MISSISSAUGA — First impressions are everything, and boy, did Chartright Air Group make a good one among the travel agent community.

The aircraft management, charter and maintenance provider hosted an open house at one of its hangars at Toronto Pearson on Aug. 22 to introduce travel agents and trade media to its private jet services. With several of the company’s sleek, luxury jets on full display, Graham Nierop, Director of Sales, highlighted Chartright’s growing operations and how, for the first time since its inception in 1987, the company is finally working with travel advisors in an official capacity.  

“This will be our first time partnering with travel agents across Canada. We saw an opportunity to assist agents in managing bookings for their clients, offering them the convenience of private air travel,” he tells Travelweek.

Although Nierop doesn’t have a good reason as to why it’s taken nearly 40 years to work with agents (“We just typically haven’t explored this space until now”), he’s hopeful of what’s to come and is very mindful of what’s important to the agent community.

“We can work with agents based on their preferences, either by building commissions into quotes or offering a net rate,” he says. “We also understand the sensitivity around your clients and we don’t get in the middle of that. There is no big Chartright upfront branding. We appreciate the business and your relationship with your clients. We’re here to simply provide a service and to fly your clients from one place to another.

“I’m a firm believer in this relationship. We’re really driven and want to build this relationship with you,” Nierop adds.

As the biggest operator in Canada of charter services, Chartright operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft across the country, with half based at its Toronto (YYZ) hub and the rest at subsidiary bases at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport (CYLS) and Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF). Its private jet services include charter flights, empty-leg flights, aircraft management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft leasing and more. Its fleet, which ranges from Light Cessnas to Ultra Long Range Bombardier Jets, can accommodate anywhere from seven to 15 passengers. Most clients, says Nierop, book charters to New York (“We fly to New York multiple times daily as a fleet”), South Florida, Montreal, Ottawa, northeast United States, and Europe with a stop in Newfoundland or Iceland on the way. Prices range from $4,915 per hour for a seven-seat Cessna Citation Ultra, to $12,250 per hour for a 14-seat Bombardier Global 5000 Ultra Long Range Jet.

BOOKING IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3

But how easy can it possibly be to book an entire jet for a client? The answer may surprise you, says Nierop. 

“It’s very simple: call us at 1-800-595-9395 ext. 220, or email css@chartright.com and we will provide the quote – usually within 30 minutes. Once we receive a signed quote, we will confirm the booking instantly,” he assures. “We have our own operations/dispatch team, we take care of everything. Travel agents will need to provide clients’ passport details to us, and we will take care of everything else.”

Nierop also notes that same-day charters can often be arranged (“We can ramp up an airplane in three hours and be ready”), and that charters for groups of 20 or more are also possible (“We often do 150- to 200-person charters), thanks to Chartright’s extensive partner network. So think family reunions, weddings, sports teams and more – the possibilities are endless.

“Over 60% of our business is leisure travel,” he tells Travelweek. “Now, there is a blend where the lines cross between leisure and business, but you’d be shocked to know that over half of our flying is leisure versus corporate.”

“GET ON AND GO”

As Nierop says, “the private sector is really built around convenience.” So not only has Chartright made it incredibly easy for travel agents to book charters, it has also made travel a complete end-to-end, luxury experience for their clients. For example, if departing from Toronto, clients will be greeted at the airport by a Chartright pilot, their bags will be loaded onto the aircraft, they’ll buckle up and away they go. 

“There’s no pre-clearance,” says Nierop. “If we’re flying within Canada, you’re going to simply land at your destination and you get off the airplane. There are no security lines, no terminal activity, nothing.”

The process is just as easy for those flying international, with the same “get-on-and-go” departure experience. Upon landing, Nierop says that at most airports, one or two customs agents will welcome clients at the aircraft, check their passports, perhaps have a look at their luggage before sending them off on their journey, bypassing the terminal altogether.

And while onboard, Nierop adds that clients will fly in complete comfort, thanks to jets featuring well-appointed cabins with plush seating, modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and advanced entertainment systems, gourmet catering tailored to their preferences, and a dedicated crew that provides attentive service.

“Travelling with Chartright provides a luxurious and personalized flying experience, featuring privacy, security and flexible scheduling for a comfortable, efficient journey. You can expect a streamlined boarding process and a relaxed, stress-free atmosphere, making every aspect of your flight enjoyable and tailored to your needs,” says Nierop.

LAST-MINUTE TRAVEL

Following a huge surge in bookings post-Covid, when the travel industry was hit with unprecedented demand, long call centre wait times, and flight cancellations and delays, Nierop tells Travelweek that 2023 and 2024 have levelled off with more manageable, healthy growth. Chartright operates 24/7, with in-office staff that works around the clock and a sales team that’s available seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. This allows the company to meet any request – and quickly – even during its busiest time during the period between Christmas and New Year’s. As Nierop notes, 70% of Chartright’s clients book within five days of travel.

“We understand responsiveness is key, especially in our space. Know that we’re monitoring after-hours requests. If we saw a request come in after hours, for example, we can likely ramp up an airplane at 11:00 p.m. that night to get out of Florida. If not that night, certainly the next morning,” he says.

Chartright’s quick turnaround time is particularly useful if travel agents have clients whose flights are suddenly cancelled due to issues like weather. This, says Nierop, happens often in New York during the summer months when thunderstorms typically occur.

“Outside of Canada, we’ve got the sourcing tools and global relationships to help your clients with issues with their commercial flight anywhere in the world. If you’re scrambling for coverage, please know that we’re here and can source an airplane for you. So, if it’s a snowy day in December and there are issues with commercial airlines, you can call us and we can likely ramp up in three hours and recover the flight easily.”

Chartright’s response time is even more impressive when dealing with larger groups. As Ana Karanfilova, Senior Sales Administrator, notes, a quote for a large group would typically take most companies 7-10 days to provide; for Chartright, it takes less than 24 hours.

SELLING TIPS FOR AGENTS

Despite popular belief, private jets aren’t just for the ultra-rich. In fact, as Nierop tells Travelweek, a chartered jet can be an affordable option for groups.

“When selling Chartright’s private jet services, travel agents should not only focus on high net-worth individuals, but also corporate executives, affluent travellers as well as smaller groups and multi-generational families. While private jet travel is often associated with luxury, it can also be a cost-effective option when shared among several people, making it accessible for special occasions or memorable trips,” he says.

And besides the obvious perks that come with a private jet, Nierop suggests that travel agents focus on the following selling points:

“Highlight the time savings your clients will get from flexible scheduling, direct flights and the avoidance of commercial airline hassles. The emphasis is on luxurious amenities such as gourmet catering and spacious cabins, along with the privacy and security offered. Demonstrating how these services can be customized to meet individual needs and showcasing testimonials can further illustrate the value and make the experience seem more attainable and worthwhile for a broader range of clients.”

To request a quote, call 1-800-595-9395 ext. 220, or email css@chartright.com.

For more information go to www.chartright.com.