April 3, 2024
Flexjet says it is seeing “major increases among those flying privately over the holidays, with travel reaching record levels over Thanksgiving and continuing its growth during the holiday season.”
The company, which has been in the news for its recent separate billion-dollar aircraft orders from Embraer and Gulfstream – on the same day – may need more private jets sooner rather than later.
Travel today and tomorrow is expected to exceed that of Thanksgiving weekend – annually the busiest travel days of the year.
Flexjet chief operating officer Megan Wolf said the overlapping of Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s is driving the higher demand.
“With the holidays coinciding this year, more people will be traveling at the same time, crowding the skies and making private jet travel more appealing than ever,” she said.
Wolf added, “Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Flexjet typically sees more travel than any other time of the year, and this year was no different. However, bookings for this coming weekend already exceed this year’s Thanksgiving travel levels.”
In addition to new private jets, Flexjet has been boosting its luxury and lifestyle partnerships.
Based on early bookings and an analysis of travel patterns over the past three years, Flexjet says the expected top private jet travel destinations for the holiday season include a mix of sun, ski, and overseas locales. Among the top destinations in each of several categories:
Of note, The Bahamas, which remains a popular destination despite the damage caused by Hurricane Dorian.
Flexjet notes, historically, private jet travel has increased in tandem with commercial traffic.
Fliers turn to private jets to avoid the crowds, delays and lengthened travel times associated with the airlines.
In addition to the time savings, travelers value the ability to set their own schedules.
They also enjoy more comfortable seating and catered meals and the ability to bring wrapped presents and pets onboard.
