The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global pandemic over the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, private jet members and clients may have a lot of coronavirus questions. Magellan Jets has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers around the coronavirus situation, its effects on the private aviation industry, as well as steps we are taking to ensure the health and safety of individuals and businesses who fly with us.
Private Aviation and Coronavirus Questions
Is flying private safer than flying commercial?
Flying commercial can present a few risks. Not only are you exposed to more people at the airport and on the plane, but you also have less control over the cleanliness of your aircraft environment. Private aviation options provide much more protection, as the use of private terminals and fixed based operators (FBO) dramatically decrease the number of people you encounter, making it less likely to catch a virus. Also, most private jets only fly around 14 passengers or less (of people that you know) on a flight, which is a much lower number than you would encounter flying commercial. Private jet membership and charter flights give the client more control over their environment as well, which means your in-cabin humidity and other factors can be optimized for preventing illness.
Should at-risk passengers fly private?
Older adults and those with serious medical conditions who are more at-risk of complications from coronavirus should consider private jet-specific memberships and charter flight options. Traveling commercially increases the possibility of exposure due to the number of people at the airport or on the plane. Meanwhile, private jets provide additional protection by significantly shrinking the number of people you interact with, as well as creating optimal onboard environmental conditions. At-risk passengers or children worried about their older loved ones and parents flying commercially should consider private travel alternatives.
Where am I not allowed to fly?
Restrictions are beginning to lift both domestically and internationally. If you are worried about how the situation will impact your plans, speak with your Private Aviation Consultant about alternative destinations and other travel solutions to meet your needs. You can find a list of emergency closures and restrictions here as well.
•Magellan Jets President Talks Coronavirus Situation with The Wall Street Journal
How will this affect on-demand charter flights?
We’ve seen a significant uptick in on-demand private jet charter flights as we help customers make their travel arrangements. As demand for private jet charter rises, the market is likely to become saturated with requests. We recommend booking as soon as possible in order to secure your preferred aircraft for your next trip, or explore private jet card memberships, which features guaranteed aircraft availability and locked-in rates.
What is Magellan Jets doing to ensure health and safety?
In response to the escalating coronavirus situation, Magellan Jets has assembled an expert safety task force in order to provide our members and clients with an additional layer of protection. As part of the initiative, our task force is actively communicating with our operators to ensure the highest standards are followed, as well as making sure clients are more comfortable by accommodating any special requests. In addition to consistently adhering to Magellan Jets Preferred Network (MJPN) standards, operators that work with us are expected to follow enhanced aircraft cleaning and sanitization protocols after every flight segment, as outlined by the safety task force. Read a full outline of our enhanced guidelines here.
ARE THERE ANY New REQUIREMENTS FOR BOARDING?
All guests 18 years of age and over are required to complete a health affidavit. Meanwhile, for guests under 18, a parent or guardian must complete a separate section of the form designated for younger passengers.
BUSINESS AVIATION QUESTIONS
What should businesses know during the coronavirus crisis?
Executives and businesses who require travel during this time should consider private aviation options. This is because private jets and FBOs minimize the exposure risks associated with commercial travel. Utilizing private aviation continues to be a helpful tool for businesses, providing privacy and comfort at times like this as first-class and commercial business options become
Should I cancel meetings?
Executives and businesses should take precautions around in-person meetings. On top of using private aviation to safely attend an important meeting outside of your office, businesses with memberships can also use their hours to fly in guests for meetings who wouldn’t normally fly private, ensuring they’re exposure risks are minimized.
How can businesses benefit from memberships at this time?
Businesses who need private aviation solutions can benefit from jet memberships in several ways. Memberships with Magellan Jets provide a 100% private, safe and secure solution. They feature guaranteed availability on preferred aircraft and hours that don’t expire. Also, businesses can lock in rates so they are prepared to fly when they need to.
•Explore Elevate Jet-Specific Memberships with Magellan Jets
General Coronavirus Questions
What is CORONAVIRUS?
In general, coronavirus is a family of viruses that range from the common cold to more serious illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the novel coronavirus that’s been spreading since late 2019 is a new strain that hasn’t been previously identified in humans before. Now dubbed COVID-19, the novel coronavirus was first discovered in Wuhan, China. It has now spread to over 100 countries. The CDC states that the virus spreads mainly from person-to-person contact within around 6 feet. COVID-19 transports through respiratory droplets produced by coughs or sneezes of an infected individual.
What are symptoms?
The CDC says COVID-19 symptoms can emerge 2-14 days after exposure. They include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. As for its severity, symptoms from confirmed COVID-19 cases range from mild to more serious illnesses and even death. However, not everyone who’s affected will show symptoms.
How long does it take to show symptoms?
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers have found that the COVID-19 incubation period takes an average of 5.1 days. As a result, this backs the efficacy of the 14-day recommended quarantine period for monitoring individuals.
Who Has a higher risk for Developing a serious illness from COVID-19?
Individuals who are highest at risk are older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes. According a study in the Journal of the American Medical Assn., those ages 60 and older made up more than 80% of the deaths in China. Older adults should take extra precautions to prevent contracting COVID-19. All age groups can be affected, though, and should take proper measures.
Can pets get it?
The CDC states “there is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus.” The organization reports it has not received “any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.” While there’s “no evidence” that pets can spread COVID-19, the CDC does recommend always washing your hands after touching animals since they can spread other types of diseases.
How can I protect myself?
The CDC recommends several preventative measures. First, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. If you can’t readily use soap and water, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can also be used. Additionally, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible, especially with unwashed hands. Also, avoid close contact with sick people. Put extra distance between you and others if COVID-19 is starts spreading around your community.
Do I need a face mask?
The CDC recommends everyone wear cloth face masks in public. If you are sick but don’t have a face mask, make sure to cover your coughs and sneezes when around other people.
We’ll update this page as more information becomes available. Also, stay up to date with From the Cockpit, Magellan Jets’ coronavirus situation report podcast. Get a quote now or call Magellan Jets today at 877-550-5387.
