What’s the difference?
Commercial airlines are highly regulated, so what happens within the private jet industry? Is it actually safer to fly on a private jet? Here we look at some reasons why that’s possible.
1/ Dedicated crew
Whereas with airlines, the pilots, engineers, and cabin crew operate over many aircraft and sometimes various types, most private jet crew are dedicated to just one or two aircraft. Therefore, the same crew look after the same aircraft and have the best knowledge of the plane, how to take care of it, and its safety features.
2/ Regulations
Private jet regulators audit and review with 3rd party suppliers to ensure that they are in full compliance with the aviation authorities. This includes quality and control methods.
3/ FBO’s
The use of FBOs or fixed-based operators instead of the standard airline terminal is not only a quicker and smoother way through the airport.
It also means there are much fewer people, and you barely mix with those who are there, which during the pandemic was a necessity.
4/ Flexibility
Private jet travel offers the most flexibility in terms of changing your schedule last minute or your destination. Destinations seen as inaccessible normally by commercial jets are possible with private jets. At some destinations, the pilot has to have specific training to land at the airfield; London City, Innsbruck, Samedan, and some Greek Islands are just a handful.
5/ Security
Security is enhanced because the owner or main guest knows exactly who he is flying with. It could be friends, family, or business acquaintances, but no strangers are onboard.
6/ Cleanliness
Private jets are kept immaculately clean, which is not surprising, as one jet can cost in the region of $70 million. HEPA filters continuously filter the air, and private jets are Covid compliant.
7/ Catering
Catering for private jets is kept in a very temperature-controlled environment to ensure it is perfectly fresh and healthy to serve onboard the aircraft. Everything is cooked and prepared per guest request.
8/ Flight attendants
Depending on the aviation authority and the aircraft operator, most flight attendants on private jets are fully trained in safety, emergency procedures, and first aid.
They are usually food safety trained, and some also have sommelier, personal chef, and butler training. So, guests are in safe hands.
9/ Turbulence
Commercial jets fly at around 35,000 feet, where they may encounter turbulence at times. However, many private jets can fly between 41-45,000 feet, where there are much lower chances of turbulence.
10/ Safety culture
In general, the business aviation industry has a strong safety culture, and incidents and accidents are rare.
11/ Manufacturers
Private jet manufacturers such as Bombardier and Gulfstream, two of the most popular, invest huge sums of money into their products to provide the very best and safest private jets. They look for innovative solutions, cutting-edge technology, and the highest-end furnishings for the best passenger experience.
12/ SOPs and protocol
Strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) are in place for all crew members to follow on the ground and in the air. These enhance the passenger experience and improve safety. Protocol measures ensure privacy and discretion at all times.
Source: Simple Flying
