Air charter for a sports team: how to organise your flight?

Air charter for a sports team makes it possible to organise a flight according to the specific needs of a club, federation or delegation.

Unlike a scheduled flight, the programme can be planned according to competition schedules, the number of travellers, the destination and the equipment being transported.

This solution can be considered in particular when commercial flights do not match the team’s schedule, when a large group needs to travel together or when greater flexibility is required.

The objective is to select a charter aircraft for a sports team that is suited to the journey and the delegation, while taking into account the operational constraints of the flight.

Why choose air charter for a sports team?

Chartering makes it possible to organise air transport around the sports programme rather than relying solely on the schedules offered by scheduled airlines.

Adapt flight times to the sports schedule

Flight times are one of the main advantages of a charter flight.

The departure can be planned according to the time of the match, the training programme or the time required to reach the hotel after arrival.

The return flight can also be organised according to the end time of the competition.

However, this flexibility remains subject to operational constraints, particularly airport opening hours, aircraft availability and any take-off or landing slots.

Bring players and staff together on the same flight

A sports delegation may include far more than just the players.

Coaches, fitness trainers, doctors, physiotherapists, managers, logistics managers and accompanying personnel may also take part in the trip.

Air charter for a sports club makes it possible to bring all or a large part of the delegation together on the same flight.

The group can therefore follow the same programme from departure to arrival.

Use airports suited to the journey

Chartering can provide greater flexibility when choosing airports.

When an airport compatible with the aircraft is located closer to the competition venue, using it can reduce ground transport time.

However, this choice depends on the characteristics of the aircraft, the available infrastructure and the specific restrictions of each airport.

How does chartering an aircraft for a sports team work?

Organising a charter flight for a sports team begins with precisely defining the journey.

Define the club’s requirements

The first step is to provide the main information concerning the trip:

• number of passengers;
• departure city or airport;
• destination;
• desired dates;
• preferred flight times;
• baggage volume;
• sports equipment to be transported;
• any specific requirements on board.

This information makes it possible to identify the air transport solutions that correspond to the project.

Search for available aircraft

Once the requirements have been defined, the aircraft capable of operating the journey are assessed.

The search takes into account, in particular, their capacity, range, availability and location.

In some cases, an aircraft located at another airport must operate a positioning flight before picking up the team.

This factor can influence both the organisation and the cost of the charter.

Compare the different solutions

Several aircraft may sometimes meet the same request.

Their capacity, loading possibilities, characteristics and the conditions offered for the journey must then be compared.

The objective is to select a solution that is consistent with the size of the group and the requirements of the trip.

Confirm and prepare the flight

Once the solution has been approved, the information required to organise the flight is confirmed.

This includes, in particular, the passenger list, flight times, baggage and any specific services.

The various operational stages can then be coordinated before departure.

Which aircraft should you choose for a sports team?

Choosing the aircraft is an important stage of the charter process.

It mainly depends on the number of passengers, the distance to be travelled and the volume of equipment being transported.

For a small delegation

A small delegation can use an aircraft with limited capacity when the number of travellers and the amount of baggage allow it.

The distance of the journey must also be compatible with the performance of the selected aircraft.

For a medium-sized group

When several dozen people are travelling together, an aircraft offering more seats and greater hold capacity may be necessary.

The configuration must make it possible to transport passengers in good conditions while accommodating their baggage.

For a large delegation

A complete team accompanied by a large staff may require a higher-capacity aircraft.

The choice must then take into account not only the number of seats but also the collective equipment being transported.

It is therefore essential to provide an accurate estimate of the number of travellers and the volume of equipment before selecting the aircraft.

How can sports equipment be transported on a charter aircraft?

Equipment is an important factor when organising a sports charter.

A delegation may travel with individual suitcases, training equipment, medical equipment and various accessories related to the sport.

Check the hold capacity

Hold capacity varies depending on the aircraft.

An aircraft with enough seats does not necessarily have enough space to transport all of the equipment.

Passenger capacity and baggage capacity must therefore be assessed at the same time.

Report oversized equipment

Some equipment may have specific dimensions.

It must be reported sufficiently early so that its compatibility with the loading doors and the available dimensions inside the aircraft can be checked.

The total weight of the equipment must also be provided when preparing the flight.

Which operational constraints should be anticipated?

A chartered aircraft offers greater flexibility, but it remains subject to the rules and constraints specific to air transport.

Aircraft availability

Availability depends on the period, destination and type of aircraft required.

Certain periods may be particularly busy.

Booking in advance therefore makes it possible to assess a wider range of solutions when the sports schedule is already known.

