Elite Traveler Winter 2024/25

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elite traveler WINTER 2024/25

Faster, further and completely connected

by Julie Boatman

This image Pilatus PC-24

With an evolving clientele taking advantage of thebene fi tsof fl ying in their own jet — or a portion of one — the private aviation industry focuses squarely on making the most of a limited resource (time), but with an eye towards reducing environmental impact and reaping gains in e ffi ciency driven by advancing technology. In fact, on average, a new jet in 2025 will be at least 40% more fuel-e ffi cient than its predecessor from the 1980s or ’90s. A stunning array of new bizjets made their debut in the past year, with three big entrants in long-range fl ying matched by a total refresh on two of the lightest jets. What does

this mean for fl iers? More comfort and connectivity, complemented by a focus on fuel savings and environmental sustainability — both in the cabin and the engines. The Bombardier Global 8000 hits top marks for speed, cabin size and range — but competition remains fi erce, with the debut of the nimble Dassault Falcon 6X and the imminent Gulfstream G800. Embraer returned to the sketchbook with a revision of its cabin design and safety enhancements for the Phenom 100EX. And Pilatus re-engineered its versatile PC-24 to extract more range — or payload — for its clients’ primary missions.

That’s the hardware. But we know that picking the ultimate plane is only part of the equation. Looking for the right jet management or card program to suit your travel requirements? The top companies in the business are expanding both footprint and service portfolios — but a bit of caution is advised: Mergers and acquisitions activity has driven consolidation among key players, and downsizing and other woes have plagued a handful of recent superstars like Wheels Up and Volato. Still, the leaders continue to deliver on promises to ease private travel — and delight their clientele.

Photo Paul Sadler