Chamber of Commerce and recognized as “Most Innovative” in the 2020 Made in Colorado awards sponsored by ColoradoBiz magazine, was founded by George E. Bye, who is also the Chairman and CEO.

My name is Mr. Vu Anh, Regional Vice President of France, Switzerland, and Benelux.

Why did you choose to work for JetClub?

Whilst leading sales for Hondajet at Thai Aerospace Services in Southeast Asia, I met Vishal Hiremath who shared his vision for JetClub. I already had clear sight on the value proposition of the HondaJet and how popular it is and continues to be in line with trends towards lighter and more fuel-efficient aircraft.

As has been widely reported since the beginning of COVID-19, there has been a sharp increase in charter flights and use of business aviation. From repatriation to medical flights, to essential business travel, this trend continues to grow. The JetClub business model embraces this trend and takes it one step further by making business aviation more accessible to small to medium businesses and first-time users. In the US, we have seen the business grow 400% in 24 months and I am excited about rolling out across Europe and the rest of the world.

Describe your vision for the company

To bring total mobility, value, and a real solution to all our owners and members. Via our fractional ownership “club” model, we will fly our members on three continents with a consistent experience and cost. We plan to democratise business aviation, facilitating emerging industries, and new individuals to fly privately at a reasonable cost for the first time. Business aviation is a recognised tool for better work efficiency. When utilising the tool, businesses save precious time resulting in fewer job losses, stability, and growth.

How have perceptions around business aviation changed over the past five years?

The outdated view – that private aviation is for millionaires and billionaires is changing. Organisations including the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) have raised awareness of the value of business aviation as a tool for economic recovery, job creation, and multiple other benefits.

What are some of the issues JetClub intends to address in the business aviation space?

Primarily, to make business aviation more efficient, responsible, accessible, and transparent.
We fly a new fleet of the most advanced, responsible, and efficient aircraft of its class.
There are lots of companies that offer better rates, via “jet cards”, but with no guarantee of aircraft availability, especially during peak travel periods.

At Jetclub, members and users are guaranteed access to the aircraft as part of their membership. They can use the jet all day, enabling access to multiple destinations across, for example, Europe.

Owners purchase a share in the aircraft with a title of ownership, and a buy back guarantee if they later decide to sell it.

Describe the company in 3 words

PRIVATE, FAST, INTELLIGENT

Describe yourself in 3 words

Persistent, Confident, Resilient

#JetClubAllStars

Mira Smagulova, Regional Vice President Eastern Europe

What do you love about aviation?

Like so many in our industry, I have been passionate about aviation since childhood. For me, it represents freedom and opportunity. As an adult, I discovered business aviation and learned of its benefits as a tool for economic growth and that really excites me. I have observed emerging industries spring up, thrive, and grow as they utilise business aviation as a time saving tool. The one thing we all want more of is time and being time poor is the major issue of our time. I have observed business aviation operate as a “time machine” to businesses and individuals – which to me is extremely exciting. Business and general aviation, and aviation in general is proof to me that humanity is capable of the impossible. We will continue to evolve and innovate, and I love being a part of that story.

Why did you choose to work for JetClub?

I joined JetClub in the early stages of the company being set up.

JetClub will launch first in Europe and will later expand to India and Asia. When you think about aviation, what comes to mind? Romantic and exciting images no doubt. In reality, aviation is one of the most highly regulated industries that exists, and it requires meticulous attention to detail, organisation, local knowledge, and the ability think and adjust very quickly.

My role extends across multiple disciplines including customer service, security, technical oversight, business development. It is a job that requires razor sharp focus, discipline, and attention to detail. There is enormous opportunity at JetClub, both for the business and for its employees. We are a tight, professional, energetic team that works together for our group’s success.

Describe the company in 3 words

Of course, that’s easy – Private, Fast, Intelligent.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Meticulous, Dedicated, Ambitious.

#JetClubAllStars

Fernanda Contreras, Concierge, JetClub Europe.

What do you love about aviation?

Though this may sound unusual, I thrive on the challenges of business aviation. We plan trips in minute detail with complete precision, but everything can change in less than one minute. There are lots of factors that are beyond our control and the team and I get deep satisfaction from resolving “mission impossible” issues. In business aviation, unlike commercial airlines with scheduled flights, no operation is the same and the job requires a meticulous attention to detail, industry knowledge, and ability to remain calm under pressure.

I also receive a great deal of satisfaction from being able to create experiences that improve people’s lives. Through COVID-19 – business aviation has been a lifeline to so many businesses, individuals, medics, governments, and communities in general. Whilst the airlines have been grounded, our industry has got stranded people home, helped deliver medical supplies, and kept businesses alive, protecting jobs and the economy.

Working with a jet as technically superior as the HondaJet is also extremely exciting. As concierge, it is part of my role to ensure that the jet is an office and home from home. It should include everything the passenger needs and expects to make their journey as comfortable and efficient as possible.

Finally, aviation is an industry that makes the world smaller. In the JetClub team, I have met professionals from all over the world, each bringing a unique set of skills I can learn from. To sum up – there really is no industry like business aviation for excitement and professional development.

Why did you choose to work for JetClub?

Multiple reasons – its commitment to gender parity and equal opportunities, its vision to make business aviation more accessible and transparent, and its energy.

Unlike lots of larger, more traditional aviation companies, JetClub’s team is small, tight, with assertive communication and highly effective teamwork. It is a place where goals are achieved and things happen, without hierarchical delays.

We are a multi-cultural team that works in unison as the JetClub machine. We are all working towards a common goal – to make business aviation more accessible.

I know that with JetClub, I will be able to achieve my goals.

Describe the company in 3 words

Slick, Safe, Challenger

Describe yourself in 3 words

Intense, Committed, Loyal

Carmen Munguia C, Regional Vice President, Southern Europe

What do you love about aviation?

I love the feeling of complete freedom and the limitless possibilities of flight. This may sound like a cliché, but that feeling you get when you take off? It’s exciting and inspires me, professionally and personally. Aviation may be going through some flux at present, but it is also an industry that is resilient and continually evolves. What I find exciting, is that when travel returns, aviation will be ready with new technology and innovation that contributes to safe, sustainable travel.

Why did you choose to work for JetClub?

JetClub is unique. It offers a forward-thinking approach to business aviation and is set up to serve the way travel will work in a post-pandemic world. It is also a young, fresh, values-led, energetic, intelligent company that innovates towards giving people back their most precious asset – time. It is important to me to be part of something bigger that I can believe in.

Describe the company in 3 words

Intelligent, inclusive, innovative

Describe yourself in 3 words

Proactive, positive, mindful