PrivatAir is hoping to establish marketing alliances with international airlines to offer passengers the choice of business aircraft for onward travel in the USA, but admits the concept could take time to gain widespread acceptance.
The Geneva, Switzerland-based operator says initial targets for the service would be Lufthansa and Swiss, for which PrivatAir provides transatlantic all-business class shuttles under a wet-lease agreement.
"The concept is still in its embryonic stage," says PrivatAir chief executive Greg Thomas, but he admits Swiss is receptive to the idea. Thomas says the service would suit non-hub airports, such as Newark, served by Swiss/Privatair's Zurich service, because there are few links to the networks of major airlines.
Thomas admits many carriers view the introduction of business aircraft services with caution because of the failure of high-profile ventures such as United Airlines' fractional ownership subsidiary Avolar. "Airlines also have a morbid fear that business aviation will steal their first-class passengers," he adds.
Source: Flight International
