A private air charter brokerage in the greater Toronto area is reporting a significant increase in demand for private flights since the COVID-19 outbreak reached Canada. Elevate Innovation principal Robert Rennert, comments: “Both inquiries and private flights have spiked over the past several weeks with a notable increase over the past few days.”

In response to the current pandemic, government health officials have strongly recommended that individuals across North America avoid commercial air travel and request that all travellers self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return home. While Rennert understands and supports these important measures, in some cases, travel remains necessary. “If individuals are currently abroad or need to travel by air in the near future, private charter is a safe alternative to commercial flights as it limits, and in some cases, nearly eliminates, all public aspects of travel.”

Private aviation is one of the few methods of transportation long associated with social distancing and strict health standards. When customers book a private charter, they bypass terminal buildings and lines. Their aircraft arrives and departs from private facilities and in many cases, customers can drive right up to the plane.

When chartering internationally, customs formalities are often performed right on board the aircraft. There are no lines, no crowds, and no public lounges. Individuals can travel safely and securely without interacting in a public space and while benefiting from exceptional cleaning and sanitisation practices. This is particularly important to individuals who are immunocompromised or of advanced age.