ExecuJet says it is experiencing an exceptional surge in private jet traffic across its FBOs in Europe, with record-breaking numbers of aircraft movements. This trend highlights an increasing preference for private aviation among attendees of prestigious sports competitions during the summer in Europe.

During the recent sports games in Paris between July and September 2024, ExecuJet’s Paris FBO at Le Bourget welcomed an impressive 1,257 passengers and 1,479 crew members, managing 493 aircraft movements. This momentum carried through to the soccer highlight games in Germany, where the Munich FBO handled 80 aircraft movements over three days during the semi-finals, facilitating 125 passengers and 2.5 tons of luggage within just four hours. Meanwhile, the Berlin FBO at Brandenburg International airport showcased its capabilities by managing 158 flights within a tight 72-hour window during the final match, accommodating 586 passengers and 13.5 tons of luggage.

These figures underscore the rising trend of private jet travel for sports events, with attendees increasingly seeking a seamless and luxurious experience amid the excitement of global competitions. The influx of long-haul travellers, particularly from Asia, further emphasises this shift, as 40 per cent of sponsors for the 2024 soccer games are based in China.

Patrick Hansen, CEO of parent company Luxaviation Group, says: “The substantial increase in activity at our FBOs is a clear reflection of the growing demand for private aviation. Our dedicated teams worked tirelessly to ensure that each passenger’s journey was smooth and enjoyable, even amid the complexities of high-profile sporting events.”

Michel Tohane, president of Group FBO services at Luxaviation, adds: “Our FBOs are uniquely equipped to handle the challenges of high-demand periods, demonstrating our expertise in managing a significant volume of aircraft movements without compromising service quality. The feedback we’ve received from clients has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting our commitment to excellence.”

ExecuJet anticipates further increases in traffic for upcoming major events, including the prestigious Melbourne Cup on 5 November.