Phoenix-based Worldwide Jet, which operates a fleet of 12 business jets ranging from a Global Express to a Learjet 60, is rolling out a new Covid-19 testing effort for its crews. “This month, we will begin implementing testing every 72 hours, beginning 72 hours prior to reporting for their duty rotation,” said company president and CEO Andrew Kaufman. “As the logistical hurdles of this large-scale program are addressed, we hope our increased testing protocol will be in full effect by the end of the month.”
This builds on the company's CovidClean program, a comprehensive list of safety protocols it introduced in April in light of the rapid escalation of the Covid-19 infection in the U.S. Kaufman described the pandemic as a “game-changer,” adding that the safety measures, which are here to stay, are a key differentiator.
Meanwhile, Worldwide Jet, like many private aviation companies, is reporting usage levels near or even above its historic rates. In fact, the air charter operator noted its busiest December in more than a decade, with charter flight hours up 20 percent over the previous year. “People are tired of the pandemic and bored at home,” said Kaufman. “Even if the destination we fly to requires them to quarantine for two weeks, they’d rather escape and hunker down there.”