Month: December 2019

Private flying, as the name suggests, is a significantly more enjoyable experience than travelling on a commercial aircraft. If you value comfort and convenience as well as a professional and discreet service, then travelling by private jet is the right choice for you.

You avoid endless queues, chaotic airport crowds, and you do not need to remove your shoes during security checks. When flying with Private Jet Charter, you eliminate unnecessary stress and hassle from your journey.

To set the right expectations regarding the security procedures of most private jet charters, let’s take a look at the top 5 most frequently asked questions.

Do passengers travelling by private jet go through security screening?

Yes, but unlike commercial flights, you use private jet terminals (FBOs), allowing you to board very quickly. This does not mean a compromise in security. You are personally escorted through a private terminal, and customs and immigration procedures are fast and secure.

• TIP: If colleagues, family members or pets join at the last minute, they can proceed directly to departure, provided they have all required documentation.

Do I need identification when flying privately?

Yes, depending on your destination, an ID card, passport or visa may be required. We take the protection of our clients and their privacy seriously, so you can trust that your data is handled securely.

• TIP: Your ID or passport details are collected at the time of booking and forwarded to the operator before the flight for coordination with national border authorities. This ensures a fast and smooth boarding process.

How early do I need to arrive at the airport when flying privately?

Depending on the airport, it can take between 5 and 30 minutes from arrival to boarding. We understand how valuable your time is, which is why your Private Jet Charter advisors will keep you updated on the estimated timing.

• TIP: In private aviation, you are the focus, not the aircraft. If you are flying privately for the first time, please note that you do not go through the main terminal’s “fast track” security, but instead use the executive terminal operated by the FBO.

What are the baggage allowances for private jet charter?

As there are no queues, your baggage is scanned quickly. Private flights are designed to save time from start to finish, allowing you to board with minimal hassle. The amount of baggage permitted depends on the size of the aircraft and the number of passengers. The baggage hold of a small jet, such as a Gulfstream, can accommodate up to 20 large suitcases, or around two per person.

• TIP: There are no strict limits on your cabin liquids allowance, so you can bring your favourite shampoo or skincare products without worrying about liquid restrictions.

Can I take an important phone call during a private jet flight?

Yes. You will have access to reliable Wi-Fi and a satellite phone onboard. This is one of the many benefits of flying privately. No one can see your screen or listen to confidential calls. You can either remain productive or relax and enjoy the VIP onboard service.

• TIP: Although security remains a priority, Private Jet Charter focuses heavily on VIP customer service, so a degree of flexibility regarding mobile phone use can be expected.

If your questions are not listed or you would like further information, please contact us via the chat box on the Private Jet Charter website or call us on +44 (0) 208 897 8979. One of our experienced advisors will be happy to assist you.

Flights with Private Jet Charter offer the highest level of safety, attention to detail, and significantly less time spent travelling. Learn more about our membership or book your next flight via our 24/7 hotline: +44 (0) 208 897 8979.

Gulfstream Aerospace has recently unveiled its latest jet – the G700. The new G700 combines features from the G650ER and G500/600, has a range of at least 7,500 nm, and features a cabin with five living areas and 20 G650-sized windows.

The first two test aircraft have already left production and are now undergoing several months of ground testing. The first planned flight is expected to take place in the first half of next year. A full-service version of the G700 is expected to follow in 2020.

“This will be the largest aircraft we have ever built. It will have the widest, tallest and longest cabin in the industry. The G650 set the standard… the G700 is once again ground-breaking.” – Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream.

Highlights

• Spacious cabin with 5 living areas
• Jet ConneX Ka-band Wi-Fi
• Fully equipped galley – Gulfstream notes that you can bring a chef on board to prepare fresh meals
• Twenty oval panoramic windows – the largest in business aviation
• Windows in the en-suite lavatory – a Gulfstream first
• 40-inch 4K TV screen
• True circadian lighting system simulating sunrise and sunset
• Sleeping space for up to 10 passengers, maximum 19 passengers

The G700 is an approximately three-metre longer evolution of the G650, sharing the same wing, nose and symmetrical flight deck. The new tail, curved winglets, Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and redesigned cabin make it a truly all-new aircraft.

Space, comfort and luxury are the focus of the G700 cabin. The first of the five zones includes a lavatory, storage space, a three-seat divan and an ultra-galley with a three-metre-long counter, large refrigerator, microwave, conventional oven, and storage for dishes, food and beverages.

The second section offers seating in a four-club layout with newly designed seats for enhanced comfort. Particularly impressive – the seats are available in different fabrics, finishes and firmness levels.

Next is the entertainment zone. Here you will find a three-seat divan facing a retractable 40-inch 4K flat screen. With an immersive 3D sound system that turns the sidewalls into speakers, you will quickly forget you are on an aircraft.

The fourth section is the dining area. It is configured in a six-club layout and includes a quick-deploy table spanning the full width. The table also hides a built-in wireless charging pad, allowing passengers to charge their smartphones simply by placing them on the surface.

