It is estimated that there are now around 1,000 private jet operators in the UK. Most are small businesses, but a number of larger firms are starting to dominate the industry by offering clients the chance to buy a share in a plane.
NetJets, the largest operator of private jets in Europe, owned by US investor Warren Buffett, has seen its customer base increase by 70 per cent over the past year, thanks in part to the holiday trade. NetJets estimates around 30 per cent of its revenues now come from people using its planes for leisure.