Lear we go: private jet usage takes off in capital

Published on Sunday 11 February 2007 00:18

EDINBURGH Airport has enjoyed a near-doubling in private jet usage over the past five years as time pressures and increased security for scheduled flights push more executives to use what was previously seen as an indulgence.

The number of private jet movements at BAA's three Scottish airports increased by 50% to 7,319 between 2001 and 2006, according to the airport operator.

Edinburgh saw the fastest increase with an 84% rise. It is the base for local business leaders such as Royal Bank of Scotland chief executive Fred Goodwin as well as visiting tycoons and dignitaries including Bill Gates and Prince Andrew.

Glasgow enjoyed a 35% rise in private jet landings over the period, but business at Aberdeen was flat despite a few recent visits from Donald Trump, the US property tycoon who plans to build a golf course near the city.

Private jet users can circumvent the usual lengthy security queues and fly directly to their chosen destination, a bonus in Scotland where journeys too often include a change at one of London's busy airports.

But the convenience comes at a price. A typical private operator would charge about 4,500 to fly from Edinburgh to Paris, compared to a British Airways business class fare of 500.

NetJets, the private jet company owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway group, recently revealed plans to set up a staffed base at Aberdeen airport. The company has licences to fly to 16 other Scottish airports including Islay and Edinburgh.

A NetJets spokesman said the rise in private jet usage had been prompted by concerns about falling service standards on budget and mainstream airlines, and the inconvenience of tightening security measures: "Every time an important individual gets stuck at a Scottish airport, he's thinking maybe I should be spending the extra money flying privately.

"Once, the private jet was what you would do if you were the kind of person who wasted money. Now because of the time savings involved it is the fiscal conservative who is using private jets."