ACC Aviation, a UK-headquartered provider of aircraft leasing, consulting and charter services, has revealed some keen insights into the evolving travel patterns of high net worth individuals (HNWI) and groups. The findings highlight shifts in business travel and the continued popularity of traditional leisure destinations.

The landscape of business travel has undergone a notable transformation, with private jet charters experiencing a surge in demand, particularly between key European hubs. This shift reflects a growing preference among corporate leaders for more flexible, efficient and personalised travel solutions. Since the COVID pandemic, there has been a sustained increase in private jet usage for business purposes. Short-haul business flights, typically ranging from one to three hours, have seen particular growth.

The uptick in business-related flights highlights the need for reliable and seamless travel options that cater to the demanding schedules of senior executives. This trend signifies a growing reliance on bespoke air charter services, which offer the agility and precision that corporate leaders require. In addition, commercial business class flights for European travel have become increasingly expensive. This price disparity has further fuelled the shift towards private charters for corporate travel.

Leisure travel maintains its focus on traditional hotspots, with the South of France remaining a summer favourite, while the winter season continues to attract travellers to northern Europe, including Scandinavian countries, northern France and Switzerland. Short-haul charters of one and a half to two-hours flight time, within Europe, are preferred for cost-efficiency and personalised service.

Group travel dynamics have also undergone significant changes, with a notable decline in demand from the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including a growing emphasis on sustainability and the selection of event locations in an effort to reduce the complexity of travel elements surrounding the event. Many organisations are opting for greener, more environmentally conscious venues and travel methods. Additionally, economic pressures have forced companies to reassess their event strategies, often favouring virtual or hybrid solutions. Despite these challenges, there remains a sustained demand for large-scale transportation solutions for certain types of events such as music concerts, sports team travel and government delegations.

Charlie Wilcox, director of charter, comments: “Personalised, efficient and cost-effective travel solutions remain paramount. This trend presents significant opportunities for charter brokers and service providers. ACC Aviation's primary focus has been to innovate and cater to the unique needs of air charter clientele, consulting and enhancing their overall travel experience.”

Jamie Harris, president Americas, adds: “Within the US, we observed strong demand for both executive and group charter offerings in the first half of the year. With a summer busy with private jet vacation flying, we anticipate increased demand for large airliner charters as we move into the fall and winter months.”