Private Jet Availability Returns to Pre-COVID Levels

Photo by Ibrar Hussain

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on travel across the board as countries went into lockdown and instituted travel restrictions. Even private jet travel was affected, even though it was to a much lesser extent. Many countries still allowed private jets to land even when commercial flights were banned and some passengers felt safe enough to the measures taken by jet charter companies to travel privately during that time.

How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Increase Demand for Private Jet Travel?

Private jets were a much safer travel option than commercial flights during the pandemic. Some countries that banned commercial flights did allow private jets to land, enabling travel for those who owned or could charter private flights. Many travelers, therefore, turned to private jet charters who otherwise would have been flying first class. This increased the demand for available charters as well as for jet purchases. In some cases, this demand outstripped the supply, with some charter companies struggling to meet the sudden surge in requests.

Has Travel Increased Post-COVID?

Following the end of quarantines, regular commercial travel began to pick back up, but at an unprecedented rate. Several years’ worth of travel demand seemed to occur all at once and in many cases, supply couldn’t keep up with demand. Commercial air travel and rental cars were both hit particularly hard. The private jet industry wasn’t hit by such disruptions quite as much post-COVID, as the increase in demand for jet charters had occurred earlier, during the pandemic.

What Is the Demand for Private Jet Travel in 2023?

Thus far in 2023, the private jet industry has experienced a 12.48% increase in demand for charters from pre-COVID levels in 2019. This represents a return to relative normalcy for the private jet industry. Charters are still increased from what they were before the pandemic, but at a rate that is less overwhelming. Jet charter companies that were struggling to fulfill requests now have full availability.

What Is the Private Jet Charter Demand for Spring and Summer 2023?

With the commercial air travel industry on the rebound from post-COVID chaos, there’s a better balance between people purchasing first-class tickets and chartering private jets. Commercial airlines have increased their flight schedules to accommodate leisure travel and holidays in the warmer months. With this as another option for travel, the demand for private jet charters isn’t as overwhelming, meaning that while the industry is seeing plenty of growth, private jet passengers shouldn’t have difficulty chartering an aircraft when they need one.

Which Aircraft Are the Most In-Demand for Private Jet Charters?

Light jets have seen the most demand in 2023 compared to other jet sizes. Mid-sized and heavy jets haven’t seen as many flight hours as light jets. This may change, however, as we move into the summer months and more passengers book private jet charters to summer destinations.

How Have Private Jet Fuel Prices Changed?

Fuel prices can impact the cost of a private jet charter and also may vary depending on the airport and region. Regardless, fuel prices in general have increased since the pandemic and haven’t returned to pre-COVID rates in some areas. Despite this, private jet charters have still been in demand for travelers.