Pictures of empty planes and deserted airports have become commonplace in recent days – but not everyone is putting their travel plans on hold because of the coronavirus outbreak.
New data suggests the country’s wealthiest 1% are taking to the skies on private jets – avoiding commercial airlines while jetting off to far-flung destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and the Antarctic.
The Ten Lifestyle Group says it has been chartering services for clients who want to avoid exposure to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Alex Cheatle, the chief executive of the concierge service, said: “Private jets are certainly in high demand at the moment. It’s not been a huge thing, but we have certainly seen an increase.”
Ten Lifestyle’s clientele are among the some of the country’s wealthiest and often bank with Coutts or HSBC Jade – accounts where customers need millions of pounds in assets to be eligible.
Research from Ten Lifestyle also suggests that, as people cancel their holidays and choose to stay at home, restaurant bookings have gone up among the rich.
Their clients are opting to dine at exclusive establishments, such as the Michelin-starred French restaurant Alain Ducasse, where there’s an unusually large amount of space between tables.
Mr Cheatle added: “We are booking lots of private dining rooms and chef’s tables for our private members.
“That’s partly made easier because fewer corporates that normally book those private dining rooms are eating out.
“We haven’t seen a decline in bookings but more members are calling us for advice. They’re just more cautious about where they’re going.”
Ten Lifestyle, whose service predicts the preferences and behaviours of high-net-worth individuals, also highlighted that while theatres continued to sell out, no-shows had also increased.
Mr Cheatle added: “Ticket sales are still the same, sold-out shows are still selling out, but some are not turning up to watch.”