The pandemic has created new opportunities for companies to offer business jets to travelers.
Senegal has seen a significant rise in private jet flights over the last two years, supported by a lack of international flights and other alternatives. With companies expanding their operations to meet the customer base, what makes the country a hub for business travel in West Africa?
It's no secret that private jet operators have seen a boom in business since 2020, with many wealthy travelers opting to switch to private aircraft for safety and logistical reasons. An estimate from Honeywell Aerospace suggests that private flying hours have gone up 50% in 2021, as demand shows no signs of easing.
According to CNN, Senegal has seen a similar increase in luxury travel, with companies like ProJETS Aviation adding new planes and customers over the last two years. The company operates two planes, the Bombardier Challenger 604 and Global Express, depending on capacity and distance required. Since 2020, the company's market share has doubled.
Senegal's geographical location in West Africa means business jet operators also see traffic from the neighboring Ivory Coast, with Abidjan another major hub for private flying.
Notably, the rise of private flying has also been fueled by weak air links across Africa. Business travelers have complained that the lack of nonstop commercial services means that companies are forced to opt for pricey private flights. With rapid economic growth across the region, travel will only become more essential, and commercial airlines have a lot of catching up to do.
However, it hasn't been all smooth sailing for business jet operators recently. Given the relatively small market, companies have struggled to recruit pilots and crew type rated for private jets, with most in the country only holding commercial airline licenses. Moreover, high taxes mean that the industry has not reached its optimal conditions yet.
For now, private aviation in Senegal and West Africa, in general, is set to thrive as businesses are willing to shell out for the convenience of traveling quickly. However, as commercial operations slowly improve and more companies jump, competition could increase soon.
Despite questions over emissions from private jets, demand for these services has not fallen at all. Manufacturers at Farnborough Air Show, such as Gulfstream, last month reported record revenue growth, a lot of which was backed by first-time buyers. However, the environmental impact of these planes cannot be overstated.
Private jet passengers emit anywhere from five to fourteen times more CO2 compared with commercial travel. Just one hour of private flying emits 2 tonnes of CO2 emissions, with an average EU citizen only emitting 8.2 tonnes every year on average. Even with these concerns, a lack of connectivity and need for conveniences means businesses and the well-heeled few are willing to spend tens of millions on smaller jets.
What do you think about the growth of private jets in Senegal? Let us know in the comments!
Source: CNN
Lead Journalist – India – Pranjal is an experienced journalist with a strong focus on Indian aviation. His background in political science and economics gives him unique insight into issues surrounding international travel and governmental regulations. Pranjal is enthusiastic about new aircraft types and has his stories regularly picked up by renowned publications including Forbes. Based in New Delhi, India.