Private jet specialist Air Partner has seen a 56.8% increase in global JetCard bookings from February 1 to June 30 compared with the same period last year. 

Demand for the JetCard programme - which allows clients to buy private jet flying ‘hours’ in advance, with fixed rates across six cabin sizes and the ability to change booking details at short notice without penalty - has recovered faster than ad-hoc flying, according to the company.

The programme is aimed at those who are new to private flying or want to “future-proof” their travel plans. 

To meet pandemic demand, the private jet specialist launched JetCard 5 in the UK and Europe in May 2020, the first JetCard product with a pre-paid package of only five hours’ flying time.

Air Partner has also witnessed growth in other areas, with the number of new global members up 36.8% year-on-year and customer deposits up 85.2%.

Growth is largely driven by US bookings, which are up by 152.9% compared to last year. The number of new US JetCard members is also up by 225%.

Air Partner said momentum is starting to build in the UK too, with activity now back to pre-Covid levels. UK JetCard bookings are up 6.3%, with customer deposits up 82.4% year-on-year. 

The brand said such growth indicated that leisure travellers are increasingly looking for “flexible and safe” travel now that restrictions are being eased.

"It is extremely encouraging to see such strong growth in our Private Jets business, particularly in the US, and the growing popularity of our JetCard product among both new and existing customers globally,” said group chief executive Mark Briffa.

“In this environment, customers especially value the flexibility offered by our JetCard in case they need to change their flight plans, as well as the security of knowing a flight will be available to them should they need one at short notice." 

Managing director Kevin MacNaughton added: “The increasing interest in our Private Jet services, especially with regard to our JetCard, demonstrates the growing desire for safety and flexibility during these disrupted times.

“A broader spectrum of travellers including families is emerging and many individuals are becoming first time private flyers. Our JetCard is ideally placed to serve the current market.”