Airport opening hours and slots

Not all airports operate continuously.

Opening hours or restrictions may prevent a departure or arrival at certain times.

Some airports may also require specific slots to be obtained.

Flight permits

Depending on the destination and route, overflight or landing permits may be required.

These formalities are part of the operational elements that must be checked before the programme can be definitively confirmed.

Last-minute changes

Sport can lead to changes in the programme.

A match may be postponed, extended or rescheduled. Qualification for the next stage of a competition may also change the planned schedule.

When aviation constraints allow, teams can reassess the flight schedule and consider an urgent charter solution adapted to the new situation.

How much does it cost to charter an aircraft for a sports team?

The price of air charter for a sports team varies depending on the characteristics of the project.

There is therefore no single rate that applies to every team.

Distance and flight duration

The distance travelled directly influences the flight time and the type of aircraft required.

A short journey does not require the same resources as an international trip lasting several hours.

Number of passengers

The number of travellers determines the minimum capacity required for the aircraft.

A delegation of twenty people and a group of eighty travellers require different solutions.

Type of aircraft

The size and characteristics of the aircraft also influence the price.

An aircraft offering more seats, greater range or a specific configuration may result in a different cost.

Aircraft positioning

The aircraft suited to the journey is not always available at the departure airport.

It may need to be repositioned from another city before picking up the delegation.

This additional flight may be included in the price calculation.

Airports and additional services

Airport charges can vary from one airport to another.

Additional services, specific requests on board or certain ground services may also influence the total cost.

Why request a personalised quote?

Every sports trip has different characteristics.

Two teams travelling to the same destination may receive different solutions depending on the number of passengers, flight times, baggage or available aircraft.

A personalised quote makes it possible to assess the different options suited to the project.

To make this assessment easier, it is recommended to provide the following information from the initial request:

• travel dates;
• cities or airports concerned;
• desired flight times;
• number of passengers;
• baggage volume;
• specific equipment;
• any requirements on board.

The more precise the information, the more targeted the search for a suitable solution can be.

Air charter in France or internationally

A charter flight for a sports team can be organised for different types of journeys.

Domestic travel

For travel within France, chartering can make it possible to organise flight times around the sports schedule and assess the airports best suited to the journey.

This solution can be considered in particular when scheduled flights do not correspond to the team’s programme.

International travel

For a competition abroad, additional constraints may arise.

Travel formalities, flight permits, rules applicable in the different countries and airport characteristics must then be taken into account.

Operational preparation may therefore be more extensive than for a domestic journey.

Why use Avico for sports charter?

Avico supports clubs, federations and sports organisations in identifying and organising air charter solutions.

The available options are assessed according to the number of travellers, destination, flight times, equipment being transported and the constraints of the sports programme.

Identify a suitable solution

Different aircraft can be assessed in order to find a capacity that matches the delegation and the journey.

This search also takes into account aircraft availability and the characteristics of the airports being used.

Centralise flight organisation

Information concerning flight times, travellers, baggage and specific requirements can be brought together within the same organisation.

This centralisation makes it easier to prepare the journey and coordinate the different parties involved.

Support changes to the programme

When the sports schedule changes, possible adjustments can be assessed according to availability and operational constraints.

The objective is to maintain an organisation that is consistent with the team’s requirements.

FAQ – Air charter for a sports team

Why choose air charter for a sports team?

Chartering makes it possible to organise the flight according to the number of travellers, destination, flight times and the specific requirements of the delegation.

How many people can a charter aircraft carry?

Capacity depends on the type of aircraft selected. Several categories of aircraft can be considered depending on the size of the group and the journey.

Can sports equipment be transported on a charter aircraft?

Yes, subject to the aircraft’s capacity. The weight, volume and dimensions of the equipment must be provided before the aircraft is selected.

How much does it cost to charter an aircraft for a sports team?

The price depends in particular on the distance, flight duration, number of passengers, type of aircraft, airports used and aircraft availability.

How long does it take to organise a sports charter?

The time required depends on aircraft availability and the complexity of the journey. It is preferable to plan the request in advance when the competition schedule is known.

Can the flight times of a charter flight be changed?

Flight times can be reassessed when the team’s programme changes, subject to aircraft availability and the constraints of the airports concerned.

Organise your sports team’s air charter with Avico

Every air charter for a sports team requires organisation adapted to the number of travellers, the journey, the schedule and the equipment being transported.

Avico supports clubs and sports organisations in assessing available aircraft and preparing their charter flight.

Contact Avico to assess an air charter solution suited to your sports team’s journey.