It is both surprising and unfortunate that in the business aviation sector, approximately 44% of private jets fly completely empty, carrying neither passengers nor cargo. An empty-leg flight is when a private jet flies without passengers or cargo. This happens when the plane must return to its home base or move to another location for its next charter. Theoretically, this offers travellers a chance to experience the luxury of private flying for less money.
Numerous operators and charter brokers concentrate their marketing strategies on filling empty legs to ‘democratize’ private aviation, thereby making it more accessible. While there are advantages from financial and environmental standpoints, the service may be unsatisfactory if clients are not fully informed before booking. Logistically and from a service standpoint, numerous complications can arise, making the process more challenging than it appears. So, what is the reality of empty legs, and what can actually occur?
While empty leg flights can provide significant savings, it’s crucial to be aware of their limitations. Such flights may have strict restrictions on changes, cancellations, or may require adherence to fixed itineraries.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of booking an empty leg flight to prevent unexpected issues. Keep in mind that a “discount” does not imply “inexpensive” – booking an economy seat on a commercial airline will always be more cost-effective. Even with a 75% discount, a 90-minute empty leg flight can still cost several thousand dollars off the original charter price.
Below are the top tips to ensure you are well-informed before inquiring about an empty leg flight.
- When considering booking an empty leg flight, it’s crucial to understand that the schedule is determined by the aircraft’s repositioning requirements. Therefore, the dates, routes, and times may vary more than those of standard commercial flights. Hence, booking empty leg flights could offer better opportunities if you have flexible travel dates. Openness to various options can enhance your likelihood of securing an appropriate empty leg that matches your itinerary. If you’re open to arranging your plans around an unconfirmed flight to enjoy the benefits of private flying at a lower cost, then opting for an empty leg flight could be an excellent choice. However, when travelling for an important event, the desired flights may not always be available on your preferred travel dates.
- Securing the best deals on empty leg flights requires both good timing and flexibility. However, planning ahead can also provide an edge. Due to their popularity, empty leg flights are frequently snapped up quickly.
- Explore dedicated platforms or specialized providers that focus on empty leg flights;
- Familiarise yourself with the seating capacities of private jets to better suit your needs. If you have a group ready to travel and willing to pay for their seats, be aware that operators may require booking the entire jet, unlike semi-private flights. Therefore, maximising the number of passengers can help ensure you enjoy the lowest cost per seat.
- As a niche segment of the air travel market, there may be only one flight available between your chosen departure and arrival cities in the month you plan to travel. There’s no guarantee that the return flight will be on an empty leg, so it’s essential to have a backup plan.
- Make sure the advertised empty legs are actually real and updated, sometimes they are not always accurate and sometimes don’t even exist.
- Without agreed permits and a secured crew, there is no absolute guarantee that an empty leg flight will proceed. It’s also important to remember that empty legs rely on the primary charter proceeding without any alterations to the aircraft’s scheduled itinerary. Consequently, there is always a risk of last-minute delays or cancellations, even just a few hours before departure.
- Be mindful of the final price, as hidden costs may be added to the flight by some providers. Many brokers often fail to disclose additional taxes, fuel surcharges, landing fees, and other expenses necessary for the flight’s operation. When flying in winter, it’s also advisable to check if the operator reveals their de-icing costs before booking. Additionally, Wi-Fi is typically billed after the flight based on the amount of bandwidth consumed.
- Always review the terms and conditions prior to flying. Operators may not provide any protection in the event of an AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situation due to maintenance issues. If you have strict travel plans and need to be at a specific location for an event, it’s advisable to consider booking a traditional charter, even if an empty leg flight seems to align with your schedule.
A proficient broker will always recommend a contingency plan and strive to secure availability for an urgent flight departing from the same or a nearby airport. It’s important to remember that empty leg flights, from an operator’s viewpoint, are merely incidental to their core business of passenger transport. Consequently, they are bound by the same limitations as any private jet charter.
Typically, the availability of empty leg flights increases during the peak travel seasons and significant holidays, as jets are frequently repositioning. By remaining adaptable and keeping an eye on available flights, you can take advantage of outstanding deals for luxury travel at substantially reduced prices.
In conclusion, empty leg flights are ideally suited for those with flexible schedules who enjoy spontaneous trips. However, it’s wise to have a backup plan to avoid any potential disruption to your vacation.
Bombardier’s Proven Global 7500 Makes Debut at Singapore Airshow, Smoothest-flying Ultra-Long-Range Business Jet
- With more than 150 aircraft delivered to date, the Global 7500 aircraft is business aviation’s most reliable, luxurious, and productive home office in the sky
- The Global 7500 jet boasts an unrivaled cabin, and signature smooth ride and is the largest and longest-range business aircraft certified and in service
- In the past six months, the Global 7500 aircraft has built upon its long list of awards and has flown multiple record-breaking missions, showcasing its unmatched performance attributes
Bombardier today announced it is bringing its industry-defining Global 7500 aircraft to the Singapore Airshow Feb. 20-25, making its debut at this important industry event. Truly in a class of its own, the Global 7500 aircraft has transformed business aviation with its refined design, unsurpassed performance, and outstanding technological advancements.
