The private jet industry continues to boom worldwide, with travellers taking advantage of the huge time savings and efficiencies that come with private air travel.

In Europe, the number of private jets chartered by business travellers increased by 8% between July and August 2018 alone. This increase is set to continue, with research stating some business professionals believe “improvements in technology and digital communication is making private aviation more accessible”.

So, what are the main technological advancements in the private jet industry?

We have seen an advancement in in-flight technology, with companies such as VistaJet offering high speed Wi-Fi across their fleet. This has been a huge bonus for business travellers, who can now effectively partake in video conferences or relax and stream their favourite shows whilst in the sky. Not only this, but these jets also have premium iPad-based entertainment systems to suit all passengers, whether travelling for business or pleasure.

In the next few years, we are set to see a shift in the way private planes operate. The January 1 2020 mandate states that ADS-B (Automatic Data Surveillance Broadcasting) must be installed in all business jets by 2020. This technology tracks aircraft using satellite signals rather than ground radar, transmitting essential information on location, altitude and airspeed via GPS with no manual input required.

As stated by the FAA, ADS-B allows “pilots for the first time see what controllers see: displays showing other aircraft in the sky. Cockpit displays also pinpoint hazardous weather and terrain, and give pilots important flight information, such as temporary flight restrictions.

ADS-B reduces the risk of runway incursions with cockpit and controller displays that show the location of aircraft and equipped ground vehicles on airport surfaces – even at night or during heavy rainfall. ADS-B applications being developed now will give pilots indications or alerts of potential collisions.”

Not only this, but pilots will have greater visibility of remote areas which will further improve safety on board. If you operate a private jet charter, ensure you research how the new rules will affect your airspace travel.

Outside the aircraft, advancements in digital booking systems have made it easier than ever to book a private charter. Now, we are only a few clicks away from finalising a booking quickly and easily online. Plus, it can benefit travellers bank accounts, too. This does hugely depend on the circumstances, but if you are travelling as part of a large group for business, it may be cheaper to hire a private jet than pay for individual business or first-class seats on a commercial airline.

Will private jet charters continue to rise in 2019? It seems more than likely, as fleets are now more technologically advanced, efficient and faster than ever.