The number of charter flights in May 2016 was up more than 5% over the previous month – a sure signal the U.S. economy is doing well, according to JetCharters.com President Robert Hart.
“When the markets are good, business people are flying,” says Hart. “Executives who don’t have time to wait in line for commercial flights fly with us; and right now business is good.”
According to Argus International, overall business aviation activity increased 2.2% from May 2015 to May 2016. More specifically, Part 135 flights were up 2.6% over the year before, and up an impressive 5.2% from just one month before. Federal Aviation Regulation Part 135 refers to charter flights with 30 or fewer seats, whose operators are specially trained and certified to fly the public in aircraft that meet more safety regulations than general aviation aircraft. Unlike general aviation, Part 135 pilots are also required to have at least 1500 hours of flight experience.
According to the National Business Aviation Association, companies using business aircraft provide a greater return to shareholders. Many see business aviation activity as an indicator of the health of the overall economy.
Hart believes charter flights are also becoming more popular thanks to technology. At JetCharters.com, a customer can quickly enter their departure and destination cities and dates to be matched with the best charter operators. Unlike other brokers and other marketplace solutions, JetCharters.com is free for the public to use.
Business aircraft are often referred to as “time machines” based on their ability to save time. Because charter flights conveniently fly in and out of more than 5,000 U.S. airports (compared to less than 500 with scheduled airline service), travelers spend far less time waiting in security lines, waiting for connections, and driving to destinations far from a commercial hub.
“Our business has increased 60% in the last two years,” says Hart. “Time is money for businesses of all sizes, and we connect them quickly to the best operators with the best plane to meet their needs.”