As tourism re-opens, Delta World Charter fuels up their Jets

As more travel restrictions ease around the world, countries are making plans to reopen their borders to tourists. The Seychelles, where tourism is one of the country's most important sectors, now allows visitors to its remote islands, but only if they are travelling by private jet, according to Department of Health Seychelles. As well as having to charter a plane to get there, travellers wanting to escape to the islands need to undergo a Covid-19 test before boarding any flight. Negative results have to be sent directly to the country's department of health and visitors must show the results upon landing along with confirmation from their local health authority that the test was taken less than 48 hours before they boarded their private plane.

Upon landing in Mahe, all visitors must complete health formalities, have their temperature scanned and have a symptom check. Some travellers may also be selected for a rapid antigen test.

Travellers must have proof of the hotel or resort in which they are planning to stay. They also will not be allowed to leave their resort to travel between islands.

In May, the Seychelles declared itself Covid-19 free after nine weeks of battling the virus. The number of recorded cases was 11, all of which were found on the main island of Mahe. No cases were reported on Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette Island and the Outer Islands.

The Seychelles is not the only Indian Ocean destination to reopen exclusively to elite visitors. Maldives will re-open for international tourists on 15 July.  

Chartering a jet could cost between US$50,000 to US$95,000 depending on the route and type of aircraft. But if you are travelling with a group of friends or family, the cost per seat works close to buying first class tickets. 

Here are some examples of costs and how private jet charter can be affordable. 

Rates are based on non-stop flights.

 Dubai - Seychelles

Flight Time = 4:30 hours

Aircraft Category: Heavy Jet

Aircraft Type: Challenger 650

Seats: 12

Cost of Charter: **$55,000

Cost per seat: $4,590

Dubai - Maldives

Flight time = 4:15 hours

Aircraft Category:  Heavy Jet

Aircraft Type: Legacy 650

Seats: 13

Cost of Charter: **$52,000

Cost per seat: $4,000

Riyadh – Seychelles

Flight Time = 4:25 hours

Aircraft Category: Ultra Long Range

Aircraft Type: Global Express

Seats: 14

Cost of Charter:  **$59,500

Cost per seat: $4,250

Riyadh – Maldives

Flight time = 4:40 hours

Aircraft Category:  Heavy Jet

Aircraft Type: Challenger 604

Seats: 10

Cost of Charter: **$60,000

Cost per seat: $6000