Jet travelers find delight in the melodious hum of propellers and rotor blades.
The Sky High Adventure Awaits the Elite: Last-Mile Travel Like Never Before
Jet-setters with deep pockets are in for a treat as the future of private travel is about to reach new heights. The demand for quick access to hard-to-reach places, particularly destinations with limited runways, is pushing leading private jet providers to venture into different aircraft, including turboprops, pistons, and rotorcraft.
If you're not among the ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNW), don't worry. There are options for you too!
On the horizon is JSX, a semi-private travel option that'sLEANING INTO THE FUTURE. However, it's the travel needs of the elite that are driving this trend.
As property purchasing decisions are often dictated by an individual's ability to access a nearby airport or private airstrip by jet, partners in Knight Frank's Private Office like Alasdair Pritchard are helping clients find alternatives, such as nearby airports with helicopter access or private airstrips on larger estates.
For those craving the full VIP experience, FlyExclusive is stepping up its game. After focusing primarily on jet aircraft, it's now offering charter flights using an amphibious float plane and Caravan turboprop. This move signals the company's commitment to meeting the ever-evolving demands of their well-heeled clientele.
Wheels Up is also expanding its partnership with seaplane operator Tropic Ocean Airways, granting members access to over 70 smaller airports across the U.S., Florida, Bahamas, and the Northeast. The aim? To provide a seamless, end-to-end premium travel experience – from commercial flights to final legs on the Cessna Caravan EX.
Meanwhile, Flexjet is making waves by extending its helicopter service for members of its fractional jet ownership program. By acquiring rotorcraft operators in both England and the United States, they've opened the door to year-round helicopter flights between Florida and the Bahamas.
As for smaller, long-standing turboprop operators, they're focusing on price and expanding their footprint. These operators can access airports that jets can't, giving them a competitive edge in the market.
With the growing interest in turboprops, seaplanes, and helicopters for last-mile travel, the establishment of new private terminals and partnerships is no surprise. The trend aligns perfectly with solutions that these innovative companies have been developing for years.
The future of private travel is about more than just arriving at your destination – it's about the journey. Today's premium travelers expect an experience, and companies are delivering, one last-mile flight at a time.
Fun Fact: The PC-12 turboprop is renowned for its ability to land on grass airstrips and runways as short as 3,000 feet, making it a prime choice for those in search of the ultimate in accessibility!
Ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNW) may travel from Florida Keys to Bahamas using a private jet, helicopter, or seaplane, as companies like Wheels Up and FlyExclusive offer charter flights using such aircraft for an exclusive, luxury travel experience. Sports enthusiasts might join these elite jet-setters, with many preferring private aviation to explore distant golf courses or luxury resorts in the sun-kissed islands.
