When clients are headed with a group on vacation, they usually book with an agent who can provide the best group deal. And it’s usually a good one, everyone’s happy and off they go on a plane surrounded by a hundred or so more other happy vacationers.

But what if you could offer your clients something special, something different and give them a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience?

You can. Charter them a private jet. Yes, you read that correctly – it’s not a luxury option left solely for the rich and famous or corporate travel anymore, it’s a real opportunity for real people to enjoy a VIP experience at a price that can be competitive with mainstream group travel.

TravelPulse Canada spoke with Michael Fedele, President, Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group, Canada’s longest-serving and prestigious corporate aircraft company, which has been managing, maintaining and operating aircraft for nearly 50 years.

“The fundamental benefit to using corporate aviation for charter purposes for leisure travel, is it becomes a seamless, high end option,” says Fedele. “It’s easy, we can pick people up at their homes, bring them to the hangar, where they’re greeted in a private lounge and the aircraft is ready and waiting for them on the ramp.”

Fedele sees many group bookings that are celebrating something special such as a wedding, a 50th anniversary celebration or a multi-generational family trip which are fast becoming a general trend in the travel industry. He thinks it’s an opportunity for agents to offer these groups something different that is not only special, but practical as well, especially for clients with limited mobility.

“With corporate aviation, there is no security line, no luggage to move around yourself, no check in lines – all of that is removed while giving the benefits of a commercial airline lounge. Except, it’s just you and your travelers in it; it’s your own private lounge.”

The planes can also go to some of the other smaller, ancillary locations that would normally need two or three legs to get to with connections, adding to the ease of travel. Adding to the prestige of the experience is clearing customs which is all organized ahead of time so by the time the plane lands, travellers get off the aircraft and hop in one of the cars waiting to take them to their final destination.

Fedele encourages agents to think outside the box when booking groups. He says agents and travel organizations can work to build corporate aviation into their packages or to coordinate for groups. He was reluctant to quote pricing since costs vary on the number of people travelling and the destination/number of flying hours. A quick search on the web found a 40 minute flight (Canada to US) at another company as low as $3,100.

“With us, the vacation starts at the point of departure. It’s a pleasant, relaxed, discreet experience that starts at the airport, not at the moment you get to your destination.”

For options, pricing and more information, agents can contact Execaire Charter Sales at 1-866-821-1117 or charter@execaire.com.