The highly anticipated Paris 2024 Summer Olympics kick off this week, with the opening ceremony taking place on 26 July. This marks the third time Paris will host the Games, after previously doing so in 1900 and 1924.
Paris will become only the second city to host three Olympics, following London, which held the Games in 1908, 1948, and 2012.
The event is poised to be one of the biggest ever, attracting almost 11,000 athletes competing in 329 events across 32 different sports. This year, breakdancing makes its Olympic debut, adding a new dimension to the competition.
With the Games garnering global attention, fans from around the world are flocking to France to witness their nation's sporting heroes in action. This influx of visitors is expected to put a significant strain on Paris's air travel infrastructure, particularly as private aviation is anticipated to become a popular travel option for Olympic attendees.
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A Surge in Private Jet Activity
Aviation experts believe the Games will present a unique opportunity for private aviation growth in the region.
High-profile figures, celebrities, politicians, sponsors, business partners, tourists, and even athletes, coaches, and medical staff are likely to choose private flights to Paris.
The Olympic Games themselves are spread across France, requiring specialized transportation to move guests and athletes to their respective events.
These events are scheduled in various locations:
Diving: Paris Aquatic Center
Basketball, Skateboarding, BMX: Place de la Concorde
Tennis, Boxing: Roland-Garros Stadium
Track & Field, Rugby: Stade de France
Swimming, Water Polo: Paris La Défense Arena
Volleyball, Table Tennis, Weightlifting: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Judo, Wrestling: Grand Palais Ãphémère
Archery: Les Invalides
Field Hockey: Yves du Manoir Stadium
Gymnastics, Badminton: Porte de la Chapelle Arena
Beach Volleyball: Eiffel Tower Stadium
Additionally, surfing will take place in the village of Teahupo'o on the island of Tahiti, over 10,000 miles away from Paris. This requires dedicated transportation arrangements for competitors.
Many charter companies in France and Europe are prepared for the influx of private jet travel. The allure of private aviation lies in its flexibility and convenience. Passengers can fly whenever they desire, avoiding the constraints of scheduled commercial flights.
Direct routes to desired airports, facilitated by the longer range of business jets, are another advantage. Private jets, being smaller than commercial airliners, can utilize smaller airports, providing passengers with a wider range of landing options closer to their final destination.
Charter companies are experiencing a surge in demand, with Victor reporting a 300% increase in chartered flights to France. VistaJet is offering bespoke VIP travel packages tailored to the Olympic experience. Flexjet has created multi-stop itineraries to simplify travel between events across France.
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Private Jet Hubs Across France
Private jet passengers often utilize dedicated private terminals at major airports, reducing waiting times and providing access to a wider range of domestic airports.
According to Aero Affaires, several airports across France are equipped to handle private jet flights during the Games:
Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LBG)
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Lyon Bron Airport (LYB)
Strasbourg Airport (SXB)
Tahiti International Airport (PPT)
The strategic location of these airports ensures close proximity to specific events. For example, sailing events in Marseille Marina will likely see increased activity at Marseille Provence Airport. Similarly, the Lyon Bron Airport, near the Lyon Stadium, is a convenient option for soccer enthusiasts. The Tahiti International Airport is the primary choice for those attending surfing events.
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Manufacturer Support for the Private Jet Boom
Leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have established or expanded their infrastructure in the region to address potential aircraft issues during the Games.
Dassault, the French manufacturer of the Falcon series, boasts a robust network of support stations throughout the country, including Go Teams, trained technicians readily available to address aircraft on the ground (AOG) issues promptly.
Bombardier, known for its Challenger, Global, and Learjet series, operates line maintenance stations in Paris and Nice, providing comprehensive service and maintenance capabilities. It also maintains a line station in Geneva, Switzerland, further solidifying its presence in the region.
Textron Aviation, known for its Cessna Citation, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft, has a service center located near Paris Le Bourget Airport, ensuring efficient maintenance for its diverse product portfolio.
Other manufacturers, including Embraer, Gulfstream, and the Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft, are also well-equipped with service support teams in the region, ready to handle any potential technical challenges during the Games.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics take centre stage, private aviation is set to play a vital role in supporting the smooth movement of athletes, dignitaries, and fans. With dedicated airports, extensive charter services, and a network of manufacturers with robust support teams, the region is well-prepared to handle the anticipated surge in private jet activity during this historic sporting event.