The ultra-long-range Global 7500 aircraft has proven to be the highest-performing purpose-built business jet in the world. Holding the title of the longest-range flight in business aviation of over 8,225 nautical miles, Bombardier has delivered more than 150 aircraft, highlighting its high reliability and in-demand attributes. With a fleet dispatch reliability of more than 99.8% through well over 100,000 flight hours, unsurpassed performance, outstanding technological advancements, cutting-edge sustainability attributes, and luxurious, exceptional cabins for maximum productivity and comfort, the Global 7500 is in a class of its own.
“Bombardier leads the way in the development of cutting-edge, industry-defining aircraft and our Global 7500 aircraft embodies all of our outstanding craftsmanship, innovation, and performance attributes that set it apart from the competition,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales, and Bombardier Defense. “The Global 7500 aircraft is the perfect choice for our Asia-Pacific customers seeking the finest business jet for long-distance travel. It is also a capable option for specialized and defense clients who need a reliable workhorse for a variety of missions.”
The Global 7500 jet packs a punch when it comes to performance. It boasts a top speed of Mach 0.925 and a range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), enabling it to have the capacity to set numerous speed and distance records. Recently, the Global 7500 aircraft set multiple speed records, showcasing its impressive performance attributes.* These accomplishments build on earlier speed and distance records, including the fastest flight from Los Angeles to New York and New York to London, as well as the longest-ever flight out of London City Airport.
The Global 7500 aircraft also enables several key long-distance pairs from Singapore, including Singapore to San Francisco, and Singapore to London, along with other key long-distance routes in the Asia-Pacific region such as Hong Kong to New York, Tokyo to New York, and Melbourne to Los Angeles.
Read more
Bombardier shipments continue to grow
Bombardier reported that revenues climbed by 16 percent year-over-year in 2023, topping $8 billion, as it scaled deliveries to 138 Challenger and Global business jets. The aircraft manufacturer expects deliveries to take another step up to between 150 and 155 in 2024, returning to levels not seen since 2016.
This year, most of that growth is expected to come from its super-midsize Challenger 3500s, with Global deliveries remaining stable.
Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel:
“While we have everything in place to achieve our objective, I want to highlight that our delivery profile for the year is largely set by the pace at which we receive parts from our supplier. We are in an environment where we continue to play the cards we are dealt versus planning an ideal production schedule.”
Martel is optimistic about solid sales continuing this year, despite headwinds involving conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. “We do foresee quite a bit of activity right now on all of our platforms. Looking at our prospect list and people we’ve talked to, [activity] has remained strong.” Customers are not disappearing, he said, but added that they may be taking more time.
In 2023, deliveries were up by 15 units on the year, with Challenger shipments increasing by 13, to 63, and Globals by five, to 75. However, 2022 totals also included three shipments from the now-discontinued Learjet line. Bombardier handed over 32 Globals in the last quarter, compared with 29 a year earlier, and 24 Challengers, compared with 20 a year earlier.
The rise in Global deliveries in 2025 coincides with planned market entry to the Global 7500 and Global 8000. Martel said the development has remained on track for certification and initial deliveries next year. “We are flying the airplane a lot,” he said. While the aircraft has generated substantial interest from customers, Bombardier is offering a retrofit option for the 7500, which he said is keeping activity solid on that aircraft even as the new version is in the wings.
Meanwhile, thanks to the significant investments in the service center space, the company continued to expand its aftermarket revenues and market share. Aftermarket brought in $1.75 billion, up 16 percent from a year earlier and 75 percent since 2020. Bombardier anticipates this to continue to grow as it works toward its goal of $2 billion in aftermarket in 2025.
NetJets will be the launch fleet customer for the Bombardier Global 8000, and the company has placed an order for an additional four aircraft, bringing the total orders for the fractional ownership pioneer to 24 aircraft. Those 24 orders include eight Global 7500s that will be upgraded to the Global 8000 in addition to the 12 previously on order. The new aircraft is expected to enter service in early 2025, and has a list price of $78 million per aircraft. Bombardier has planned a Supplemental Type Certificate program to upgrade existing Global 7500 models to the Global 8000 specifications shortly after entry into service.
PJE
Our commitment to you!
During these times, it is important to look out for our health.
Flying private helps you avoid large crowds and long lines, minimizing your exposure to other individuals.
When flying with us, you can be sure that you are flying the cleanest, safest, and most efficient way.
