The Process of chartering an Aircraft

For most people, chartering a private jet is not that common. It all sounds very glamorous and tempting, but how does it really work? A straight forward, 5 step process to charter an aircraft is followed:

Step 1 – Source the aircraft of your choice that is suitable for the trip

There are numerous ways of sourcing an aircraft; the most common way is to contact an Air Charter Broker company. Companies such as WAM & ZINGS will be of good assistance; in fact, when you contact a broker, you are not just contacting one company; you will have access to a worldwide network of partners and affiliates.

Brokers have the necessary knowledge, information and relationships to find the right aircraft for you in a short time span. Chartering aircraft is what they do, day in and day out; they know the market very well and possess advanced in-house tailor made systems.

In addition, at WAM & ZINGS, the broker ensures that you are paying the right price for your charter; the broker negotiates on your behalf, compares prices and gives you advice on what aircraft is most suitable for your charter.

The broker will guide and assist you throughout the entire process of your charter until you arrive safely at your destination.

Step 2 – Confirm your Charter

The charter broker will provide you with more than one option to choose from; or will advise you on the most efficient option for your charter requirement.

Once you are satisfied with the option provided, you need to confirm either by phone, by email and/or by signing a confirmation document that you would like to go ahead and proceed with your charter booking.

Step 3 – Sign a Charter Agreement

Upon receipt of your confirmation, the broker shall request the aircraft operator to block the aircraft allowing for time to review and sign the Charter Agreement. Most Charter Brokers will not tell you who the operator is that you are flying with.

However, at WAM & ZINGS, the Charter Agreement is signed between the Client and the Aircraft Operator directly; which means that there is total transparency; and you will know exactly where the operator is from and what his reputation is.

A Charter Agreement can range from anything between two to 10 pages or more, depending on the aircraft operator’s standard terms and conditions. Once you have signed the Charter Agreement, make sure that the aircraft operator has countersigned as well before you proceed with the payment, since an agreement signed by only one party is not a valid agreement.

Step 4 – Make the Payment

Payments for chartering an aircraft are always done in full and in advance prior to the departure of the aircraft from its base. Once there is a signed Charter Agreement in place, you will be presented with an invoice for the payment of your charter flight.

Depending on the time available before the date of travel, the payment may go straight to the operator or it may go to WAM & ZINGS, in which case we shall act as your paying agent.

It is recommended not to make a payment unless and until you are presented with a valid invoice.

Step 5 – Show up and Fly

Once the contract is signed and payments made, the aircraft operator will start preparing your charter flight; the charter broker will coordinate everything for you and you will be requested to provide information such as passenger details, sending and receiving party details, catering requests and other special requirements.

WAM & ZINGS can also organize ground transport to and from the airport, however, this may be at an additional charge. Prior to departure, you will be sent a flight briefing document stating all the details such as aircraft registration, flight number, names of the crew, schedule and even the time you should report at the terminal. All you have to do now, is show up and enjoy your flight!

If you would like to know more about this article, please feel free to contact WAM & ZINGS, a well established aircraft charter broker based in Pakistan. We are specialists in offering and providing Executive Jets, Passenger Aircraft, Cargo Aircraft, Medevac and Helicopter charters as well as ACMI Wet Leasing.