The pandemic has changed people’s behavior. It has pushed people to stay at home to avoid the pandemic. At the pandemic’s start, the number of flights severely decreased. People traveled less and stayed home more to prevent the spread of the virus. As a result, airlines have had to make significant changes to stay afloat during these challenging times.
Some airlines have started to offer bare-bones fares, flights with no extras like baggage or seat selection. Instead, customers only pay for their seats on the plane.
Another way that airlines are saving money is by flying at less than full capacity. Flying with less than full capacity allows the airline to spread out passengers and socially distance them.
Airlines have also had to change how they serve food and drinks on flights. In the past, passengers would be served meals and drinks by flight attendants. Many airlines are doing away with meal service altogether or only serving pre-packaged food and beverages. But despite these changes, the airline industry is still struggling and losing money.
However, alternatives to commercial airline flights are booming. Private jet charter businesses are seeing an increase in customers as people are looking for ways to travel more private and safe.
If you’re thinking about starting a private jet charter business, there are a few things you need to know. Here are five essentials when starting a private jet charter business:
Get a Pilot’s License
Getting a pilot’s license is the first step to starting a private jet charter business. Without a pilot’s license, you won’t be able to fly a plane and transport passengers.
There are different pilot licenses, so you’ll need to decide which one is right for you. The most common type of license is a private pilot license, which allows you to fly for personal use or transport passengers for compensation.
If you want to start a jet charter business, you’ll need a commercial pilot license. A commercial pilot license allows you to fly for hire and transport cargo.
You’ll need to have a private pilot license first to get a commercial pilot license. You’ll also need to pass a written exam and a flying skills test.
Get Certified
After you get your pilot’s license, you’ll need to get certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification will allow you to fly commercially.
You’ll need to pass a written exam and a practical test to get certified. You’ll also need a multi-engine rating, which allows you to fly a plane with more than one engine.
All you need for this rating is to finish a training program. There are some in-depth multi-engine training programs that you can take. Each goes through the functions of a multi-engine aircraft, how to fly one, and what to do in an emergency. Getting this program can advance your career and lead you to become a better pilot.
Buy an Aircraft
The following essential when starting a private jet charter business is to buy an aircraft. You can’t start a charter business without a plane. The most common aircraft used for charter businesses is a turboprop airplane.
Turboprop planes are fast and efficient, and they can take off and land on shorter runways than other types of aircraft. They’re also relatively affordable, which is essential when starting a business.
Another option is a jet airplane. Jet airplanes are faster than turboprop planes and can fly at higher altitudes. However, they’re also more expensive to buy and operate, so they might not be the best choice for a start-up business.
You’ll also need to decide whether to buy a new or used aircraft. Buying a new aircraft is a significant investment, but it comes with some benefits. Newer planes are usually more reliable and have the latest safety features. They also have warranty coverage, saving you money if something goes wrong.
Used aircraft are cheaper than new ones, but they might not be as reliable. And if something does go wrong, you’ll have to pay for repairs yourself.
Get Insurance
Another essential when starting a private jet charter business is to get insurance. It’s a way to protect you and your business in case of an accident.
It’s good to get liability insurance, which will cover you if you’re sued for damages after an accident. You should also get hull insurance, which will cover the cost of repairs if your plane is damaged.
You can get insurance from an aviation insurance company or a public insurance company that offers aviation coverage. It might also be good to customize your policy to ensure you’re covered for everything you need.
Starting a private jet charter business is a big undertaking, but it can be rewarding and profitable. So get your license, buy an aircraft, get insurance, and get your way to success.