How an Aircraft Makes Our Quotation Shortlist

The checks, experience and judgement behind our recommendation

By the time an Admiral Jet client receives an aircraft quotation, a good deal of work has already been done.

The quotation itself is deliberately straightforward: aircraft, timings, price, photographs and the practical information needed to make a decision.

But behind that there’s a much larger exercise.

Private aviation gives us access to an extensive international market. That is very useful, but what matters is knowing which operators we are prepared to work with, which aircraft we would recommend, and which options we would rather leave alone.

We do not regard every available aircraft as equally suitable.

The operator comes first

Before an operator joins our Preferred Supplier network, we establish that the necessary operating certification and insurance are in place.

Where operators hold independent accreditations such as ARGUS or WYVERN, we also take account of the additional scrutiny those programmes apply to operating procedures, training, maintenance and safety history.

Admiral Jet has spent years working with operators across the UK, Europe and further afield. We know the companies that are consistently good to deal with, the ones that respond properly when plans change and the ones that look after passengers well.

The quality of an operator is apparent in the details: how quickly information is confirmed, how well special requests are handled, how effectively problems are dealt with and how the crew treat the client on the day.

Years of working with our suppliers gives us a clear view of who does this consistently well.

We know many of the aircraft too

Aircraft specifications are useful, but they do not tell you everything.

We have been onboard many of the aircraft we recommend and that experience informs the advice we give.

Two aircraft of the same type and similar age can feel quite different once you are inside them.

Cabin condition, refurbishment, seating, lighting, layout and general upkeep all contribute. Age is relevant too, although it needs context.

A well-maintained older aircraft with a recently refurbished cabin can be a far better choice than a newer aircraft that has seen heavier use. Equally, there are occasions when age, interior condition or general presentation means we would recommend another option.

Photographs only take you so far.

There are aircraft we know well and would choose over others because we know the cabin, the condition and the standard of service delivered by the operator.

Then we look at whether it works for the trip

Passenger numbers are the starting point, as well as range, luggage, airport capability, cabin layout, aircraft position and the requirements of the passengers.  All of these affect the recommendation.

A larger aircraft is not automatically a better one. Nor is a newer aircraft necessarily the right one.

Sometimes the best option is the aircraft already well positioned for the route. Sometimes we need one that is better suited to the airport. And of course, often the cabin itself makes the difference.

You will see the options we think work best and offer everything you require, and more.

Price still matters

Charter prices can vary considerably, even between apparently similar aircraft.

Positioning is one reason. An aircraft already close to the departure airport may be more competitive than another that has to fly in empty first. Operator schedules and availability will also affect the price.

We look at what sits behind each quotation before deciding what to present.

The aim is to give our clients a small number of the best aircraft options and explain the differences properly.

You’ll be able to compare these aircraft and decide between them – it will be clear why one costs more than another.

 Relationships matter

Private aviation is an industry where long-standing relationships count for a great deal.

We know which operators respond quickly, which are realistic about what can be achieved, which handle last-minute changes properly and which maintain their standards flight after flight.

We also know how they work with us.

That is useful when there are changes to the plans – perhaps a departure time changes, additional passengers need to travel, or an airport needs to alter our slot timings.

The operators we value most are reliable at every stage: clear with us, attentive with the client and good at dealing with change.

That relationship history informs who we recommend.

 We check the practical details as well

A good aircraft can still be the wrong aircraft.

Airports have runway limitations, different slot arrangements and various local restrictions. Luggage can affect aircraft choice. So can pets, sports equipment, catering, ground transport and onward arrangements.

These are routine considerations for us, but they can alter the best option for the client.

We establish the requirements first and select the aircraft accordingly.

The value of knowing the market

There are thousands of aircraft available for charter worldwide.

But no client needs thousands of aircraft.

They need two or three good options from people who know why those aircraft have been suggested.

We know the operators. We know many of the aircraft. We know which companies have delivered consistently over years and which aircraft we would choose ourselves.

You benefit from our experience and judgement behind every recommendation.

Confidence is part of the service

Most clients would never think to ask to see an operator’s insurance certificate or investigate its operating history themselves.

But be assured that those checks happen before we have any dealings with an operator.

The client can concentrate on the decision in front of them: whether the airport suggestions are right, the aircraft suits the passengers completely, and the price makes sense.

We take care of everything else.