Air Partner has been working closely with the sports industry for over 60 years. We have arranged a large number of pre-season tours for European football teams, and in 2022, we flew the finalists to the UEFA Europa League final.
Whilst our experienced Account Managers are always on hand to guide you through the booking process, we have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions that we have been asked by sports teams over the years.
We are looking for a discrete service - what can be organised at the airport for the team?
We can provide the discrete service that many clubs request through a private terminal or fixed-based operator. This allows the team to have a hassle-free travel experience. We can also provide an Air Partner representative at the airport who will be on hand to assist with check-in and security procedures.
What options can you organise for onboard catering to ensure it meets our team's requirements?
Once the flight is booked, we will work closely with your team's nutritionist to discuss the specific catering requirements. This can also involve sourcing particular products in line with their dietary guidelines.
We plan out the catering very carefully, ensuring that enough bottled water is included to keep the players hydrated. In addition, to ensure that enough healthy snacks such as fruit are provided on-board.
We can also work closely to ensure that specific dietary requirements can also be accommodated, for example gluten-free, dairy free. Management and VIPs will often travel with the team and have different catering requirements. We can also assist with this so that different catering levels are provided onboard.
Can we showcase our team colours and logo during travel?
Using our bespoke services, we can organise a wide array of opportunities to showcase your team's branding when travelling. This can include anything from branded water bottles, headrest covers, and neck pillows on board.
In terms of pre-travel, we can also organise an in-flight lounge with branded televisions and catering. And for the ultimate wow factor, we can also work with the club to brand the exterior of the aircraft with the team's badge. The possibilities are endless, and our Account Managers will work closely with you to achieve your objectives.
How does Air Partner deal with any possible delays?
As part of working with us, your dedicated Account Manager will work on minimising the risk and contingency planning. Whilst we can never eliminate the risk of delays, chartering flights gives the team greater control over the service.
In addition, every flight is monitored by our in-house Operations team who are on hand 24/7 to assist with any issues. We also have a CharterPLUS guarantee which provides cover in the event of a technical failure.
Which aircraft will be most suitable to ensure there's enough space for our equipment?
Your dedicated Account Manager will work closely with you to guide you through the booking process and ensure that your requirements are accommodated. In the planning stages, the Account Manager will discuss specifics with you such as how many are looking to travel, dates, destination and how much kit you are planning to take.
Thanks to our key relationships with our suppliers, we have access to a wide range of aircraft and can provide the most suitable aircraft to meet your requirements for both passengers and kit.
We are planning to travel further afield for our pre-season tour. How can we ensure that the team arrive well-rested on arrival?
Our charter experts are highly experienced in arranging worldwide pre-season tours for sports teams. VIP airliners are popular with sports teams, especially for long-distance travel. Features include business class seats (either cradle or lie-flat depending on the aircraft) and VIP catering.
Our dedicated Account Managers are experienced in working with the sports industry and offer the expertise for a hassle-free experience, looking after your group charter flights from start to finish.
