Your Premier UK Based Private Jet Brokerage

What you need to know...

A) Empty Leg Flights

Empty legs occur when an aircraft operator has the need to reposition their jet from one airport to another without passengers.

This can happen for a number of reasons, but the main reason is because the jet is inbetween regular (or full) charter paying flights.

Many people believe they can find an empty leg simply by asking for a flight, and saying the words "empty leg" in their request. This is not the case.

An operator will move their jet empty only if it is absolutely necessary.

Something to very much bear in mind however, is that empty legs are NOT guaranteed flights. They should be considered as "stand-by", and the further away in time they are, the less likely they will operate anyway. Operator schedules change frequently, and any change will result in availability of an empty leg void.

B) Shared Flights

Shared flights can happen when a group of friends or colleagues get together and decide to share the cost of a private charter.

If we take an example of a group of 10 people wanting to fly from London to Dubai, sharing a private charter can actually make good financial sense.

Currently, there are around 17 flights a day from London to Dubai with Emirates alone. If one person decides to fly first class, the ticket price is about £5,500 one way. Therefore, if our group of ten people decide to do the same, the total cost for all ten would be £55,000.

A private jet (Challenger 605 for example) will seat ten people, and to fly from London Biggin Hill, at a low demand time of year, would cost roughly £50,000-£60,000 one way, maybe less if you can find the right operator who has a lot of availability. So for our group, considering a private charter actually makes a lot of sense when you factor in things like, it'll depart when you want, not when Emirates says you can, and you can get your own catering arranged, not what's given to you from a menu. You'd also not need to arrive at the departure airport 2-3 hours in advance. Usually a 15-30 minute (or less) check-in is all that's required, and you'd not have to deal with lengthy queues for security or anything like that.

C) Regular, or Full Charter Flights

When you decide to go for a regular charter, you tailor the entire flight to suit yourself.

The departure airport, arrival airport, time of departure, and of course the date, are all decided on by the client.

Generally speaking, you can arrive at the airport to check-in between 10-20 minutes prior to departure (depending on how many of you there are), then it's a simple process of showing your ID (or Passport), getting your luggage scanned, and then time for a coffee, glass of champagne, or whatever else is on offer at the FBO.

Once the aircraft is ready to board, most often the crew will come and introduce themselves to you, and escort you out to the aircraft. You climb on board, settle down, fasten your seatbelt, the door closes and off you go. It's that easy.

D) What's an "FBO"?

Put simply, an "FBO" is a "Fixed Base Operator".

When you fly private, one place you always avoid is the main airport terminal building. You fly from an FBO, or if there isn't one at the particular airport, you'll use the "GAT" or "General Aviation Terminal".

The main purpose of the FBO is to ensure the people flying are the ones who are supposed to be flying, they make sure you get on the correct aircraft, they check your ID upon check-in, scan the luggage, and then offer you drinks, snacks, or something to read etc.

If you're concerned about not knowing where the FBO you need is located (many airports have more than one), then don't.

Prior to your flight, usually between 24-48hrs prior to departure, you'll receive a document called a "Flight Brief" from either your broker, or the operator. This document will give you all the information you'll need to find the FBO, gain entry, the names of the crew, your aircraft type and tail number, as well as the flight number if one has been assigned. It'll also state any specific catering you've requested, or special requests. FBO's also offer free parking so no need to worry about where to leave your car.

Any Other Questions?

If you still have questions please feel free to send me an email and ask. I'm more than happy to answer any concerns you might have. Just get in touch by clicking the button below. Many thanks.

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