Private jet design featuring a sundeck and dancefloor revealed at Dubai Airshow

Among the stunning concepts showcased at the Dubai Airshow last week were a helicopter with vegan seats, a private jet with a sundeck and garage, and even a hotelier’s plan to host discos at 35,000 feet – all aimed at enticing high-end travelers back into the skies.

Despite the aviation industry being one of the hardest hit by the global pandemic and facing mounting criticism over its environmental impact, demand from affluent travelers remains strong and shows no signs of slowing down.

Lufthansa Technik, an aircraft overhaul expert and sister company of Germany's flagship airline, is working on a private jet experience that mirrors the luxury of a superyacht. The jet would take owners anywhere, anytime, offering five-star hotel amenities and a base for leisure activities.

At the Airshow, Lufthansa Technik presented its 'Explorer' cabin concept for a wide-body Airbus A330, featuring a retractable sun deck (that only extends when parked), four double bedrooms, a gym, and even a garage.

"We envisioned an aircraft that operates like a flying hotel, enabling guests to embark on a round-the-world trip in just two weeks," says Wieland Timm, head of VIP & special mission aircraft sales at Lufthansa Technik. This approach offers a faster luxury travel alternative to superyachts, allowing travelers to reach different parts of the world within hours.

Another, potentially more budget-friendly 'flying hotel' concept was unveiled by FIVE, a luxury Dubai-based real estate group known for its high-end hotels and resorts. At the Airshow, the company announced it had purchased an Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty, which will be used to transport guests globally starting in 2023.

Before the launch, FIVE will be refurbishing the 786-square-foot aircraft, complete with a dining area for eight guests, a kitchen serving gourmet cuisine from Dubai’s top restaurants, and in-house DJs providing entertainment. For those who prefer an early night, there will also be a suite featuring a king-sized bed.

The rise of private jets

These innovative concepts are tapping into the growing demand for luxury private jets. During the pandemic, as commercial flights plummeted, wealthy travelers looking to avoid crowded airports and uncertain schedules flocked to private jets. FlyEliteJets, based in Florida, reported a 150% increase in bookings since the onset of Covid-19, while VistaJet saw a 65% rise in global flight hours across its fleet since March.

"Business aviation has demonstrated its flexibility and reliability, with robust safety and security protocols that have remained in place throughout the pandemic," says Timothy Hawes, managing director at Tarsus Middle East, which organized the 2021 Dubai Airshow.

"It was a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to finally meet face-to-face after 20 months," he says. "The Dubai Airshow became the key event everyone had been eagerly awaiting in the industry."

Luxury jets attracted a great deal of attention, he adds. Among the 175 aircraft displayed at the event – representing a wide range from commercial to military – was Airbus Corporate Helicopters' vegan-friendly helicopter.

The company had customized the interior of its latest luxury model, the ACH145, with ultraleather, a synthetic material designed to replicate real leather, at the request of wealthy clients Urs and Daniela Brunner. According to Airbus, this choice aligned with the ethical values of Daniela, whose fashion brand Giulia and Romeo avoids animal products and donates profits to animal welfare causes.

Environmental impact

Despite growing concern over their environmental impact, private jets continue to rise in popularity. According to the clean transport group Transport & Environment, private jets produce five to fourteen times more carbon dioxide per passenger than commercial flights.

The emissions per passenger for Lufthansa Technik's Explorer concept are currently unknown. While the Airbus A330 usually carries over 250 passengers, the Explorer is designed for just 12 VIPs. However, its creators have suggested that future versions could accommodate up to 47 passengers.

Timm acknowledges that operating with so few passengers would be counterproductive for any environmental initiative, but adds, "Those who want to make this choice, will make it anyway."

He notes that some VIP clients are already taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint, such as requesting recyclable materials for the cabin and opting for more fuel-efficient aircraft models with fewer engines.

Ultimately, comfort, security, and privacy are the top priorities for these clients, according to Timm. As long as the demand persists, airlines and manufacturers will continue to cater to it.