Despite the rise of AI technologies and the continued automation of our society and its processes, business is still, for the most part, undertaken face-to-face between human beings. Human interaction is an integral part of all manner of business functions, and, if privacy is a priority for your organisation in the face of digitisation, private travel may hold the answer.
The benefits of a commercial jet for business
Despite the rise of AI technologies and the continued automation of our society and its processes, business is still, for the most part, undertaken face-to-face between human beings. Human interaction is an integral part of all manner of business functions, and, if privacy is a priority for your organisation in the face of digitisation, private travel may hold the answer.
Our clients often choose to charter commercial jets for reasons such as incentive trips and in order to attend events like conferences and trade shows, but also for more general trips, and retreats. By choosing Air Charter Service, your assigned broker will be your point of contact from start to finish, available 24/7, ensuring that you are as comfortable and content as you can be. By chartering a commercial jet, there is much more room for personalisation of experience – in the past we have arranged that passengers will board to find conference paperwork already waiting in the seat pocket in front of them, livery personalisation, the screening of CEO addresses during flights, and check-in desks sporting company logos and insignia. If requested, seats can be allocated in specific ways – the first few rows can be blocked out for VIPs or Directors, or you may choose to allocate seating strategically, sitting two people together to encourage a business relationship, for example.
By nature of the charter being private and not bound to rules in the same way that scheduled airlines can be, our clients are afforded a greater breadth of autonomy over their flights. For example, we are often able to vastly increase the variety of airports at your disposal (by the inclusion of smaller, regional airports, and fixed base operators [FBOs]), helping you land closer to your final destination. Our charter specialists are able to apply their expert knowledge to your specifications, meaning that the best aircraft for you is the one you travel on. The comprehensive service offered by ACS means that we are always there to lend a hand, ensuring the trip exceeds expectations, even extending to our staff seeing delegates through baggage reclaim, and onto their coaches the other side. At ACS, we strive to fly the extra mile.
Accessing popular business hubs in Europe
Europe welcomes millions of corporate travellers each and every year who fly with the aim of conducting business at their destination. Below, you will find a list of frequently-used airports and FBOs, and the European cities they grant access to.
London, England
Known as a major player in the banking, financial, and professional services sectors worldwide, and as such, is served by an array of airports and FBOs (though some may have specific restrictions on passenger numbers):
London City – London Biggin Hill – London Luton – London Stansted – London Heathrow – London Gatwick
Paris, France
Paris is a gateway to business in Europe, and home to a variety of corporate giants, with the city’s business hubs of La Défense and the Le Bourget Exhibition Centre accounting for almost 30% of the French economy. Unlike London, with a number of airports and FBOs, Parisian aviation is monopolised by one of the world’s largest private airports, Paris-Le Bourget. Originally a commercial airport, Le Bourget is now dedicated solely to private travel, and, being only five miles from the city centre, and 12 miles from La Défense, it is a perfect springboard from which to conduct business in the city.
Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt has long been an international banking hub – its position in Europe has drawn vast financial institutions like the European Central and Deutsche Banks to base their operations there.
Frankfurt am Main International – Frankfurt’s biggest airport, with a dedicated private terminal, just eight miles southwest of the city centre.
Frankfurt-Hahn – primarily an international airport, but a popular choice for business and diplomatic flights, despite being nearly 80 miles from Frankfurt
Madrid, Spain
Spain’s financial centre, Madrid is also a favoured European base for many global brands – Apple, Tesla and Facebook all have hubs in the city.
Adolfo Suárez – Europe’s second largest airport after Paris’s Charles de Gaulle, offering four main terminals, six VIP lounges and a private terminal. Being just eight miles from the city centre, Adolfo Suárez.
Madrid-Cuatro Vientos – business jet airport located 20 minutes from the city centre.
Barcelona, Spain
The centre of Spain’s knowledge economy, and a scientific and industrial hub, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is located just 10 miles from the city centre, and takes the title of Spain’s second busiest airport, with onward travel to Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca available.
Geneva, Switzerland
Switzerland is often touted as the financial capital of the world, and Geneva plays a large part in this, with several UN agencies also headquartered in the city. Geneva International lies three miles from the city centre, and welcomes thousands of flights a year; Terminal 3 at the airport is dedicated to private aviation, boasting state of the art facilities and a plush lounge.
Zurich, Switzerland
Home to a number of Swiss and international banks, Zurich is a hive of financial business activity – and almost tailor-made for MICE events thanks to its famous and sprawling shopping districts and vibrant nightlife. Zurich Kloten is a 25-minute drive from the city centre, and, with a dedicated business aviation terminal for speedy and discreet transfers, flying to and from Zurich Kloten is a joy in itself.
Contact one of our charter specialists to discuss your business charter requirements.