Jet Set Future

Private jets are the reserve of the elite – or are they? Tom Otley, Jenny Southan and Craig Bright report on companies making it easier and cheaper to book

There’s a tiny, twin engine aircraft waiting for me on the tarmac. Inside, a luxury cream interior holds just four leather seats. I sit back, relax, and think: “So this is what it’s like to fly on a private jet.”

Except I’m not about to fly anywhere. I’m grounded in a hangar at Hong Kong International Airport for an inspection of the new 13-metre Honda Jet on its debut appearance in the city.

I bring out my smartphone and type “Honda Jet cost” into the search bar – US$4.5 million. And just like that, my dreams of VIP travel dissolve.

However, for many high-end business travellers, flying on a private jet is starting to get tantalisingly close to reality.

“Owning a business jet is more accessible now because of all the options business travellers now have: they can charter, become a fractional owner, or buy their own private jet,” says Luciano Froes, senior vice president of marketing for Embraer Executive Jets. “We believe the charter and fractional markets are very good for the advancement of business aviation, especially in Asia where the market is slowly maturing.”

APP IN THE AIR

If the price is right, chartering an aircraft can be a tempting proposition – not only do you get to feel like a VIP but you can also avoid long queues at check-in, depart when you want to and land in an airport that isn’t miles from your meetings. Put it like that and it actually makes business sense.