Your Guide For Requesting Private Aircraft Charters

Your Guide For Requesting Private Aircraft Charters

Different types of private aircraft charters include:

1. Business aircraft charter
2. Private aircraft charter
3. Cargo aircraft charter
4. Group/Team aircraft charter
5. Medical, ambulance or organ transplant aircraft charter

Utilizing an experienced aircraft charter broker rather than approaching an aircraft operator directly offers the advantage of not having your aircraft selection limited to what types and models planes are in one fleet. Other advantages include:

1. The broker will source the most appropriate aircraft for your need across many fleets.
2. The broker will vet the aircraft charter company, plane and flight crew to ensure the safest and most efficient selection meeting all Federal regulations. This advantage has taken on a significant importance over the last several months as the charter market has continued operating at record levels of activity, putting many more hours on airframes, engines and crew duty times. An experienced broker knows which operators have the better reputation for dispatch reliability.
3. A broker should have experience in understanding all issues involved with aircraft maintenance and flight operations to present the most suitable aircraft charter options, as well as to anticipate any issues such as airport or airspace delays, as well as to respond to any issues that may arise during flight such as weather delays. Experience with international trip planning for international charters is a must to verify the operator is obtaining all necessary permits, etc.
4. A broker should be fully aware of current market pricing trends and be able to use that knowledge to negotiate the most advantageous pricing and terms for the charter client.
5. Lastly, a broker must be available 24/7 to handle client questions and needs.

Questions a broker will ask to source the most appropriate aircraft charter options for you include:

1. Trip date, times and route. One way or round trip. If it’s a round trip with two or more days layover, it may be best to consider two one ways to avoid additional fees while plane remains on ground. Most operators charge a 2-hour daily minimum. The more flexibility you have in travel days and times, the better the opportunity to find attractive options. If you’re not sure of what airports to select, advise broker what address(es) you’re travelling to and the broker can determine most suitable airport options.
2. Number of passengers and estimated luggage, with estimated passenger and luggage weights. Any infants 2 years or younger. Any items other than bags, such as skis, scuba gear, etc.
3. Preferred size aircraft based on prior charter habits, such as piston, turboprop, helicopter, very light jet (VLJ), light jet, midsize jet, heavy jet or ultra-long-range jet (ULR). Any age limitation for year aircraft was manufactured and if WiFi is a requirement.
4. Any special need requests, such as assistance boarding and deplaning for a medical issue, etc. It is recommended the broker be informed of any “nervous” fliers so they may advise the flight crew, who may be able to adjust certain flight maneuvers.
5. Most operators stock standard onboard snacks and beverages, such as chips, cookies, protein bars, candies, bottles waters and sodas. Some stock, beer, wine and liquor. Any special catering request will be billed separately. It is important to advise any food allergies.
6. If assistance is required with ground transportation at departure or arrival airport, your broker will assist and invoice the charges as an additional expense. If you arrange your own ground transportation, it is recommended you share the details with the broker, so they can advise the flight crew on what to expect and the broker should call the arrival airport at least thirty minutes from landing to verify the ground transportation is in place. Most often ground transportation is allowed on the airport ramp to park next to the aircraft to allow for planeside boarding and deplaning.