Corporate jets filling the domestic air void

Dramatically scaled down domestic commercial air services by Australia’s major carriers, Qantas and Virgin Australia, have proven to be a bonanza for private jet operators.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres’ (ACJC) CEO, Sam Iliades, says unsurprisingly demand for domestic charter flights has increased in recent weeks “especially with airline capacity so low.”

Iliades says ACJC is prepared for charter air interest to swell once state border restrictions around the country are removed.

“We anticipate a high increase in domestic travel due to the restrictions in place on interstate travel and while airlines start to build up services again,” he told LATTE.

Headquartered at Essendon Airport and with an aircraft base in Perth, ACJC has 11 jets and three helicopters in its fleet, ranging from the six-passenger Cessna Citation Sierra to the 13-passenger Embraer Legacy 600, along with other aircraft accessible worldwide.

ACJC’s primary markets are business and leisure clients, such as international stage and screen entertainers, sports stars, corporations, dignitaries and heads of state.

“A large part of the charter market is catering for international inbound clients that need to achieve travel on hectic schedules in a short amount of time. Due to the vast area to cover with flying state to state in Australia and not being able to access some regional centres by regular transport means the corporate air travel is the only solution,” Iliades said.

“However, international travel will be slow to return due to the ever-evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

“We anticipate, due to the restriction on international travel, that there will be a large demand for domestic travel to destinations within Australia. We live in a large diverse country which would take a lifetime to explore properly. We have amazing beaches, flora, fauna, produce and places of interest worth visiting. The country is so large that air travel remains the most efficient way to view its landmarks and take in its beauty. Australians love to travel and now their focus may shift to domestic travel.”

Iliades says corporate jets provide clients with an “efficient, seamless travel option where all travel details remain confidential.””The flight routing and times are at the discretion of the client and can be modified to suit their schedule. Private lounges and facilities are offered which keep our clients away from the busy airline terminals and other travellers. Catering requirements are matched to suit the client’s requirements, the cabins are comfortable and quiet and our aircraft are disinfected for passenger safety,” he told LATTE.

For leisure markets, ACJC has taken requests for the likes of Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania, Longitude 131° at Uluru, qualia on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in the Greater Blue Mountains.Multi-day golfing tours in Tasmania can be arranged including accommodation, on the ground transport and dining options, with rounds at Barnbougle Lost Farm, Ocean Dunes and Cape Wickham.

ACJC has also partnered with TV personality Kerri-Anne Kennerley – a former board member of Golf Australia – to offer escorted tours to golf courses around Australia and New Zealand.