FORGET A-LISTERS AND OLIGARCHS, TODAY’S PRIVATE JET CUSTOMER IS A MORE MODEST TYPE

• Analysis reveals the typical private jet user is a 41-year old male, who flies in a small group, in a small 'air taxi' jet from London to Paris
• PrivateFly says business owners and families are the growing critical mass of private jet travellers

Private jet booking platform PrivateFly has unveiled key characteristics of the typical private jet user, revealing a more modest profile than many might expect. The company's latest Private Jet Charter Trends report includes the demographic snapshot, reflecting data from private jet users over the past 12 months.

PrivateFly's analysis is based on its growing funnel of customer booking, enquiry and flight search data, with the technology-driven platform now receiving over 200,000 unique website visitors every month. Its quarterly insights report was launched at the beginning of 2016.

The average private jet customer in 2016 has the following characteristics:

• He's a 41-year old male, and travels with three or four other passengers.
• He flies from London to Paris (the most enquired route).
• He flies in a Citation Mustang, a small four-seater 'air taxi' style jet (prices start from £3,500 for a one-way flight from London to Paris).
• He books his flight at late notice, less than a week before take-off.
• He takes off at 11am on a Friday, the most popular time to fly.

Commenting on the findings, Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly said: "There's a lot of guesswork and many stereotypes surrounding who flies by private jet - many of which are overblown - so it's great to be sharing real facts and data-driven customer insights.

"Some of the findings may come as a surprise to those outside the industry, particularly the popularity of small jets and short distance flights. Today there is a growing crossover between the profile of the private jet user and the airline passenger.

"It goes without saying that today's private jet customer is driven by the time-saving and convenience of private air travel which, while more expensive than airline travel, is not only for celebrities or the super-rich travelling in large and lavish jets.

"These high-spending clients exist of course, but they are a small minority. The critical mass of private jet users are successful business owners or families happy to pay a premium for a better travel experience. And with the entry-level end of the private jet market becoming increasingly competitive, this is likely to become even more apparent in 2017."