Business executive seem to be downsizing to the new-generation of small, four-passenger jets to conserve travel budgets, according to London Executive Aviation (LEA), who reported the trend recently. LEA became the first Europe’s first Cessna Mustang operator in June and also offers large cabin and super midsize aircraft, including the Embraer Legacy and Bombardier Challenger 300. Related Story  It also noted that Very-High-Net-Worth Individuals (VHNWIs) remain unaffected by economic trends as well as their strong demand for large cabin-class private aircraft.
“The charter market looks to have come off its recent high, but demand is still well ahead of traditional levels,” said chief executive Patrick Margetson-Rushmore. “That suggests that people have really embraced private jet chartering as a time management tool. What stands out in particular is that, rather than stopping flying, businesses are downsizing to smaller, greener jets. With the advent of the latest small aircraft, customers are rightly choosing not to pay for jets larger than they need – the average group size is two to three people, so why waste money on acres of empty seats?”
LEA’s larger jets continue to be used by the wealthiest travellers. “P Diddy may have gone back to scheduled airlines, but there are plenty who haven’t,” says Margetson-Rushmore. “The best-heeled customers are still prepared to pay for spacious cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment and ample baggage storage. Once you’ve flown at that level you don’t want to go back - there would have to be a spectacular financial meltdown before these customers considered queuing at Heathrow.” Related Story