PrivateFly has launched a prepayment card programme for frequent flyers in Europe and the US.

The PrivateFly Jet Card will offer clients access to a range of premium and safety-accredited private jet aircraft at fixed hourly rates and at 24-hours' notice, amid increased demand for private travel during COVID-19.

In July, PrivateFly saw enquiries double compared with the same period last year, as consumer confidence in airline travel fell, caused by uncertainty over global travel restrictions, consumer worries over quarantine and social distancing, and the continued cancellation of commercial flights by airlines around the world.

Despite business travel not yet returning, bookings were at 90 per cent of the same period the year before, with European travellers heading for popular leisure destinations including Nice, Ibiza and Palma.

CEO Adam Twidell says: “With our PrivateFly Jet Card, we see a strong and exciting opportunity to offer enhanced convenience and personalisation, both to our international on-demand clients who are flying more often and to new clients who are adopting new buying habits and seeking greater control, safety and privacy when they fly.

“This includes owners or fractional owners who are trading down and first or business class airline travellers looking to avoid busy airport terminals and near-term cancellations to scheduled services, with the certainty of guaranteed availability and the reassuring safety-first culture of a leading global aviation group.”

The card is aimed at frequent flyers who value the convenience of fixed, upfront hourly rates, as well as a seamless booking process and confidence in the knowledge they can access their preferred aircraft group even at short notice.

US routes will be provided via an exciting new partnership with PrivateFly's sister company Sentient Jet. Andrew Collins, president and CEO of Sentient Jet, adds: “We're pleased to partner with PrivateFly at such a critical and unique time. Given the success of the guaranteed, fixed-rate model in the United States, we think the efforts by this talented and experienced team will lead to a rapid leadership position in the European and international jet card markets.”

PrivateFly Jet Card clients can buy a card for a minimum of 25 hours, choosing from three aircraft categories; light jet, midsize jet or heavy jet. Fixed hourly rates start from 5,900 euros for the light jet card in Europe. They are also free to switch between aircraft categories without paying a surcharge, other than the difference in hourly rate.

Membership offers guaranteed 24-hour access to PrivateFly's premium family fleet aircraft, in addition to rigorously-accredited aircraft operated by a selection of its preferred suppliers. Up to five nominated users can be added to a card and clients returning within 24 hours of their outbound trip can also enjoy a 20 per cent discount on their hourly rate.