Private eye: the rise in popularity of jet travel

The journey is the reward. So say the Zen Buddhists, but this can be hard to believe when you’re crammed on a Ryanair plane between a screaming baby and a man with personal hygiene issues, and they announce they’ve run out of Pringles. It is far easier to feel Zen on a private jet – something the UK luxury market is fast wising up to. In addition to clients using private jet charters as an alternative to commercial flights, more operators are offering entire private jet holidays, combining luxurious flying with one-of-a-kind experiences and superlative accommodation to create the ultimate package.
TCS World Travel has been crafting private jet expeditions for the US market in 1991 and started selling in the UK in 2016. It recently ran the numbers, comparing its flagship Around The World itinerary with a duplicate journey on commercial airlines. The figures are compelling. Taking the TCS private jet meant passengers needed just 15 air journeys, rather than 26 commercial flights, with a total flying time of 73 hours versus 112. The time spent waiting in airports provided the starkest contrast – just nine hours with a private jet compared with a mind-numbing 84 with commercial airlines. Tempted yet? It isn’t just saving time that motivates high-end clients to book private jet holidays, nor the – admittedly very luxurious – conditions on board, although free-flowing champagne and flatbeds are de rigueur.

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Auberge Resorts Collection Announces Strategic Partnership with Bdt & Msd Partners

PR Newswire | February 02, 2024

The Friedkin Group announced today that the company has entered into a strategic partnership with BDT & MSD Partners ("BDT & MSD"), a merchant bank built to serve the distinct needs of business owners and strategic, long-term investors. BDT & MSD, through its affiliated hospitality investment vehicle, will make a minority investment in Auberge Resorts Collection, the manager of the award-winning portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs set in some of the world's most desirable locations. In addition, BDT & MSD's hospitality vehicle intends to invest significant capital towards acquiring and developing luxury hotel and residential assets that will be branded and managed by Auberge Resorts Collection. The partnership reflects BDT & MSD's belief in Auberge Resorts Collection's unique brand positioning and focus on creating one-of-a-kind luxury hospitality experiences. The investment will support Auberge's continued strategic growth in the Americas, Europe and beyond, with a focus on gateway urban markets and high-profile experiential destinations. "This partnership further solidifies Auberge Resorts Collection's position as the leading name in boutique luxury hospitality and marks a new and exciting era for our world-class portfolio," said Dan Friedkin, chairman of Auberge Resorts Collection and chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group. "BDT & MSD's differentiated, long-term capital and expertise in luxury hospitality investments makes them a perfect strategic partner and will allow us to further grow the strength of the Auberge brand." "Auberge is a world-class manager of distinctive luxury hotel properties, with an exceptional track record of delivering curated guest experiences in the world's leading hospitality markets. We are excited to be a part of its future and look forward to partnering with Auberge's talented team to build on its differentiated strengths and accelerate further growth," said Coburn Packard, partner & head of real estate at BDT & MSD. Since becoming part of The Friedkin Group in 2013, Auberge Resorts Collection has grown into the leading name in boutique luxury hospitality, comprising 27 unparalleled properties across the U.S., Latin America and Europe, with a development pipeline of over a dozen hotels and two additional hotels planned to open in Florence and South Carolina this year. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the essence of the location to life through one-of-a-kind design that reflects the destination, exceptional cuisine and dining experiences that attract both the local community and global traveler, innovative spas and wellness retreats and highly personalized service.

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