How to Select an Aircraft for Air Charter

The concept of chartering an aircraft is not new but it has become an emerging trend of late. Apart from the advantage of travelling comfortably, the ‘time’ factor plays an important role in opting for the services of an air charter company.

An air charter company is one which hires out an entire aircraft either to a single individual or a group. The nature of hiring proves that air charter is made not for general reasons but for specialized ones. Hence, the clientèle for air charter companies is also different from the conventional client base of airlines. Air Charter companies therefore have a diverse client base, consisting of business people, entertainers, sports personalities, celebrities and executive travellers. Aircrafts can also be chartered for emergency purposes, transporting heavy cargo, etc, especially by the government authorities or armed forces.

However, when it comes to choosing an aircraft for air charter, it should be done judiciously. Modern air charter companies nowadays deal in a diverse fleet of aircrafts. This helps hirers to choose according to their requirement. However certain points should be kept in mind while selecting an aircraft for air charter.

• Opt for an authorized air charter company- It is necessary to avail the services of an air charter company which has a proper license. This can save the concerned client from being embroiled in legal hassles later on. Browsing the internal portals or referring to directories can help you find a good air charter company, but hire only when you find a trustworthy authentication certificate.

• Pay a personal visit- Even if you are dealing with one of the reputed air charter companies, it is important not to believe in them blindly. While selecting an aircraft, it is better if you pay a visit personally to the service provider's office. Take a tour of the aircraft if necessary to see that the facilities provided will fulfil your requirements.

• Take suggestions from other hirers- If you are chartering an aircraft for the first time, then it is necessary to look up references or solicit advice from previous clients or friends and family who have used the service/agency before. They can give you guidelines about the type of aircraft to be selected, the names of reputed air charter companies, fair price-rate ranges etc.

• Budget- Consider the amount that you can invest behind an aircraft to be chartered. It is important to ask an air charter company about the options available at hand - whether an aircraft can be chartered on the basis of per day or on per hour pay, or ‘On demand Charter’ where the payment is made after every individual trip.

• Flexibility- Chartering an aircraft removes the constraints of time schedules and makes traversing global routes available at one's will.

• Distance and route- The total amount of distance to be covered is also a factor to be considered while selecting an aircraft for air charter. For long distant travel, Boeing Jets and Air Buses are preferable as they are sturdier with higher fuel capacity. Short distances can be well covered by light and medium sized jets and helicopters. Travellers flying to island destinations can opt for sea planes or aircrafts that can land in both water as well as inland runways.