Paris Le Bourget-based business aviation operator iXAir has developed a joint brand with luxury real estate and wealth services company Barnes. Barnes iXAir says its customers will be a high-end international clientele who have migrated to business aviation during the pandemic, particularly for family flights over the summers of 2020 and 2021.

“Constraints linked to confinements and health restrictions concerning both professional and leisure travel have highlighted the advantages of private aviation," says Barnes president Thibault de Saint Vincent. "This is why we decided to approach iXAir. It shares our ethos of excellence, and the French art of living, so we can offer all of our customers a service that is truly dedicated to them."

iXAir operates short, medium and long-haul jets and carried more than 3,500 passengers in 2019. Barnes has been developing a global approach to services that, as well as property, include art advice; wealth management; yachting; equestrian, hunting and wine estates; decoration; and life annuity. Barnes iXAir can also advise on the acquisition, operation and sale of business jets.

"Barnes and iXAir both represent French luxury," says iXAir president Nicolas Ziza. "Our overlapping clientele reflects our shared values, our high level of service, our rigour and our reliability."

The Barnes iXAir offer primarily covers a personalised service for intra-European and transatlantic flights, in terms of VIP transfers, onboard wi-fi and entertainment, plus fine dining, fine wines and champagne.

“There are many links between luxury real estate and business aviation,” adds de Saint Vincent. "Thus, when booking a seasonal rental on the Côte d'Azur in summer, or in the Alps in winter, Barnes customers will receive a Barnes iXAir flight proposal adapted to their needs."