UNITED AVIATION SERVICES: ELEVEN PERCENT OF VISITORS TO 2014 WORLD CUP IN BRAZIL WILL TRAVEL BY PRIVATE AIRCRAFT
Leading flight services provider estimates some 3,000 private aircraft will fly to/from/within Brazil for World Cup 2014
For Immediate Release: August 7, 2013 (Dubai, UAE) – The predicted numbers for the 2014 World Cup are staggering:
- Nearly 3 billion people globally are expected to watch at least part of one match during the month-long tournament
- Some 600,000 foreign fans will travel to Brazil
- Over 3.8 million Brazilians will travel internally between the 12 host cities
In addition, 3,000 business aircraft will fly into and within Brazil for next year’s World Cup (excluding heads of state), with 11% of all visitors traveling by private aircraft, according to an estimate by United Aviation Services (UAS) a premier provider of international trip support and planning solutions.
In anticipation of this demand, Untied Aviation Charter (UAC), the charter division of UAS is securing additional aircraft and offering VIP travel packages for the duration of the competition. UAC research indicates that without sufficient commercial aircraft capacity for the event, the role of charters and travel companies will be pivotal in the tournament’s logistical operation.
“UAC, which already has access to over 12,000 aircraft worldwide, is currently expanding its database to accommodate the surge in sport tourism,” said Ammar Al-Mahmoud, Director of Charter for UAC. “To accommodate high demand, we are offering our charter clients exclusive access to real-time availability of empty legs for flights serviced by UAS. These proprietary flights are unavailable to any other charter company, and will be held exclusively for our charter customers,” Al-Mahmoud added.
Big-Game Experience
With a wealth of expertise in chartering aircraft for large sporting events, including Champions League and English Premier League matches in the UK and elsewhere, UAC notes that the easiest way to navigate Brazilian airspace and take in the farther-flung venues, is by private jet charters.
“Brazil is the world’s fifth-largest nation, but it is a bit underserved by commercial airlines, considering its population of almost 200 million and its 5 million tourist visitors per year,” Al-Mahmoud said. “These factors make private jet travel even more desirable for the right customer.”
Brazil’s airports are already operating at maximum capacity but with privatization and modernization programs in place, steps have been taken in the right direction for handling of air transport and traffic at the event. “With Sao Paulo ready to open its first private business jet airport, Novo Aeroporto Executive, in time for World Cup 2014, our private jet travelers will have a viable option to the very busy Conghonas and Guarulhos commercial airline hubs,” Al-Mahmoud said. “The new 9,200-foot runway will accommodate even the largest private jet, which is ideal for us when chartering football teams traveling non-stop flights,” adds Al-Mahmoud.
Brazilian Building Boom
To cope with high demand during the World Cup, 37 new hotels are being built in Rio de Janeiro alone. United Travel and Tours (UTT), the travel and tours division of UAS, has been investing early, as the company is expanding its hotel network and securing luxury accommodations for the influx of VIP and diplomatic clientele.
“We are witnessing a rise in hotel searches across Brazil in preparation for the World Cup, with booking inquiries for hotels having more than doubled in some Brazilian cities this year,” said Lee Snyman, Travel Manager at UTT. “Prices in Rio will almost certainly be higher than they were in London for the Olympics. We are urging our travelers to book early so we can get them the best value for their money as well as access to premium accommodations while they are still available.”
Customized VIP packages will be prepared for team members, management and staff, heads of state, and VIP spectators; trip planning solutions range from:
- Luxury Air & Yacht Charter
- VIP Accommodations & Tour Packages
- Ground Transportation & Chauffeur Services
- Exclusive Airport Meet & Greet Assistance
- Highly Skilled Personal Protection & Security Services
- Worldwide Concierge Services
Fans can follow their favorite team to all group games or choose any program of their choice, as dedicated charter specialist UAC will arrange a trip plan customized to individual preferences.
About UAS
With international offices across the globe, regional headquarters on four continents and a growing network of over 100 civil aviation regulatory authorities and governmental agencies worldwide, UAS is strategically linked to key destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia and North and South America. UAS has been providing world-class international trip support services for over a decade to corporate, VIP, and commercial operators alike.
Contact: Zamzam Ibrahim +971 4 299 6633 x306
Email: zibrahim@uas.ae