Finally, we enter the bedroom with a large bed, a dresser, and a private bathroom with toilet, sink and generous storage space. A rear door in the lavatory provides access during the flight to the 195 cu ft baggage compartment, which can hold over 1,100 kg.

It goes without saying that we are very excited to welcome the G700 into our global fleet.

Both helicopter and jet charter offer a range of benefits. However, travelling by helicopter is often the better choice than travelling by private jet.

Advantages of helicopter charter

Helicopter charter provides a level of flexibility that is difficult to match with fixed-wing aircraft. The most obvious advantage of a helicopter is point-to-point travel.

Thanks to their versatile design and ability to adapt to a wide range of requirements, helicopters provide access to remote areas as well as city centres. They can land on helipads, hotels and even private properties, making them one of the most flexible and suitable aircraft for reaching remote, crowded or hard-to-access destinations.

• No time wasted in traffic or at the airport
• The ideal transport option for reaching multiple destinations in a single day
• Can land wherever space permits

When is helicopter charter the right choice?

The versatility of helicopters makes them ideal for business use or for transfers from the airport to ski resorts, sports stadiums, yachts or events. If you have multiple meetings, a helicopter is the perfect way to travel between locations in a single day.

Advantages of fixed-wing aircraft

Fixed-wing aircraft, or private jets, also offer numerous advantages. They enable travel to longer-distance destinations and can accommodate more passengers. Onboard facilities, which may include beds or a kitchen, allow for a more comfortable journey.

• Suitable for both short and long-haul travel
• Reduces the need for overnight stays
• Minimises time spent at the airport and overall travel time
• Pet-friendly
• Flexible – travel on your own schedule

In other words, helicopter charter is an excellent choice for shorter distances or multi-stop itineraries in a single day, while private jets are best suited for longer distances.

Extensive aircraft fleet

Private Jet Charter offers a substantial fleet of private aircraft available for charter worldwide. From turboprops and light jets (for short-haul travel) to VIP airliners (for long-haul travel and large groups), as well as helicopters.

Browse all aircraft by size. If you prefer a specific manufacturer, such as Embraer, Learjet or Bombardier, you can find a dedicated list here.

Request a quote from Private Jet Charter and discover what sets us apart. Or call us on +44 (0) 20 8897 8979 to speak with one of our flight advisors for more information.

At this time of year, our flight teams organise itineraries for private jet and helicopter charters to airports serving the best ski resorts in Europe and the United States.

Every year we receive questions about flights to Courchevel Airport. Its prime location in the heart of the French Alps and proximity to the ski slopes gives the impression that you can ski directly in and out of the airport. However, due to its mountainside location, landing at Courchevel Airport is heavily restricted for safety reasons, as the short runway ends directly at the edge of the mountain.

Facts about Courchevel:

Runway length: 547 m (1,762 ft)
Elevation: 2,007 m
18.66% maximum gradient – the steepest in the world
6,000 aircraft movements every winter
First mountain airfield with an uphill runway
Only altiport kept snow-free all year round

What types of aircraft can land at Courchevel Airport?

Although flights to Courchevel Airport (officially known as Courchevel Altiport) are heavily restricted, a number of small aircraft and helicopters operate there. Heavy and large jets are unable to land due to the steep gradient, challenging approach, and the fact that a go-around is not possible. The runway ends directly facing the mountain, making a missed approach extremely hazardous.

A “go-around” is a standard safety procedure in which an aircraft aborts a landing and climbs back into a safe and stable flight path. It is most commonly used when a landing cannot be safely completed.

While some turboprop aircraft do operate at the airport, smaller fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are far better suited to the airfield.

Can a private jet charter land at Courchevel Airport?

Private jet charter flights can land and depart from Courchevel Airport, provided the aircraft meets the strict operational requirements and the pilot holds the necessary certification for this challenging runway.

Can a helicopter charter land at Courchevel Airport?

Helicopter flights are the most common way to travel to and from Courchevel. Helicopters can land and take off easily from the airport. Most clients charter a private jet to a nearby airport such as Chambéry, Grenoble, Geneva or Annecy, all of which are suitable for commercial private jet operations. From there, they book a helicopter transfer directly into Courchevel.

Landing at Courchevel Airport

As mentioned above, private owners may operate small and mid-size jets at the airfield if they are flying their own aircraft. However, for commercial charter operations, stricter safety regulations apply, limiting access to the runway.

For commercial private jet charters, the aircraft’s landing distance is multiplied by 1.6 to determine the required landing distance (LDR). As a result, for most commercial operations, Courchevel’s runway is too short.

Private jet and helicopter charter to Courchevel

Private Jet Charter® recommends that clients charter a private jet to a nearby airport (we recommend Chambéry) and then book a helicopter transfer directly into Courchevel. Request a tailored quote today based on your individual requirements.

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