Ireland’s biggest rock band, U2, recently customised a BBJ chartered from Switzerland’s Privatair. The company had hoped to support the group on the US leg of its tour, which has apparently been pushed back following recent events. David Kinson, the company’s marketing director, said: “The band’s management asked us to put the band’s details on the outside of the aircraft, especially for the tour. The aircraft was leased for the duration of the European tour, although we did occasionally charter it out between dates.” The deal came via a broker, although Kinson denied that any discount had been offered as a result of the promotion for Privatair.

“We charge a daily rate to offer something different to the market place. If a charterer puts around 26 passengers on board then the price is competitive with business class fares,” said Kinson. Privatair made a similar arrangement with the Rolling Stones last year, although they flew without any publicity on the side of the aircraft. “U2 travelled with family and friends, which is why they chose a larger aircraft like the BBJ. At the moment the US tour looks a little tricky and as far as I’m aware its been postponed due to the September 11 events. This was the first time the group had used us, and I hope they’ll be back when they next tour.”

Immediately following Septembet 11 Privatair found an immediate upsurge in quotations, although Kinson admitted that the market had gone a little flat since. “The long-haul market in general has suffered. Certainly in short-haul we are seeing more activity withinin the US and Europe, and there has been a lot more interest in business aviation in general.” The company has found that via brokers, requests have

been coming from first time charterers and corporate travel managers trying to discover more about business aviation.

Privatair operates three BBJs and a Boeing 757. “Post-September we’ve had a whole range of customers, we even had television crews trying to get into the US,” said Kinson. “I think there is going to be a medium term effect, probably some consolidation similar to the airlines. The fractionals are continuing to perform well, and airlines are recognising the opportunities in business aviation. I believe that in the future the market will open up further.”