Laid-off pilots in UAE set up company to fly charter planes for affluent travellers

Health fears and lower pricing increases demand for private jets

Inside a private jet operated by Delta World Charter. Courtesy Delta World Charter

When pilots Luca Versetti and Fabio Carnevali were made redundant as a result of the pandemic, all hope of salvaging their careers in the near term appeared lost.

But they noticed many people with the means were opting to charter aircraft, instead of flying on commercial flights, because of fears of catching Covid-19.

And the idea for their new business was born.

The pilots set up Global Flight Solutions about five months ago in Abu Dhabi.

Many people who flew business and first class are getting together with another family to charter an aircraft

The company carries out flight support and ground handling for charter aircraft, in addition to selling seats. It works in partnership with another start-up, Limitless Aviation, which flies private jets for the rich.

Like the planes it supports, business is now taking off.

Global Flight Solutions supports five charter flights a week on average in ground handling, many of which fly between Russia and Dubai. To cater to the growing demand, the company is in the process of leasing its own aircraft.

Mr Versetti, 41, who is originally from Italy, lived in the UAE for 13 years. He flew for Etihad until February, when he left for a position at LaudaMotion – a low-cost airline that is part of Ryanair.

He trained with the company before the full effect of the pandemic on the aviation industry became apparent and his new employer rescinded the offer.

Fabio Carnevali and Luca Versetti started Global Flight Solutions Company at the Wyndham Dubai Marina hotel in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Mr Versetti’s business partner and friend, Mr Carnevali, who is also Italian, was made redundant at Etihad about the same time.

“We started thinking about what we could do, what would be next in aviation?” Mr Versetti said.

“And we saw an opportunity. Many people who flew business and first class were getting together with [others] to charter an aircraft. They were paying the same price or less than a first-class ticket.

“For €40,000 ($48,500) or €50,000 a jet can go up and down Dubai to Europe. And it will cost 10 passengers €5,000 each.”

Mr Versetti had already left the UAE and returned to his native Italy.

But he chose to operate the company in Abu Dhabi because of the ease of doing business here.

In addition to running the company, they are both in training to fly for their partner, Limitless Aviation, which was started by a friend of Mr Versetti.

Business is roaring now, and he does not expect it all to come to a stop when a vaccine becomes widely available.

Studies point to a steady growth in private flights.

Technavio, a technology research company, predicts the value of the global charter market will reach $33.08bn in 2024, up from $26.57bn in 2019.

“It’s the present, but it will be the future too. They realise how much it’s nice to fly privately with more or less the same price as a business-class ticket or a first-class ticket,” Mr Versetti said.

“You arrive in a private terminal for private jets and in 10 minutes you are on the aircraft.”

UAE residents flew private jets from India to Dubai in pictures

Mudassir Ali is among the UAE residents who have travelled on private jets from India to Dubai to reunite with families and resume work. Groups of residents have pooled in upwards of Dh135,000 for the charter service. Courtesy Mudassir Ali

Mudassir Ali travelled back to the UAE from India on a private jet. Courtesy Mudassir Ali

Mudassir Ali with his wife Zara Syed and daughter Aiza in Dubai. He returned to the UAE this weekend on a private charter flight with other UAE residents stuck in India for more than three months after the country shut down international travel to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Courtesy Mudassir Ali

Mudassir Ali with his wife Zara Syed and three-year-old daughter in Dubai. Courtesy Mudassir Ali

Mudassir Ali with his wife Zara Syed and daughter Aiza in Dubai. Courtesy Mudassir Ali