Air Charter.

On-demand air charter provides companies with instant access to business aviation aircraft. Many customers are new to air charter. According to the Air Charter Guide, charter activity in the United States increased by 30 percent in 2001, particularly after September 11. Despite that activity, the number of aircraft has decreased in total, due to a dropoff in the number of piston aircraft. However, the number of jets has increased substantially.

The Air Charter Guide reports that charter activity experienced its seasonal slowdown at the end of 2002, which was made worse by the anemic economy and uncertainty about war. Air Charter Guide believes that one of the most significant trends is the imminent entry of on-demand, commercial, charter services into the mainstream of online travel procurement. As retail and corporate buyers have improved access to peruse and purchase charter services online, charter will grow and continue to act as the entry level engagement for all types of general aviation.

The end of 2002 was the slowest period for the Part 135 industry since September 11, 2001. The decline seems based upon the economy and, more significantly, suspended travel and business activity in anticipation of a possible war in the Middle East.

Explaining charter's popularity, Ted Dennis of Guardian Jet Center said that "air charter offers the same benefits of having your own airline. Your schedule is your own, it is flexible, and you avoid the wasted time and hassle of commercial terminals, flight delays and endless security searches."

"Plus," Dennis added, "the cost-effectiveness of air charter is unparalleled. Your charter aircraft is your mobile office, and that mobile office affords you convenience and privacy without the problems of lost luggage. You can travel to several cities per day, usually flying in to airports much closer to your final destination than a commercial airport."

Source: NBAA