Desire for private flying amid COVID-19 still around: ‘If anything demand has accelerated’

A shift toward private flying that more wealthy Americans saw as a necessary luxury during COVID-19 is now showing signs of becoming a mainstay.

Guy Stockbridge runs multiple businesses from his headquarters in central California, including landscape companies that ripple across his home state and a utility solar business with operations in 17 states.

Flying is a way of life for Stockbridge and others at his company, Elite Team Offices, based in Clovis. For years they flew both privately and on commercial flights out of Fresno, roughly 10 miles from Clovis. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and private jet ownership became more and more attractive.

“Buying a jet has been on my mind for years, but COVID definitely added to the equation!” Stockbridge told Reuters by email.

He is not alone.

A shift toward private flying that more wealthy Americans saw as a necessary luxury during COVID-19 is now showing signs of becoming something else: a pricey but sought-after alternative to a premium ticket on a commercial flight.

Many stayed for the convenience, with analysts and industry executives saying they see both more first-time jet owners and families and even small- and medium businesses flying private.

Airlines had an 80 per cent share of premium travel in 2021, down from 90 per cent before COVID-19, according to Alton Aviation Consultancy.

Business jets were often associated with entertainers and top executives. They now account for a quarter of U.S. flights, roughly twice the pre-pandemic share, according to research and consultancy WINGX.