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As mainstream airlines struggle in the current economic climate, new analysis from Jet Republic, the recently launched private jet company, reveals that 15 of Europe’s major national airline carriers collectively cancelled 132 European flights between 25th March 2008 and 29th March 2009. During this period, they only launched 59 new ones, meaning a deficit of 73 flights.
Jet Republic says that the cancellation of flights is adversely affecting the travel arrangements of senior executives and wealthy individuals, and many are increasingly turning to private jets because of the flexibility they offer in terms of meeting their individual travel needs.
Jonathan Breeze, Chief Executive of Jet Republic said: “The number of enquiries from prospective customers that we are receiving is increasing by on average 10 per cent a month, and we believe one key reason for this is the cancellation of flights by mainstream airlines.”
Over the past year, European airlines cancelled 173 flights to London, the highest of any city in Europe. This was followed by 91 cancelled flights to Berlin and 84 to Barcelona.
Jonathan Breeze, CEO of Jet Republic said: “Although airlines have been cancelling flights, some have also been opening new ones, but not at a sufficient level to offset the closure rate. For example, of the 15 national carriers we looked at, only four had opened more flights that they had closed in the 12 months to 29th March this year, and when looking at 25 of Europe’s biggest airlines, only seven can say this. This trend of closing aviation flights means that those who can afford to fly by private jet are increasingly seeing it as a viable alternative to commercial airlines.
“Using a private jet gives you much greater flexibility over where you fly from and to and when, allowing you to reach your destination more swiftly and easily. If a customer wants to go to any airport in Europe, as long as it is safe to land a jet there, we will take them. That is why we fly to over 1,000 airports in Europe."
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
