In these days of corporate efficiency and fiscal responsibility, the costs of moving global team members from place to place can be astronomical. Even in a world where CEO’s fly coach more often than ever, the costs of commercial travel can be staggering for any business. Add to this the challenges associated with scheduling critical meetings in convenient locations and business aviation in general can be crippling to the bottom line.
That’s why many corporations are approaching business aviation differently by choosing to own, lease or contract their own flight services. On the surface, many may see it as a questionable expense, but look a little closer and real efficiencies and measurable business results can make corporate business aviation a solution that’s right for the bottom line.
Here are three questions to consider in determining whether you may benefit from access to your own corporate jet:
- Do you have global operations that require your corporate leadership to fly more than twice a week?
- Does your corporate leadership sometimes need to attend multiple meetings in different locations on the same day?
- Does commercial travel “waste” valuable leadership time based on schedules and wait times?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it may be wise to consider business aviation as a solution for your company. Having a corporate flight service can deliver many benefits:
- Control and efficiency in scheduling meetings.
- Ability to cover more ground faster and more effectively.
- Less wasted time.
- A working environment that capitalizes on talent deployment and effectiveness.
- Less physical and emotional stress on leadership.
- The ability to address challenges and serve customers on an efficient schedule.
- Greater ability to capitalize on sales opportunities in multiple locations.
By now you’re probably wondering how you would even start the process of developing a corporate flight strategy. Here’s what our customers have said worked for them:
- Start small and test. Our experience is that customers who start by focusing on one key market corridor that serves their business can reap the benefits or determine the flaws of business aviation more quickly and with less risk.
- Contract out equipment and management. Find a partner who can fully manage the entire process for you. Don’t make the mistake of trying to be your own airline. Stick to your business and hire a professional service that has everything you need, including aircraft and personnel. A partner that is conveniently located to provide full service with people on the ground and in the air including available aircraft to serve the needs of your leadership.
- Measure results. Determine a relevant period of time to measure the effectiveness of accessing a corporate jet. Set up measurement intervals of key criteria like efficiency of leadership performance related to the corporation’s goals, overall flight expense as cost of sales, and how those criteria compare to previous years using commercial airlines.
For many, business aviation is a necessity not a luxury. Done correctly it is something that will serve staff, customers and shareholders more effectively and efficiently than other alternatives.