Group Air Travel
From transporting company personnel and sports teams to touring rock bands, a group charter is one of the quickest, most convenient travel options available.
The choices for this type of charter service are extremely flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For instance, if you require ongoing air charter services to transport employees between regional facilities, Stratos Jets can arrange an economical turboprop airliner, such as the 30-passenger Saab 340B, to provide good value and reliability.
If you require group air travel that offers a little more style and comfort, larger jets like the Embraer 145 or Airbus A318, are certainly worthy of consideration. In order for a group air charter to be successful, you need to start by selecting an appropriate aircraft for your particular flight.
Some of the criteria you’ll want to consider include:
Number of passengers: obviously, it’s important to choose an aircraft that’s large enough to safely and comfortably accommodate the number of people travelling. This includes having enough space for personal travel items and any additional gear needed for the trip.
Travel distance: some aircraft have better range capabilities than others. If your sports team is flying across the country, or internationally, you may need an ultra-long range jet to get you there without having to stop along the way.
Cabin amenities: do you require a basic corporate commuter or an amenity-rich corporate jet where a group of high-end executives can hold meetings while travelling?
Aircraft performance: if you do business in remote areas where airport options are limited, you’ll need to find an group charter that offers enough carrying capacity for your team, as well as the runway performance to safely access these smaller airfield.
To accommodate large numbers of travelers, you’d be looking at the following classes of aircraft:
Turboprop Airliners: with seating capacities for as many as 50 passengers, turboprop airliners are an economical option for short- to mid-range flights. While it’s not uncommon to see these aircraft used in higher density seating configurations, it is also possible to reduce the number of seats to provide a more spacious cabin environment and increased baggage allowances. Some of the most popular choices in this class include:
- Embraer 120 Brasilia
- Saab 340
- Saab 2000
- Beechcraft 1900
- Jetstream 31/32
- Jetstream 41
Heavy Jets: With their combination of range, speed and cabin comfort, these long-range jets are highly sought after by those seeking a luxury group charter experience. Many boast ranges well in excess of 5,000 miles, or up to 12 hours nonstop flight, enabling up to 16 travelers to reach far-off destinations with ease. Many modern heavy jets also come outfitted with the latest cabin refinements, including full galleys, entertainment systems and wireless internet, as well as private bedrooms and offices. Passengers will also enjoy the freedom to stretch out in a wide-body cabin that offers stand-up headroom. Some of the most popular aircraft in this category for group air charter services include:
- Challenger 600 series
- Falcon 2000
- Falcon 7X
- Global Express
- Gulfstream GIV-SP
- Gulfstream G550
- Gulfstream G650
- Lineage 1000
- Embraer Legacy 600
Charter Airliners: With the largest carrying capacity and furthest range of any civilian aircraft type, charter airliners are ideal for transporting large groups in the height of comfort. Offering flexible seating arrangements, you can utilize a denser configuration to maximize economy, or lessen it to provide a cabin environment that’s spacious and relaxing. Group air travel aboard a charter airliner is suitable for many purposes, including:
- Multinational corporations
- Sports teams
- VIPs and their entourages
- Government agencies
Seating capacities within this class can range significantly. Aircraft such as the Boeing Business Jet offer a low-density arrangement—providing anywhere from 16 to 30 passengers—to ensure passengers enjoy the ultimate in cabin comfort and functionality. At the other end of the spectrum is the enormous Airbus A380, which can accommodate more than 500 passengers in a high-density arrangement. Of course, there are many options in between that offer seating for anywhere from 50 to 200. Popular group charter aircraft in this class include:
- Airbus A310
- Airbus A320 series
- Boeing 737 series
- Embraer 145
- Boeing Business Jet
