No matter the season, the world of business rarely (if ever) slows down.
While some industries do get busier in summer or around winter holidays, the global calendar of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) is always packed.
From major trade shows in Europe to international incentive trips in Asia, there isn’t really a day where you couldn’t find an exciting opportunity to network, and this way invest in your business success. But if your organisation has to manage all the logistics of getting large teams or clients to and from these events without any professional support, then you’re faced with a challenge that is often even more complex than the event itself.
Relying on commercial travel for big groups means you cannot avoid most of the flying-related struggles: limited seat availability, unpredictable flight schedules, long layovers and the risk of missed connections. Not to mention the difficulty of keeping everyone together and arriving on time, well-rested and ready to represent the company… These are not just small inconveniences, right?
When it comes to high-stakes events, timing, comfort, and presentation do matter. And that’s where group air charter for MICE becomes your one and only game-changing corporate travel solution. In this article, together we’ll explore they key secrets to this mode of transport: how international events air charter works, what kinds of events benefit from it, and how companies like yours can make the most of tailored air travel for groups of all sizes. Continue reading to discover all these answers and more!
When you fly as part of a large team to represent your company at a key industry event, being stuck in airports or split all across multiple flights is… inconvenient, to say the least. Direct flights that are professionally arranged through international events air charter eliminate unnecessary layovers and delays, giving you a chance to build an efficient travel schedule that keeps the entire group aligned. Take the World Economic Forum in Davos, for example. Its remote alpine setting and intense agenda makes you count every spare second. Chartering a direct flight into a nearby airport like Samedan or Zurich cuts down on transit time, so executives and support staff can maximise their presence at the event, instead of losing those precious hours on commercial transfers.
Also, a group charter can be viewed as a productive introductory activity, leading up to the event – a flying boardroom! Nowadays, most private jets for corporate travel come with high-speed Wi-Fi onboard, various digital screens for presentations, and, of course, comfortable seating that is great not just for resting, but some focus time too. Many organisations tend to use this time in the air to align on messaging, rehearse keynotes or simply create an open space for discussion, which would be much, much trickier to coordinate in a busy terminal or on a commercial plane. Having everyone onboard together, in a comfortable and inspiring setting, is proven to help bond the team like the best glue.
Choosing luxury group travel for conferences and executive retreat flights is also a way to promote your company’s identity, culture, and values. When clients or high-level stakeholders are invited to a meeting aboard a chartered aircraft, they get a full ‘royalty’ treatment, starting with private terminal access, discreet check-ins, and attentive onboard service. Let’s be honest, this level of attention screams “We care about you!” And as charter flights also offer an additional layer of security, meaning there will be no press or any unexpected attention, there isn’t a better way to reinforce your brand reputation.
The term ‘MICE’ is rather wide, covering various events of different structures and goals. Thus, don’t be surprised to see how much travel requirements can differ by event type. Chartering specialists believe that MICE event air solutions must be as varied as the industries and agencies planning them. Here’s how charter flights can be matched depending on where you’re travelling next:
Event type | Air charter solutions |
Global conferences | Charter services support multi-leg itineraries for international delegates, allow last-minute changes, and ensure ground transfers are coordinated (if needed). |
Executive retreats | Access to smaller, remote airports, plus, aircraft interiors can be configured for breakout sessions and in-flight strategy talks. |
Exhibitions | Group air charter for MICE can include cargo space for oversized displays, promotional setups and merchandise. |
Incentive trips | International events air charter can include themed flights with personalised catering, onboard entertainment, and branded touches. |
Take these tailored options as a strategic advantage – particularly valuable for event agencies, corporate travel managers, and operations teams tasked with ensuring every aspect of a trip supports the event’s success.
Planning your group’s travel well in advance is the smartest move you can do. If your goal is brand visibility and direct business opportunities, it’s enough to combine the right destination with efficient travel arrangements, and there you have it – mission accomplished! Below, you’ll find five standout global events that have been selected based on popularity among Chapman Freeborn regular clients, complete with relevant logistics insights.
