Omni Aviation in Portugal reports that it is flying about 30 per cent more this year than last, and that around 90 per cent of this business is long range.

By all accounts smaller jets are suffering the effects of economic slowdown more acutely than their larger, long-range counterparts. Owners and charter customers in this sector are perhaps more likely to reduce their travel requirements or consider alternative modes.

Grossmann Jet Service is based in Prague, and always has cabin crew on board its aircraft – more than one on the larger types.