‘Everyone’s calling’: demand for private jets from UK firm soars by up to 300% amid Iran war | US-Israel war on Iran
When there is a crisis anywhere in the world, there is always an urgent need for a plane. Since the US-Israeli war against Iran began on Saturday, demand has outstripped supply as thousands of people stranded in the Middle East frantically search for a way out.
While many rely on governments to send planes to evacuate them, those with the financial means can look at a more expensive and much faster option: a private jet. Matt Purton, director of aviation services at UK-based global company Air Charter Service, is the man some have on speed dial.
Purton not only organizes the transportation of the rich and famous by ship around the world, but also assists governments; It caters to requests from everyone from the UK Home Office to the US government seeking aircraft to deport migrants or carry out evacuations from collapsed countries such as Libya.
While his company won’t accept requests for private planes from anyone who can afford to pay, he concedes that the recent Middle East war isn’t bad for business. “Aircraft demands are probably up 200-300% compared to this time of year,” he says. “We’re going to Gangbusters.”
Although the company does not automatically inflate prices in times like these, the fact that demand exceeds supply means prices are in line with current market rates. Most government work is done for a pre-agreed fixed fee.
He remains cautious about how the war will proceed, regardless of its impact on his company. “The air corridors are pretty narrow,” Purton said. “If it is closed further, it will be much more difficult for planes to enter and exit the region. The only constant in this situation right now is the fluidity of everything. It feels like reemerging with a dustpan and brush after an earthquake.
“We’re getting calls from everyone from honeymooners stranded in Dubai to holidaymakers looking to charter planes back home, to companies and wealthy individuals. When there’s a war, there’s really no distinction made between millionaires and billionaires.”
He says there are currently at least half a million people who want to be stuck in the wrong place. But many planes and crews are also not in the right locations around the world to reach the Middle East and get people out of there.
“I think European governments need to work together on this. If they build an air bridge to somewhere like Oman, they can move more people more quickly, flying them from Muscat or Fujairah international airport to somewhere like Larnaca or Malta.”
Although his company usually leases entire planes, it occasionally sells seats; which is something he decided to do to get stranded people out of the Middle East.
An estimated 300,000 Britons are believed to be in affected parts of the Middle East and thousands of flights have been canceled since the joint US-Israeli operation was launched. More than 130,000 Britons have expressed interest in being helped to leave the region.
British citizens were expected to return home on the first government flight from Oman on Wednesday evening. But the flight was delayed due to “operational issues” and is now expected to take off later on Thursday. Two more flights are planned in the coming days.
The flight will depart from Oman’s capital, Muscat, and will be 180 miles from the UAE’s largest city, Dubai, where many British tourists and expats currently reside.
The State Department advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, and against any travel to Israel and Palestine.
“This is the worst weather crisis we have had since Covid,” says Purton. “We can often make quicker decisions than governments, but we work with governments that can provide us with diplomatic and other support. Companies like us are called upon to pick up the pieces in these situations.”
