Benefits Of Private Flights In Corporate UAE
Discover the best way to travel for business in the UAE: private charters that are changing the way people are working, having meetings, and much more.
Are you looking for a tailored travel experience that removes the stress of airport queues, security screenings, flight rage, toilet queues, and service when you want it? Flying via private jet, a class of transport formerly reserved for billionaires and celebrities, has grown considerably in popularity, with over 5 million international private flights soaring the skies each year. Numbers are set to fly even higher in the coming years, with companies spending billions to accommodate the increased need, but how do people fly privately in the Middle East?
Source: Kent Tupas via Unsplash
Private Jet Flights in the UAE
Demand has jumped to astronomical heights across the Middle East with Dubai's headquartered private aviation group. Flight hours across the region grew by 60% in the beginning half of 2023, as compared to 15% in the US, making it one of the largest private jet charter markets in the world. Around the globe, private air travel welcomed around 40% more members between January and June compared to the year before.
One of the reasons for this could be that countries such as the UAE are now home to some of the most wealthy individuals in the world, with higher net worth than ever before. The perfect example is Dubai, the home to 15 billionaires and over 200 people worth at least $100 million. The growth and popularity of this city have the potential to rise by nearly 80% in the next ten years. There are currently over 100,000 millionaires who call the UAE home. Other cities, such as Riyadh, have nine billionaires and 65 people with a net worth of over $100 million.
The Latest Private Jet Services
Although there has been a rise in people using private charter flights, owning a private plane is still a tremendous status symbol. That said, extreme maintenance costs and the environmental impact have led to a rise in new services, allowing more people to fly in the most convenient way possible. Over recent months, many on-demand commercial operations have begun to take flight across the UAE. The UAE is among the companies delivering an on-demand private charter service, allowing travelers to make short trips from Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport. This service is an addition to the existing Emirates Executive private jet service specific for destinations further afield.
Many fractional programs have been announced for the region with arrangements destined to offer individuals and businesses the ability to own a jet together with other people and businesses, helping to spread the overall costs and flight hours. Several companies in the area have announced plans to launch this type of private flight operation.
Source: Yaroslav Muzychenko via Unsplash
What are the Budget Options for Flying a Private Jet in the UAE?
There are many different ways to opt to go private, but the most important thing is to find an option that suits your needs and, more importantly, your budget.
Buy Your Own Plane
Buying a private jet is at the top of the list, albeit the most expensive option. Purchasing this will put you in esteemed company with the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk. Owning a plane means you can customize it to your desired specifications, including everything from cashmere seats to a bar or cinema. Regarding price, owning your own private plane can cost anything from a few million dollars for a smaller aircraft to over $100 million for the larger aircraft you’d need for longer-range flights.
Fractional Ownership
If you're flying less than 200 hours a year, sharing the costs and flight hours with fractional ownership could be a good option. These costs can range anywhere from $200,000 to the best part of a million dollars, along with any additional monthly management fees and flight costs that could occur.
Private Charter Flight
Perhaps the most accessible and flexible option is charting a private jet. While dealing with a much more standardized process, you can access a more extensive range of aircraft types to suit your specific needs, removing the hassle of airport fees, staff, and maintenance costs. Prices will vary based on the type of aircraft you're using, the distance, and the duration, but you can be prepared to pay anything from $3,000 to $15,000 per flight.
Jet Cards and Membership Programmes
Membership programs and jet cards are an excellent option for people with a predefined number of flights but aren’t entirely sure about their schedule. Fees can range anywhere between $5,000 and $100,000 per year.
Jet Booking Apps
Jet booking apps could very well be the most accessible option for travelers who are looking to elevate their flying experience on-demand. Platforms like these allow you to book your flight when needed, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per flight.
Source: Niklas Jonasson via Unsplash
Corporate Flying & Business Travelers
Corporate and business flyers used to be referred to as ‘Road Warriors’, taking to the skies several times a month, battling the airport crowds, security checks, and stresses that come with flying. Flying via private jet has now allowed business travelers to reap the rewards that come with this kind of service. Those benefits include:
●Luxury
●Time-saving
●Access to remote destinations
●Privacy and Confidentiality
●Customized services
●Cost-effective for group travel
●Enhanced Health & Safety
●Enhanced productivity
●Flexible itineraries
Flexible itineraries benefit corporate travelers by allowing business people to customize their flight schedules and destinations to suit their needs. Having this heightened level of flexibility helps to minimize layovers and optimize travel time, seamlessly aligning the trip with their working objectives. Business travelers also only need to arrive a few minutes before departure, bypassing the lengthy check-in process and security proceedings. The great thing about private jet charters is the exclusive environment that is created, allowing business travelers to hold private meetings, discuss sensitive information, and securely negotiate deals. A private jet terminal enhances confidentiality with enhanced privacy measures and discreet access.
Visiting the UAE
The UAE offers many different private flying opportunities for people across the state, looking to grow with the number of wealthy people choosing to live in this area. With this mode of transport becoming more and more accommodating, there is clarity about why the preferred way to fly is fast becoming via private jet.