Quality and craftsmanship
From the moment you board the Gulfstream G550, the cabin enchants. Everywhere you look, everything you touch, you find craftsmanship and attention to detail. The gleam of the finishes on the ledges and tables. The sparkle of goblets and flatware. The high-definition quality of the video equipment. Each element of the Gulfstream interior is exquisitely designed for one purpose – to charm.
Long range jet travel should be comfortable and Gulfstream definitely knows how to achieve the ultimate level of comfort. That feeling begins with four living areas surrounded by the unique Gulfstream experience – a soothing, refreshing combination of 100 percent filtered fresh air, low cabin altitude, radiant light from the signature oval windows and a serenely quite cabin.
The aircraft can sleep up to eight passengers or, for the ultimate in personal comfort, design flexibility offers the choice of creating a private stateroom.
Raising productivity
Capable of changing hemispheres easily with its nonstop range, the G550 journeys in and out of remote destinations masterfully. Whenever, wherever opportunity calls, you’ll be there. And you can fly your team with you.
Moreover, the G550 is a fully connected corporate suite powered by the momentum of high Mach speed. Outfitted with the latest communications equipment, the G550 keeps you in control, even at 51,000 feet. You will never miss a call or a meeting.
Brilliant, swift and sure – a triple combination the G550 introduced to business aviation through state-of-the-art technology. The PlaneView flight deck streamlines and organizes data for pilots and presents it in crisp displays that reduce pilot workload and improve situational awareness.
The Enhanced Vision System and optional Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display further revolutionize flying by using infrared light and 3-D graphics of terrain to greatly define approach and landing areas.
Luxury meets Luxury – this was the essence of the party organized by Idea Events, Private Luxury Group’ events division, on the 12th of December. In the glamorous decor of the historical villa Oromolu – Qreator by IQOS, the guests were welcomed by renowned travel & lifestyle brands, such as Gulfstream, Tudor. Personal Tailor, Simona Semen of Private Luxury Travel and had the chance to spend a quality evening, sprinkled with Luc Belaire’s sparkling wine.
The event also marked the launch of the new edition of the travel & lifestyle magazine Rhapsody – The Luxury Standard. This number celebrates innovation in luxury and brings forward brands and destinations that put excellence in the core of their business.
Gulfstream, one of the main luxury aircraft producer in the world, is such an example, whose presence was enjoyed at the event. The model of the latest G650 aircraft and the exclusive images from the inside of the aircraft introduced the guests into the atmosphere of a luxury trip. The new aircraft sets a high standard in the business travel industry and achieves notable performance in terms of engineering, functionality, precision and comfort.
The picture of a perfect trip was completed by Private Luxury Travel, which offers concierge services, through its VIP Travel Club – Rhapsody. The cards grant access to VIP lounges in the airport and other exclusive venues in the world, facilitate flight and boarding procedures and provide a complete meet & assist package throughout a trip.
The guests were also delighted with two fashion presentations, first of them bearing the signature of the Romanian designer Simona Semen and the second one, signed by Tudor. Personal Tailor. In discreet shades of grey, peach or pale pink, Simona Semen’s creations have outlined a romantic image, through delicacy and femininity, simple lines and fluid materials. Tudor. Personal Tailor’ creations brought a touch of extra elegance and masculinity through British inspired costumes and the highest attention to details.
The event was organized with the support of our partners: Gulfstream, Private Luxury Travel, Private Jets Europe, Luc Belaire, Qreator by IQOS and Leonidas.
https://youtu.be/PUltR7pnNCw
Emirates has launched its own private jet service, and it is receiving rave reviews from travel experts.
The Dubai-based carrier’s private jet is being described as a “flying hotel.”
The company’s reconfigured Airbus A319 has impressive interior specifications, including private suites, a spa, and even branded luxury toiletries.
Passengers can also reconfigure the main salon according to their needs. It can be transformed into a business center geared for conference calls and presentations.
In addition to that, the jet also has 1,500 television channels, high-speed internet, as well as mobile connectivity.
Emirates’ created the new division in response to heightened private jet flight demands in the Middle East, China, Russia, and India.
Read more here.
The Falcon 8X is the latest innovation for Dassault. More range, more space, increased comfort and, as usual, the highest level of attention to details.
The company’s newest flagship has the longest cabin in the Falcon family, provides more comfort and a stunning choice of more than 30 distinct layouts and thanks to its unique design, is every bit as fuel efficient as the Falcon 7X.
You can opt for a very comfortable three lounge cabin, or you can choose to go shorter on the entryway and add even more lounge space. Everything from a full galley to a comfortable workspace to a restful night’s sleep and a shower can be accommodated. The new Falcon 8X is all about your personal taste, with an entire design team ready to bring your vision to life.
No matter what type of configuration you choose, you will benefit from a low noise level and low cabin altitude, resulting in a better felling on board and less jet lag after arrival.
