Demand Up, But Private Flights Use 8 Airports Affected By Limits

Commercial airlines are not the only ones affected by the flight limitations imposed by the FAA to relieve strain on the system due to the government shutdown, now in its sixth week. Eight of the 25 busiest airports used by private jet flights are included on the FAA’s list of 40 airports with limited flight operations.

Some private operators have already said they’ve seen effects of FAA staffing shortages, and are getting prepared for more frequent impacts. The busiest airport for private jet flights is Teterboro (TEB), which is on the FAA’s list.

Additional airports with high levels of private aviation are Dallas Love Field (DAL), Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL), Houston William P. Hobby (HOU), Washington Dulles International (IAD), Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS), Chicago Midway (MDW), and Salt Lake City International (SLC).

Heidi J. Williams, NBAA Vice President of Air Traffic Services & Infrastructure said the FAA mandate at the impacted airports covers all operators, including Part 135 (charter and jet cards), Part 91k (fractional), and Part 91 (owner-operated) operations.

Williams said in a webinar, “We will be part of that reduction.”

Flexjet is the second-largest operator of fractional/charter flight hours in the U.S. Andrew Collins, Global CEO of Flexjet, said to Private Jet Card Comparisons its fractional unit has seen higher demand, particularly in owners booking at the 12-hour window. The company has experienced a year-to-date 23% increase in flying.

FXAir group focuses on ad hoc charter flights and they had a 56% increase in flight legs in October.

“Fly Alliance has been seeing an increased demand for private flying due to the commercial airline reduction in flights,” said CEO Kevin Wargo.

Jamie Walker, Executive Chairman of Jet Linx, said he believes the most significant jump in demand is on the way.

Jets.com Executive Vice President of Sales Vincent Kavanagh said, “We’ve seen a big spike recently in charter inquiries online, many from first-time fliers looking for guaranteed access when the airlines cannot deliver.”

And Anthony Tivnan President of Magellan Jets adds, “We are receiving bookings already from impacted flight cancellations.”

Both Argus and WingX reported record levels of demand in October.

FMI:  privatejetcardcomparisons.com/