Private Group Holidays: The New Norm for Some
Thanks (or no thanks) to the coronavirus pandemic, taking a holiday for the remainder of 2020 is likely to be a distant memory for most. However, with places like the Maldives opening up to visitors again, it’s hard not to dream about relaxing in their many conveniently socially distanced villas and dipping your toes in the surrounding pristine, sparkling turquoise waters.
The major issue is how to get there, especially with airfares at a premium, fewer international flights, and the concerns of contact with other people at airports and on the plane. The answer — a private charter flight where you share the cost with family or friends.
In pre-coronavirus times, private jet charters were considered a luxury for royalty, business tycoons, the rich and famous, but post-coronavirus this is being touted as the new normal for some.
While many think the cost is prohibitive, if you’re used to travelling first or business class, and staying in luxury resorts, then a private charter flight could be a value-for-money option, especially with the added health and safety benefits it would provide for your group.
Relaxing with a good book and no face mask at 51,000 ft. Image: © Singapore Air Charter
Director of Singapore Air Charter, Stefan Wood, says they are already seeing an increase in corporate jet inquiries, “especially when Covid allows travel without the 14 days quarantine on arrival.”
“Private jet and group charter will be the way of the future, not just because it’s safer during these times and you can have all the trimmings you desire, but because it’s direct and efficient,” says Stefan. “We have corporate jets available for groups of six or more, ideal for families and groups of trusted friends to get away.”
Private charter flights have included family birthdays, wedding celebrations and business incentives to remote islands and regions of Southeast Asia and this is expected to resume as places like the Maldives and islands around Thailand and Malaysia re-open.
Like many businesses, prior to coronavirus Singapore Air Charter’s 2020 year was set to be a bonanza with unprecedented demand for their range of corporate jets which accommodate 6 to 9 passengers, and their 307-seat Airbus 330-300 for VIPs, corporate businesses, musicians, Asian royalty, sporting teams including F1, film crews, and special military and humanitarian operational support.
Most Maldives resorts already offer socially distanced accommodation. Image: Adaaran Club Rannalhi CC BY-SA 3.0
Putting the customer first is what private charters are all about. “And we provide whatever the client requests,” Stefan says. “From quality top-class seafood to top-shelf drinks, including two cases of 1967 Dom Perignon for one client. When I later looked it up it was $600 a bottle. I’m pleased we didn’t drop any!
“Another client, who we’d flown to a remote island for a party requested we fly to the nearest large town to source a particular item they’d run out of.
“One of our last private group charters was for 30 business people, where we converted a budget, no-frills 737 jet into a first-class high-flying machine for a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam.”
Only the best catering on private group charters. Image: © Singapore Air Charter
As soon as Covid hit Stefan Wood and Nicholas Johnstone’s ten-year old business they concentrated on repatriations, originally from India to Australia.
“Massive preparation is involved to ensure these charter flights run smoothly with Australian Border Force and the High Commission approving each flight.”
Lately, they’ve been focusing on group flights repatriating Chinese workers from Indonesia to China. Again, this has not been easy as China doesn’t accept Indonesia’s Covid tests. All flights travel via Kuala Lumpur where everyone is Covid tested again, and once they pass those tests they are able to move onward to China.
“Fortunately, through our various partners and connections we are able to make anything possible. Just as we did previously for our high-flying clients,” Stefan added.
The larger planes are also becoming popular now as they are ideal for group crew changes from oil rigs and mine sites throughout Asia, as many staff have been stuck in these locations for several months longer than usual.
Owners can bring pampered pets onboard private charters. Image: © Singapore Air Charter
“Our corporate jet fleet has been popular with owners accompanying their pampered pooches back to their home countries too,” says Stefan.
“Covid has made life interesting, as well as challenging. We’ve been trying to assist in getting Chinese workers from East Timor, however just as we’re about to contract, Timor closed its borders again.”
Singapore Air Charter has also been breaking new ground in the global logistics area, moving freight around the world.
They’re currently working on repatriating groups to Australia for Christmas via Darwin subject to various government approvals.
“December 5th would be the final date, with a 14-day quarantine at Darwin’s Howard Springs facility it would then allow onward travel to be home by Christmas,” Stefan says.
Private group charters avoid busy airport terminals. Image: © 1000 Words | Shutterstock
Being based in Singapore means every flight they do is international and with ever-changing border restrictions, it has limited the airline’s movements.
Like many countries, Singapore is now focusing on domestic tourism and staycations. Stefan has proposed to the Singapore Tourism Board that a flight be added to the staycation so that travellers who have been missing that full holiday and in-flight experience will be able to fly to their staycation.
“We’re offering a very reasonably priced add-on for a Singapore to Singapore cocktail and canapes flight around Southeast Asia. Upon landing, they’ll be transported to the staycation of their choice,” Stefan explained.
As more Asian destinations are beginning to open up, including green lanes from Singapore, now is the time to start planning a new group travel holiday — so don’t forget to check out the private group charter flight options available in your region.
Header image: Gulfstream G550 © Singapore Air Charter
