Credit Crunch - Impact on private aircraft charter.

Traditionally December is one of the quieter months for private and group aircraft charter, except for the few days prior to Christmas. This year the Worldwide credit restriction has further impacted in a negative way on enquiries and bookings.

At the entry level customers are only chartering if essential to do so. At the higher end activities have slowed to a lesser extent but means more Operators and brokers are chasing less business. The strongest market remains the Middle East but even here supply is exceeding demand.

In all matters timing is vitally important and in early 2009 it will be fascinating to observe the changes that will occur in new aircraft orders.
During the second and third quarters of 2008 large numbers of executive aircraft were ordered or optioned. Unfortunately its most likely that many of these large orders will turn into options only.

Particularly at this time the choice between Operators purchasing an aircraft or just operating a unit on behalf of an Owner must be an intriguing one, and now essential to cost effectively.

Middle East Business Aircaft Show

Following the Moscow Business aircraft show, our representatives have this week been in Dubai visiting the Middle East Business Aircraft Show.

Most of the Arabian Gulf Business Aircraft Operators were represented, either on the static aircraft display or in the main halls. Many European based aircraft operators were also present actively seeking new business.

The number of Executive business jets available for charter from the Gulf grows weekly and includes BBJs, Embraer Legacys Challenger 604s and Lear jets.

We have for some time arranged private jet aircraft charter within the region and are confident in growing our business here.

Book signing by Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Premier Aviation's MD, Adrian Whitmarsh and Aviation Charter Broker Cliff Marlow recently attended the Baltic Air Charter Association,s (BACA) Autumn lunch, held at the historical Ironmongers Hall, part of London Wall.

Over 200 key players from the Aviation Charter Industry attended including Private Jet Aircraft Operators and Brokers, both passenger and cargo.

The guest speaker was the celebrated explorer and climber Sir Ranulph Fiennes who kept the room spellbound with his stories of intrepid hazardous journeys across the two poles.

His visit was sponsored by Tyrolean Jet Services, a high quality Operator of corporate jet aircraft.

After lunch all delegates repaired to a local Public Inn where business networking and a few ales were consumed.

Our Press Release for Senor Pavarotti's Memorial Ceremony in Petra, Jordan

A Concert of Tribute

Charity concert and memorial ceremony remembering Luciano Pavarotti in Petra, Jordan.


Top artists from the worlds of classical and popular music performed on what would have been Pavarotti's 73rd birthday (12 October) in remembrance of his great talent. The singers, including Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, commemorated the life of late tenor Luciano Pavarotti at a concert held in Petra, Jordan during October.

The artistes were among many others who made the long trek through the mountains to the site of the ancient Treasury at Petra to honour Pavarotti. Other famous names who took part in the three-day commemoration were Sting, soprano Cynthia Lawrence, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and 13 year old Jordanian violinist, Aleem Kandour.

Pavarotti had previously expressed a desire to give a concert himself at the UNESCO World Heritage site and discussed the possibility with members of the Jordanian Royal Family. In common with Princess Haya of Jordan, Pavarotti was involved in raising funds for UN children’s charities and proceeds from this concert, entitled Salute Petra, were for the continued benefit of these charities.

UK-based business Aircraft Charter Broker Premier Aviation provided and coordinated no less than 6 aircraft on charters for this very special event. Premier flew in many of the invited guests, some of the artistes, production team and TV crew on a specially chartered B757 airliner from London to Aqaba. They also utilised business jet operators from 5 different countries – including Kuwait and Turkey - to fly in many of the artistes performing at the concert and to coordinate their travel between London, Moscow, Mumbai, Vienna, Barcelona & Madrid to Jordan.

Premier Aviation's Managing Director, Adrian Whitmarsh, was on hand in Jordan to coordinate and supervise all flight operations at Aqaba airport and liaise with ground transport, concert production staff & management. He worked closely with Jordanian tour logistics company Discovery to coordinate the transfers of the guests, artistes and production teams to and from the special flights.

September news........

In spite of the world wide financial situation demand for private jet charter still remains constant. The Middle East is featuring heavily, alongside several round Europe business trips.

The music industry has kept us busy with continual music tours, currently we are overseeing a 6 legs a week European tour utlising the ever popular Dornier 328 jet.

We are busy putting together several aircraft taking artists and guests to the memorial in Jordan for Senor Pavarotti in October. A deserving tribute to a great man.

We continue to expand taking on two new members of staff to join our team, allowing our more experienced members to go out in the field more often.

Animal Cargo

A few strange enquiries this year from the animal world................

Falcons from Mongolia to the Middle East.

Sea Lions (with their own passenger list of names) from Ibiza to Madeira.

Race Horses from the Middle East to Sardinia.

August bargains.......

Traditionally August is the month for less business flying and an increase in vacation and private jet charter flights.

Many Executive Aircraft Operators have spare availability and there are some great bargains to be had including one way only pricing.

Whether it’s the revolutionary 4 seat Mustang from St Tropez or the Intercontinental Global Express to The Bahamas, Premier Aviation is continuing to offer cost effective solutions for all charter requirements.