Directional Aviation's online air charter booking platform PrivateFly has developed a jet card program for frequent-flyer customers in Europe and the U.S. The PrivateFly Jet Card will provide benefits that include access to premium aircraft at fixed hourly rates with 24 hours’ notice.
PrivateFly is offering a minimum block of 25 hours in light, midsize, or heavy business jets. Fixed hourly rates begin at €5,900 for the light jet card in Europe. Holders can switch aircraft categories, paying only the difference in hourly rates, and up to five nominated users can be added to a PrivateFly jet card. Cardholders will be given priority access to PrivateFly’s family fleet of group-owned aircraft, along with aircraft from a select group of preferred suppliers. Travelers who return within 24 hours of the outbound trip will receive a 20 percent discount on hourly rates. PrivateFly has partnered with its sister company, Sentient Jet, to cover routes in the U.S.
The program comes as PrivateFly has seen an uptick in demand for private jet travel. The company received twice as many inquiries in July as in the same month of 2019, and while business travel has not yet returned to normal, bookings have recovered to 90 percent of last year's volume. Many flights have involved leisure travelers in Europe heading to destinations such as Nice, France, and the Spanish island of Ibiza.
“With our new PrivateFly Jet Card, we see a strong and exciting opportunity to offer enhanced convenience and personalization, both to our international on-demand clients who are flying more often and to new clients who are adopting new buying habits and seeking greater control, safety, and privacy when they fly,” said PrivateFly CEO Adam Twidell, citing fractional owners who are trading down as well as first and business class airline travelers looking to avoid busy airport terminals.
“We’re pleased to partner with PrivateFly at such a critical and unique time,” added Sentient Jet president and CEO Andrew Collins. “Given the success of the guaranteed, fixed-rate model in the U.S., we think the efforts by this talented and experienced team will lead to a rapid leadership position in the European and international jet card markets.”