July 15 2010 - Online travel and lifestyle retailer lastminute.com is now selling private jet charter online for the first time, through a new partnership with PrivateFly.com. The new service forms part of the lastminute.com flights product and adds to its premium cabin offering which already includes business and first class fares.

PrivateFly is the only online private jet booking platform in Europe, and brings together an unrivalled network of 2700 accredited operators in a competitive marketplace. It is a new model for the private jet industry, which makes private jet travel more accessible and easier to arrange - for travel trade partners and customers.

Latest trend data from PrivateFly’s cost calculator indicates that the hottest private jt destinations for summer 2010 are the stunning simplicity of Olbia for Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda (from £16,500 return/ £2,750 per person), the hedonistic delights of Mykonos (from £23,500 return/ £3,917 per person) or a VIP staycation to Cornwall (from £2480 return/ £310 per person). All prices are based from London*.

lastminute.com customers can now compare and book private jet travel, by accessing PrivateFly’s network of approved operators, through a white label version of the PrivateFly.com website. Consumers can use the cost calculator for instant price estimates before submitting their flight request to relevant aircraft operators - who quickly return competitive quotes. The customer can compare available options and choose the most cost-effective solution for their trip – which can be arranged within hours. PrivateFly’s expert team are also available 24/7 to provide full offline support and to ensure consistent, VIP service levels.

 

Mark Bower of lastminute.com commented: “It may surprise some that lastminute.com is offering private jet travel, but an increasing number of our customers are looking for luxury travel experiences. Private jet charter can be more cost-effective than many people think, especially for group travel or special occasions.

 

“Until now, the online functionality that we look for from partners wasn’t available for private jet charter, but PrivateFly.com has brought private jets online, allowing our customers to quickly compare options and to get highly competitive rates - without losing the essential VIP customer service element.”

 

Adam Twidell, founder and CEO of PrivateFly, added: “This is an exciting development in our partner distribution strategy. Through lastminute.com, we are making private jet booking more accessible and available to a wider consumer travel audience.”

 

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

 

* PrivateFly.com gives immediate cost estimates for any global private jet itinerary. All prices are PrivateFly.com price estimates, based from London on capacity seating of suitable aircraft types. Prices are subject to availability at time of booking.:

 

About PrivateFly:

PrivateFly is an online booking network that makes it quicker, easier and more cost effective to arrange private jet charter.

With over 2700 operators registered worldwide, PrivateFly is the only online aggregator for private jet charter in Europe.

PrivateFly combines online efficiency and transparency with offline expertise to offer a full-service VIP charter service to direct customers and partners. The bespoke software has been created in-house specifically to meet the needs of charter customers and operators.

In February 2010 PrivateFly launched the world’s first iPhone application to provide instant private jet pricing on a mobile phone.

PrivateFly was recently announced as one of the Smarta 100 companies 2010, by a judging panel including Dragon’s Den’s Deborah Meaden and other leading entrepreneurs, such as Bebo founder Michael Birch. The company also won the innovation category of the Best Business Awards in February 2010.

Founded in 2007, the company is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire and has plans to expand within Europe and selected international markets throughout 2010.

 

About lastminute.com:

lastminute.com is the UK’s leading online travel & leisure retailer, with over 1.65 million visitors per week, and provides customers with the best ways to make their free time go even further. Time is precious after all!

Whether it’s planning an exotic escape to the Maldives, jetting off to Marrakech, or maybe planning a great night out in the UK, lastminute.com has it all and at great value prices.

lastminute.com offers its customers the opportunity to book flights, tickets, hotels and more through a one stop shop. From adventuring in the mountains to relaxing beach breaks, spa stays, theatre trips and dining, there really is something for everyone.

 

Press Contact Details:

Katrina Suppiah

Publicité Ltd

T: 020 8543 6582/M: 07809 028711

E: k.suppiah[at]publicite[dot]co.uk

 

Distributed on behalf of PrivateFly by NeonDrum news distribution service (http://www.neondrum.com)