Utah’s SkyShare has released the results of a survey analysing the benefits of flying private and the primary barriers to entry. The survey, which polled C-suite executives and senior business leaders on their perceptions of business travel, revealed that, while there is growing interest among business leaders and senior management in using private flight, factors such as perceived cost limit widespread adoption.

Since the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in private flight usage due to its flexibility, efficiency and peace of mind for travellers. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents report travelling monthly for business, with 77 per cent using commercial flights as their primary mode of transportation. The survey reveals a need for more cost-effective private flight solutions, given 84 per cent of respondents have an interest in flying private but 75 per cent cite cost as the main barrier.

The study, which surveyed 1,000 full-time individuals who hold C-suite executive or senior management roles, found cost and flexibility of fleet options are the most significant factors taken into account when choosing to fly private. Three-quarters of respondents identified cost as the main deterrent preventing them from using private aviation for travel, with the next closest reason being a lack of information on services and the industry (approximately 41 per cent of respondents). The survey also saw more than one-third of respondents express a significant desire for peace of mind when travelling (such as eliminating layovers, never losing bags, going straight to the aircraft, avoiding cancellations and delays).

To address these concerns, travel solutions must cater specifically to the unique needs of today’s business leaders. Senior executives and C-suite professionals prioritise options that save time, offer increased scheduling flexibility and reduce travel-related stress, which compounds the stress of their professional lives. Beyond cost being the determining factor among those who fly private, 77 per cent prioritise time-saving benefits, 74 per cent value the increased scheduling flexibility, 69 per cent appreciate the reduced stress and hassle, and 35 per cent highlight the opportunity to spend more time with family. These statistics underscore the importance of tailoring travel solutions to the demands of busy executives.

“The bedrock of SkyShare’s culture is customer-service. We do our absolute best to listen first. The only way to be a great guide is to empathetically understand the goals and wants of the person you are guiding,” says Cory Bengtzen, CEO and founder of SkyShare. “This survey was an opportunity to hear from folks who want to be our customers. How can we meet them where they are? All business leaders would love to fly private, but there are still a multitude of hurdles to overcome, with cost being the most significant hurdle.”

Earlier this year, SkyShare announced an innovative financing programme for its fractional aircraft ownership plans, aimed at maximising the accessibility of private flight. This followed the company’s launch of its SFX+ programme, which expanded its fleet with Gulfstream G450s and Challenger 300s, in addition to its existing fleet of Pilatus PC-12s, Citation CJ2s and Citation Excels under the SFX programme. All of these efforts make it easier than ever for leaders and entrepreneurs to access private aviation while retaining capital in their businesses.

“Approximately 62 per cent of respondents indicated they are likely to consider private aviation for business travel needs, so the desire is there. We feel it’s up to our industry to come up with new ways to provide a lower-cost option to help these leaders achieve their businesses’ goals, and SkyShare is doing that through new flexible pricing plans and initiatives that lower the barriers to entry,” Bengtzen adds. “We want these business leaders to know that we hear them loud and clear.”

Since summer began, and even late into the spring, the airline industry has been hit by a range of technical malfunctions, emergency landings and lost baggage woes. So, in examining this survey, says SkyShare, it would not be surprising to see more business professionals consider and ultimately choose to take advantage of the benefits of private aviation. For those who do fly private, reduced stress and hassle was a key factor in their decision to do so, which is why the commercial airline industry could soon see a significant shift in the sheer number of fliers.