Flights being loaded with cargo at an American airport
Credit: Roger Tillberg / Alamy Stock Photo
Businesses have begun to charter private jets to bypass the chaos anticipated by a No Deal Brexit.
With fears growing over possible disruption to cargo services at key ports, private aircraft charter firms have seen a surge in bookings and inquiries.
Companies who time-sensitive products rely on rapid delivery have begun to put alternative measures in place to cope with long tailbacks on cross-Channel freight services in the event of a No Deal leading to increased checks by customs officials.
Air charter firms have reported a significant increase in bookings, with many clients wanting standby aircraft laid on in case Britain fails to reach a deal over trade and tariffs with the EU by December 31.
One leading aircraft charter specialist, Surbiton-based Air Charter Service (ACS) has already put moves in place to secure exclusive capacity for its customers by contracting a UK-registered BAe 146 freighter plane.
The aircraft is the first of what the firm hopes to be a number of options to ensure it can continue to offer “competitive solutions” in the event of a scramble by importers and exporters for extra capacity as a result of No Deal Brexit disruption. As the aircraft is UK-registered, there will be no need for permits to fly into the country.
Dan Morgan-Evans, Group Cargo Director at ACS told The Telegraph: “Currently, bookings in general are running at 300% of prior year due to the existing disruption. We have had around 100 clients request standby aircraft for January in case of a no-deal Brexit.
“However, with the level and specific areas of disruption still unknown, it has been impossible for them to tell us where and when they will need an aircraft and for how much cargo. So, this aircraft is an insurance policy for those clients who we know will need it in the event of a no deal Brexit.”
Mr Morgan-Evans added: “One thing is certain, a no-deal Brexit is likely to cause unprecedented disruption. If French fishermen also decide to blockade Calais in protest at not being able to fish in UK waters, this will see an unprecedented situation for the air cargo industry.”
Containers at Ho Chi Minh International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Credit: Stephen Barnes/Travel / Alamy Stock Photo
ACS predicts that the equivalent of over 5,000 x 747 freighters worth of cargo could be required to be flown into the UK in January alone, raising fears there will simply won’t be enough aircraft to go round.
”Whether there is a trade deal between the UK and EU or not, it is clear that there will be disruption ahead at the UK border,” said Mr Morgan-Evans. “According to government statistics, if even a small percentage of cargo coming through the UK’s sea ports in January requires transportation by air due to the disruption, there would be a significant requirement for airfreight – the equivalent of filling thousands of Boeing B747 freighters, in some scenarios.”
As a result there will be premium demand for chartered aircraft to meet the anticipated spike in demand.
ACS said the Bae 146 was capable of landing at smaller airports in the event of cargo congestion at the major airports. The aircraft offers 12 tonnes of gross payload with a total volume of around 120m³ and can be bulk loaded.
However, there are only a limited number available
Charter flights companies have urged businesses to begin making contingency plans now to avoid disruption over the coming months.
“We have a long history of dealing with these sorts of situations and know very well that relying on being ‘first come, first served’ once demand has already spiked is not best for our customers — especially those who have last-minute requirements,” said Mr Morgan-Evans. “We would advise all of our customers to get in touch with potential requirements sooner rather than later. Even if you do not have firm requirements at this stage, starting the conversation sooner rather than later helps us move quickly in order to ensure clients do not miss out.”
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