A UK travel company has launched what it claims is the first tour operator using business aircraft. Jefferson Private Jet Holidays offers short breaks from south-eastern UK airports to short-haul points using Bombardier Learjet and Cessna Citation types.
Jefferson sales director Mike Bevans says that the company is plugging a gap in the market for high-net worth individuals wanting the convenience of business jet travel, but lacking the time and expertise to charter aircraft, limousines and hotels.
Jeffersons has sold around 20 bookings and carried 55 passengers since its launch in October last year, and expects to carry double this number during the course of this year.
Jeffersons works with fixed-wing business aircraft operators including Gold Air and Greg Air to offer Citation IIs, Excels, CJ1s and Learjet 45s depending on sector length and group size. The London-based company also works with helicopter charter operator PremiAir to offer a Sikorsky S-76for transfers to Biggin Hill, Farnborough and Stansted fixed-base operations.
The company has initially offered breaks to six European cities, but aims to expand the choice this month.
The company is also studying tailor-made bookings and departures from regional UK airports, following a recent booking using City of Derry airport in Northern Ireland, UK, says Bevens.
Source: Flight International
