Private Jet Predictions for 2011

Online, January 6, 2011 (Newswire.com) - At the start of 2011 the private jet industry looks set to continue its cautious post-recession recovery flight path. Here, private jet booking service, PrivateFly.com, has compiled a list of predictions for the industry in the coming year.

PrivateFly's CEO and founder, Adam Twidell, comments: "2011 promises to be an exciting year ahead. Despite the economic downturn, the last twelve months presented many opportunities for the private jet industry, not least through increased levels of short-term enquiries and bookings due to airline failures during snowfalls, ash clouds and industrial action.

"I am now looking forward to seeing what the New Year has in store for the sector, and believe we will witness many advancements and changes. Here are just some of the things I predict will happen."

1. Increased cost-consciousness. A key industry trend emerging from the recession is a marked increase in cost-consciousness from private jet customers - which will continue in 2011 as a permanent priority. Both business and leisure users are shopping around more for the best deal, which is driving increased transparency from operators and brokers.
2. Embracing new technology. The private jet industry is finally moving online in an accelerated fashion and 2011 should see the emergence of additional online search and booking functionality. Private jet customers are increasingly demanding the ability to search for prices online, even if many will prefer a personal VIP phone service to confirm the booking. Similarly, increased usage of smart phones and tablets will see further mobile apps emerging for private jet users on the move.
3. Aircraft trends. Certain aircraft types look set to soar in 2011 as customers become more specific in their needs, choosing the right size of aircraft for their trip - at the right price point. For example, the new Embraer Phenom 300 will be a major player in the small and medium-sized jet categories, embracing the gap between the two. Much as Embraer's Legacy did for the medium to large categories five years ago.
4. Empty legs. These one-way repositioning flights will attract more attention than ever before, as private charter operators find new methods of promoting their available inventory, and the industry continues to coordinate demand and supply. Premium leisure customers with a flexible itinerary will play a key role here, travelling one way by private jet and the other by scheduled airline.
5. Industry consolidation. The industry will continue to tighten as further buyouts and mergers are announced such as smaller operators joining forces; independent FBOs being bought out by the bigger players; more airlines forming alliances with private jet suppliers for VIP transfers; and online networks such as our own bringing a fragmented industry together.
6. Increased travel industry integration. Private jet charter will increasingly be seen by the travel industry as a viable travel option for both business and premium leisure travellers. With improved online functionality and transparency, TMCs and concierge agents can now confidently provide their customers with rapid response quotes and online booking for private jet travel. This will be a major opportunity for new sector growth.
7. Rise of the charter segment. Ad-hoc charter will continue to grow as a sub-sector of the industry as existing private jet users migrate from other options. Increased transparency of pricing and improved VIP service levels from charter brokers has increased charter's appeal to those trading down from the upfront financial commitment of fractional/full ownership or card schemes.
8. Emerging markets. China will be the key one to watch, with regulations relaxing such as flight plan lead times; expansion of airports and infrastructure; and growth in aircraft manufacturing. In India the high proportion of high net worth individuals will continue to drive demand for changes to their bureaucratic aviation authority.

Adam Twidell continued: "Every cloud has a silver lining and the recession has been a major catalyst for innovation in the private jet industry, which previously had largely remained unchanged for 10 years. The economic conditions remain challenging, but there is much to look forward to in 2011."

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

About PrivateFly:

PrivateFly is an online booking network that makes it quicker, easier and more cost effective to arrange private jet charter.

With over 2700 operators registered worldwide, PrivateFly is the only online aggregator for private jet charter in Europe.

PrivateFly combines online efficiency and transparency with offline expertise to offer a full-service VIP charter service to direct customers and partners. The bespoke software has been created in-house specifically to meet the needs of charter customers and operators.

In February 2010 PrivateFly launched the world's first iPhone application to provide instant private jet pricing on a mobile phone.

PrivateFly was recently announced as one of the Smarta 100 companies 2010, by a judging panel including Dragon's Den's Deborah Meaden and other leading entrepreneurs, such as Bebo founder Michael Birch. The company also won the innovation category of the Best Business Awards in February 2010.

Founded in 2007, PrivateFly is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire and in 2010 secured first round investment funding to expand the business within the UK and selected international markets.

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Katrina Suppiah
Publicite Ltd
T: 020 8543 6582/M: 07809 028711
E: k.suppiah@publicite.co.uk