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FlexJet’s new Farnborough terminal: A gateway to Europe
Flexjet's new Farnborough terminal is stylish, convenient and multifunctional. Kalpana Fitzpatrick explores the new $34 million facility.
Flexjet’s new terminal is the first of its kind in Europe, providing ground-to-air hospitality, relaxation and a dedicated space for business owners.
As I walked into the new terminal, I was taken back by its spectacular design features – in particular the lounge which recreates a full size, ultra-long-range FlexJet cabin, the Gulfstream G700 jet.
FlexJet, which specialises in luxury private aviation, says the expansion taps nicely into the growth of private jet travel.
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Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
FlexJet CEO Mike Silvestro tells me private aviation is up 20% in the UK and Europe. According to The Wealth Report by Knight Frank, there has been rising activity across routes linking financial and lifestyle destinations.
Silvestro says FlexJet creates an environment “that people like to come to because of the attention to detail and the hospitality".
Starting out in comfort
(Image credit: Flexjet)
While the 2,098m2 Flexjet terminal is top notch, the experience of luxury travel starts way before you get there via a FlexJet helicopter.
I arrive by a chauffeur-driven car to London Battersea's heliport, where I would travel in one of its luxury helicopters to the Farnborough terminal.
I was lucky to ride one of its latest helicopters – 9H-FXVE – complete with cream leather interior and notably spacious.
It was a pretty seamless and smooth trip, taking around 20 minutes.
FlexJet’s Farnborough terminal
(Image credit: Flexjet)
As I arrived at its new terminal, I was greeted by FlexJet staff, who also train at the terminal at Flexjet’s ‘finishing school’ for cabin crew.
The terminal is situated in a new ramp side building, separate to the airport’s existing main terminal, and it is from here you would board one of its 350+ private jets.
FexJet’s aim is to provide a personal ‘home from home’ environment for Flexjet’s aircraft owners compared to traditional fixed based operator terminal or lounge services at airports, which are open to all private or general aviation flyers.
As well as the standout lounge, for owners who want to fly in for an in-person meeting, they can choose to use one of the fully-equipped meeting rooms in the terminal, meaning they can simply fly in, have a meeting, and then fly back home.
And of course, like any good lounge, there is a bar, serving healthy food, snacks and even smoothies to help you on your travels.
The oval bar is a notable centrepiece where you can fully relax before setting off.
(Image credit: Flexjet)
The FlexJet fleet
I was lucky enough to step onto one of FlexJet's private jets, which can get you from London to New York in just over 5 hours.
The jets live up to everything you can expect from FlexJet – luxury, attention to detail, impeccable service, safety and seamless travel.
For discerning travellers, FlexJet services will certainly move you.
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