SkyShare survey: 84% of execs interested in private flying

The SkyShare survey revealed 84% of c-suite execs are interested in private flying.

Up to 84% of c-suite executives and senior business leaders are interested in private flying, according to a new survey from SkyShare. But 75% of respondents cited cost as the main barrier to using private aviation.

The research, which surveyed 1,000 full-time c-suite executives and senior management, revealed a significant increase in private flight usage due to its flexibility, efficiency, and peace of mind for travellers. 37% of respondents reported traveling monthly for business, with 77% using commercial flights as their main mode of transport. 

More than one third of respondents identified a significant desire for peace of mind when travelling. This was described as eliminating layovers, never losing bags, going straight to the plane, avoiding cancellations and delays. 

However, 75% of respondents identified cost as the main deterrent preventing them from using private aviation for travel. The second most important deterrent was a perceived lack of information on services and the industry, selected by about 41% of respondents.

“This survey was an opportunity to hear from folks who want to be our customers,” said Cory Bengtzen, CEO and founder,  SkyShare. “How can we meet them where they are? All business leaders would love to fly private, but there are still a multitude of hurdles to overcome, with cost being the most significant hurdle.” To address these concerns, travel solutions must cater specifically to the unique needs of today’s business leaders, he added.

“Approximately 62% of respondents indicated they are likely to consider private aviation for business travel needs, so the desire is absolutely there,” said Bengtzen. It is the industry’s responsibility to come up with new ways to provide a lower-cost option to help these leaders achieve their business’ goals, according to the company. SkyShare is doing that through flexible pricing plans and initiatives that lower the barriers to entry, said Bengtzen.

Since summer began, the appetite for private jet flying had been sharpened by the airline industry being “ravaged by a slew of technical malfunctions, emergency landings, and lost baggage woes”, claimed the company. So, it would not be surprising to see more business professionals considering and ultimately choosing the benefits of private aviation, it said. “For those who do fly private, reduced stress and hassle was a key factor in their decision to do so, which is why the commercial airline industry could soon see a significant shift in the sheer number of fliers,” predicted Skyshare.

Meanwhile, in May, SkyShare revealed a new financing programme for its fractional aircraft ownership plans aimed at lowering the entry barrier for small to medium-sized businesses. 

SkyShare survey results – at a glance

• 84% of C-suite exec and senior business leaders are interested in flying private

• 75% cite cost as the main barrier to adopting private aviation.
• 77% prioritise time-saving benefits, while 74% value increased scheduling flexibility.
• 69% appreciate reduced stress associated with private flights
• 35% highlight the importance of spending more time with family.

Source: SkyShare.