Global summit air charter to Davos allows C-suite attendees to fly in and out on tight schedules without public scrutiny.
Closest airport: Zürich (ZRH), approx. 2 hours by road or 40 minutes by helicopter.
Charter tip: Customs pre-clearance and fast-track transfers available from private terminals in Zürich.
Industries: Government, finance, energy, tech, ESG, and other.
Ideal for luxury group travel for conferences, brand activations, and corporate hospitality. Cannes becomes a global networking hub during this period, even for non-film sectors.
Closest airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is only 30 minutes away (by car).
Charter tip: VIP handling and limousine tarmac access available. There’s also aircraft parking at Cannes Mandelieu (CEQ) for smaller jets.
Industries: Entertainment, luxury, media, hospitality, marketing.
International events air charter to Dubai are often chosen for their convenience and the time they help save, especially when attending multiple exhibitions or hosting clients across venues.
Closest airport: Dubai World Central (DWC) or Dubai International (DXB), both just between 15–30 minutes away from the key venues.
Charter tip: Request multi-aircraft arrivals for large delegations and enjoy onboard catering tailored to cultural preferences.
Industries: Construction, tech, automotive, green energy, logistics.
CES is all about being the first, whether in tech innovations or business in general. Arriving via private jet plays an important role in empowering your team, so they don’t have to stress about queues and delays.
Closest airport: Las Vegas McCarran (LAS) is under 10 minutes to main conference centre.
Charter tip: Quality 24/7 AOG (Aircraft on Ground) support and ramp access during peak days.
Industries: Consumer tech, electronics, AI, gaming, digital health.
Being a prime incentive destination, the F1 Grand Prix merges speed, incredible show, and 5* hospitality. Tailor your travel itinerary accordingly, with the help of air charter specialists.
Closest airport: Seletar (XSP) or Changi (SIN), which are both approx. 30–40 minutes away from Marina Bay.
Charter tip: Curated incentive trip air charter options, including onboard luxury dining and aerial views over the circuit.
Industries: Motorsport, high-net-worth entertainment, fintech, real estate.
While each of these events caters to specific sectors, what they all share is a wealth of networking opportunities that cut across industries. Don’t forget that these are the gatherings that attract the key decision-makers, trendsetters, and media, making them incredibly valuable even if it’s your first time attending. With the right charter partner and a clear travel plan, your next international business event could be your most productive yet.
Wondering, what you can expect when you plan your MICE event air solutions with us? Let’s see…
With over 20 offices worldwide and access to more than 40,000 aircraft, Chapman Freeborn ensures VIP event transportation is executed flawlessly across time zones and continents. A great example is our recent MICE charter to Malta – read the case study to see how we brought it all together.
To start planning your next group charter, email us at: pax@chapmanfreeborn.aero, and one of our specialists will be in touch.
How far in advance should we book a group air charter for an international event?
We always recommend our clients to reach out as soon as they know the exact travel dates, which is ideally 3 to 6 months in advance for major events. However, we do our best to accommodate shorter lead times, but that depends on aircraft availability and destination.
Can you accommodate last-minute attendee additions?
Yes, we’re experienced in dealing with ad-hoc situations and last-minute requests. Adjusting passenger lists or upgrading aircraft capacity to ensure everyone gets on board is what we do on a daily.
Do you handle visas/customs for international events?
Understandably, our team cannot issue visas directly, but we coordinate with travel managers and provide support for customs pre-clearance, especially at private terminals for faster processing.
Is onboard branding possible?
Of course! Everything from headrest covers and cabin screens to personalised menus – we offer a range of branding options that can be tailored to your event.
Is ground transportation included, or can it be arranged?
It can, no problem. If your group requires executive car services or coach transfers that run in line with your departure/arrival times, please inform your dedicated air charter broker.
With 50 years of experience in the charter market, we will give you the information that you need to make an informed decision.