The Many Faces of Charter Aviation: Black Tie Events, Wild Animal Rescues and Sky-High Parties

The global market of air charter services has been steadily growing. Its size is currently approaching USD 50 billion and should reach up to USD 80 billion by the year 2032. People tend to associate private flights with the ‘one percent’ and the highest levels of service. Combine this with the flexibility and the sense of exclusivity and luxury, and it becomes much easier to understand why chartered flights are becoming increasingly popular.

A sense of exclusiveness and the importance of good taste

In the world of private air charters, adaptability is key, as business jet aircraft can easily accommodate any need expressed by the passengers. For example, the flight crew can meet all your stereotypical expectations of luxury without any difficulties.

“Such flights definitely do happen. In most cases, they are related to various fashion or sporting events, or, let’s say, award ceremonies. Naturally, in such cases, the onboard atmosphere would be completely different from the trips to, for example, sports competitions. People would typically be in their evening gowns and tuxedos,” says Akvilė Valatkaitytė, a Senior cabin crew member and instructor at KlasJet, a charter airline specializing in business-class and VIP charter flights.

According to Edvinas Finenko, Business development manager at KlasJet, themed flight experiences are becoming increasingly popular. In one case, KlasJet was tasked with orchestrating a red-themed wedding experience, complete with a distinctive red aircraft, coordinated ground transportation for photoshoots, specially designed red uniforms for the crew, all down to the cocktails and floral arrangements.

And it is not only the decorations that matter, as KlasJet aims to match the onboard culinary experience to the destination or theme. When, for example, members of a royal family are flown to a red-carpet event at the Cannes Film Festival, the airline would serve food prepared by a Michelin-starred chef that reflects seasonal flavors. 

“Food is one of the most sensory experiences, and great food on board enhances the whole journey like nothing else,” explains Finenko. “For art collectors flying to Art Basel, we might serve molecular gastronomy inspired by Swiss innovation. While travelers headed to a wine festival in Bordeaux might want to start their wine-tasting journey, accompanied by regional cheeses and charcuterie, already onboard. Creating such experiences is a challenge in and of itself, but having a developed network of providers, sommeliers and chefs definitely helps.”

More than just a means to get from A to B

However, trips to prominent events are only a minor part of what KlasJet does. Its team would regularly get a request to embark on truly unique missions.

“I remember one time, working with an animal welfare foundation, we were tasked with the important mission of transporting a lion and a leopard. Bred in captivity, the animals had been kept in unsuitable conditions, and we were honored to contribute to their safe journey back to Africa, where they could be properly cared for,” Šarūnė Valaikaitė, Senior cabin crew member and instructor at KlasJet, shares.

Fortunately, a charitable organization became aware of the situation and arranged a ​ flight to bring the animals back to Africa. It was KlasJet that got this honor of helping the majestic animals in need.

“The journey itself was fascinating – our aircraft are exceptional in that they can be quickly transformed and adapted to specific needs. So, several rows of seats were removed, and cages were installed where the lion and leopard traveled. And that’s not the only experience I’ve had with wild animals. I also flew with ten falcons. That was an unforgettable experience as well,” says Ms. Valaikaitė.

Celebrations and parties up in the sky

Yet another advantage of private flights is that passengers can feel much more relaxed compared to regular flights. So, when the occasion is right, it can be both a mode of transportation and a way of celebrating. KlasJet even gives clients the opportunity to decorate the aircraft, making it even more festive.

“Air charter companies typically work with decorators and party planners in order to transform the plane and adapt its spaces for celebrations. Some of the requests that messengers have are truly unique. However, those organizing the flights no longer get surprised that easily and can adapt to almost any whim. Think private chef or even a DJ booth,” says Ms. Valatkaitytė.

According to her, the most impressive parties happen when a sports team takes a charter flight back home after winning an important game:

“During flights like these, the trophy is passed from hand to hand, and team members are taking photos with it. Usually, everyone is in excellent spirits and chanting non-stop. It’s one of the many magical moments that are only possible on charter flights.”