Demand for Euro Charters
Seen Leading Bizjet Growth

European charter bookings continue to show consistent growth, with an average overall gain of 6% for January 2002 over January 2001, according to the latest survey by the Air Charter Guide.

Its survey of 72 operators from 19 countries across Europe showed that demand for jet aircraft, the preferred option for business travel, is leading the industry growth. Bookings for medium-sized business jets were up 12.7% over last year, light jets were up 9.1%, and heavy jets up 7.5%.

The Air Charter Guide is publisher of the definitive print and online directory of licensed charter aircraft worldwide (www.aircharterguide.com).

Meara McLaughlin

"This growth in jet aircraft bookings in Europe confirms that increase in demand, particularly from business travelers, is an international trend. Executives are finding increased value in the time savings and convenience offered by private air charter," said Meara McLaughlin, vice president for e-Services.

"Commercial air travel is plagued with delays and more complex security, and travelers are opting more and more for air charter."

Charter brokers have historically driven the European air charter market and the survey shows that brokers remain an important link in the charter chain. Operators rep-orted a solid 5% gain in wholesale business from brokers. Retail growth, where operators sell directly to their customers, is also up. Most notable is the fact that in the UK, where the reported average of total business growth exceeded 10%, growth in retail demand and bookings increased 16.9%.

"As the Internet becomes more accessible in Europe, it is natural that customers will seek their own information about air charter travel options," said McLaughlin. "Real-time quoting and booking, through systems such as our CharterX Network, will facilitate this next growth opportunity for charter operators and brokers."

Full details of the European Survey and market analysis are available here from Air Charter Guide at Booth 7416.