With the UEFA Euro 2024 Football League underway, private charter flights have become a crucial element to the success of participating teams, according to Klasjet Chief Commercial Officer Lukas Petrauskas.
“We have observed a 15% increase in demand for the UEFA qualifying season,” Petrauskas said. “National sports teams go for charter flights for numerous reasons, with service reliability being one of the most critical factors.”
Klasjet, a prolific jet charter company and ACMI service provider, sought to offer convenient travel options to qualifying teams amid busy travel seasons and numerous delays across Europe. According to Eurocontrol, 50% of all European flights experienced delays during summer 2022.
“This was primarily due to the increased demand for air travel during the summer months coupled with staff shortages across the continent,” Petrauskas said. “Such delays and cancellations are simply not an option for sports teams, as being late or unprepared for a match can significantly impact their performance. Consequently, teams are already taking steps to prepare for the UEFA qualifying season by proactively booking their flights.”
According to Petrauskas, the flexibility of private charters offers a level of consistency and dependability that otherwise could not be achieved with normal flights.
“Avoiding crowded airports, reducing wait times, creating custom flight schedules to meet their specific needs, and even the timing of flights can significantly impact athletes’ physical and emotional well-being, which in turn affects their performance on the field,” he added.
Petrauskas stressed the importance of traveling in comfort for professional athletes, even suggesting that teams can “facilitate post-game press conferences onboard the private jet if that’s what our passengers need.”
“Over the years, we have gained ample experience, and know precisely what athletes require to be at the top of their game,” he said. “For sports teams, traveling in comfort can be a significant motivator, and if convenient flying can help them score a winning goal, then it’s more than worth it.”
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