Negotiating the Best Price for Private Flight
It’s no secret that private jet manufacturers and managing companies have scrambled to survive during the recent economic downturn. Corporate executives and government officials have felt more pressure to justify expenditures – and when these longtime customers move out of the market, private flight companies desperately seek new accounts. Customers now clearly have the upper hand when chartering, time-sharing, and purchasing jets.
Jet Availability and New Routes
Previously, charter jet agreements did not necessarily include guarantees of jet availability. Today, since private charter jet use has fallen dramatically, customers can more easily negotiate contracts that promise the availability of certain types of craft. Companies have also started to chart shorter routes that they previously avoided. Thus a 30-minute flight might be available immediately.
Travel Prices
In the world of private flight, ticket prices have declined significantly. Also, customers can reasonably expect to have fees waived. For instance, jet companies will now cover the cost of extra fuel instead of passing that along to the buyer. People who use a jet card of own a portion of a jet might also negotiate special waivers. One popular negotiating tactic is to ask companies to charge only 30 minutes (instead of the minimum hour) for brief flights.
New business models are also leading to cost savings. Some jet charter companies will now offer deeply discounted rates for travelers seeking empty seats on flights that are just about ready to take off.
Jet Ownership Costs
If you’re interested in purchasing an entire aircraft or shares of an aircraft, you’ll find that current prices are remarkably low. Some barely-used jets are now being sold for just 40% or 50% of their listing prices. Shares have also been discounted; previous partial owners who fell on hard times liquidated their assets.
In conclusion, the current economic climate provides excellent consumer advantages. Assertive customers are likely to secure deals that save thousands, if not millions, of dollars.