NetJets Europe is launching a new service aimed at attracting former Concorde passengers to transatlantic private jets. Under the slogan: “You flew the Concorde – now it’s time for an upgrade,” the service will be timed to coincide with the end of flights on Concorde in October.

Chief executive Mark Booth said: “Our message is that, with Concorde going out of service, passengers have a choice: Either fly first-class on a commercial airline or upgrade to NetJets. We’ll be making a serious effort in the next few months to encourage Concorde passengers to upgrade.” A spokesman added: “Because private jets typically take off and land at smaller, private airports, passengers are able to avoid lengthy airport check-in and luggage retrieval delays (a burden even Concorde passengers were forced to endure).

“The bottom line for travellers is that private jets will soon become the undisputed door-to-door speed champs of transatlantic travel.”