Privates jet passengers find joy in the melodic hum of propellers and spinning rotor blades
breakin' the jet set's barriers:
The super-rich are taking flight in unconventional ways, with private jet providers tossing out the old playbook and embracing smaller planes like turboprops, pistons, and rotorcrafts. This shift is all about catering to the elite's demand to access exclusive, off-the-beaten-path locations, and it's reshaping the game for those who can afford it.
But wait, don't count yourself out just yet! Even if your net worth isn't sky-high, there are options on the table for you too.
The latest move comes from JSX, which offers a semi-private option for those who want to live that high life for a fraction of the cost. But let's be real, it's the demands of the uber-wealthy that are driving this trend.
As Alasdair Pritchard, Knight Frank's Private Office partner, puts it, "Clients want to buy their third, fourth, or even fifth home – but can they land their jet nearby?" It's all about the convenience factor, dictating property decisions, and exploring alternatives such as nearby airports with helicopter access or private airstrips on larger estates.
For those craving the full VIP experience, FlyExclusive, previously limited to jet aircraft, is launching charter flights with an amphibious float plane and Caravan turboprop. And they're not alone – Wheels Up is expanding its partnership with seaplane operator Tropic Ocean Airways, enabling members to visit over 70 smaller airports across the U.S., Caribbean, and the Bahamas.
"We're not surprised to see the rising interest in turboprops, seaplanes, and helicopters for last-mile travel – it's a trend that aligns squarely with the solutions we've been building for years," says Wheels Up CEO George Mattson.
Flexjet has also been stepping up its helicopter service, acquiring rotorcraft operators in both England and the United States. In 2023, Flexjet got the green light to operate helicopter flights between Florida and the Bahamas, and they've since expanded the seasonal service to year-round.
Longtime private and shared turboprop and rotorcraft operators have also been expanding their footprint, focusing on price and accessing airports that jets can't utilize. It's all about providing options for those who want to scratch that private jet itch without breaking the bank (or the environment).
For instance, Tradewind Aviation had been operating exclusively in the northeastern US and the Caribbean, but in 2023, they added a Florida base for charter flights and even started scheduled flights from Stuart to the Bahamas last year. PlaneSense has also been growing, expanding its jet card offering and its fleet's primary service area to the West Coast.
It's not just about billionaire beach houses – businesses and special events are driving the last-mile solutions too. Air Charter Service signed a deal in April to staff a new terminal and helipad area at the Silverstone race track, a two-and-half-hour trek by car outside of London. And it's all about the time savings, with helicopter shuttles saving many passengers between two and five hours compared to driving or making scheduled flights.
Even Linear Air Taxi, a charter broker specializing in turboprops and piston aircraft, has seen a surge in consumer confidence in the segment, driven by advances in technology like the Cirrus SR Series G7+ – the world's first single-engine piston aircraft equipped with an autonomous emergency landing system.
So, whether you're a UHNW Jet Setter, a business traveler juggling meetings across remote locations, or simply looking for a more affordable charter option to get to that secluded island resort, there's a plane out there for you. Buckle up, it's a new era of private travel. And if you can't afford a private jet, there's always JSX.
- The super-rich are traveling to islands like the Bahamas and exclusive locations in Florida Keys using unconventional means, such as private jets, helicopters, seaplanes, and turboprops for last-mile travel, opening up opportunities for businesses and events that require time savings.
- Sports enthusiasts can now access events at remote locations more efficiently, with private jet operators offering helicopter shuttles between venues like the Silverstone race track, saving many hours compared to driving or making scheduled flights, making it an attractive option for everyone, from Jet Setters to business travelers looking for a more affordable charter option.
