Clive Jackson. Understanding the problem of winter travel

Clive Jackson. Understanding the problem of winter travel

C.M.W.Maó13/09/10 0:00
TW
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Hong Kong businessman Clive Jackson, a London resident with a home in Andratx, Mallorca, is only too well aware of the problems facing travellers between the U.K. and the Balearic Islands during the winter months. The scarcity of flights in the 'closed season' has prompted him to set up 'Flying Mallorca', the "first community portal and bespoke private aircraft booking platform for discerning travellers within Europe".

The idea is to bring luxury private jet travel, and all its inherent benefits (creating your own schedules, use of private terminals and minimal or no waiting time), "within reach" of travellers by sharing the aircraft and costs, thus reducing the 8,000-9,000-euro charter fee to potentially as low as 895 euros if all seats are taken.

Members will be able to search the website (www.flyingmallorca.com) for details of proposed flight schedules and available seats on flights booked by other members, or make an offer to buy a seat. It will also allow quotes from "a range of approved operators" to be compared and an aircraft to be either booked or put on standby.

The service will be launched later this year, initially for travellers flying between the Balearic Islands and the U.K., Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The idea has been very well received by residents and hoteliers in Mallorca and Jackson is now trying to ascertain the level of interest there would be in Menorca for such a service through a short survey on the website allowing would-be travellers to register their interest.