Delays and security rules at the airlines could prove a real boon to the VLJ market. James Coyne, president of the National Air Transportation Association, said charters experienced 20-percent growth since 9/11 and a 20- to 70-percent bump since Aug. 10, when carry-on liquids were banned from airline cabins. Tim Spahr, director of charter sales for Pinnacle Aviation based at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Airport, told the Arizona Republic that sales have jumped 45 percent since the latest rules took effect. “It’s incredible,” Spahr said. “And we’ve had a significant number of first-time callers who specifically sight [sic] airport security hassles as the reason for considering charter.” AVweb recently discussed the VLJ market with Teal Group analyst Richard Aboulafia. Check out the audiocast online.
As Market Watchers Prognosticate
Key Takeaways:
- Airline delays and heightened security measures, particularly after 9/11 and the liquid ban, are significantly driving growth in the very light jet (VLJ) and general aviation charter market.
- Charter services have experienced substantial increases in business, with reports of 20-70% growth since recent security rules, including a 45% jump for one specific company.
- A significant portion of this new demand comes from first-time callers who explicitly cite airport security hassles and airline inconvenience as their primary reason for considering private charter.
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