Melissa Hoyer
Just when you think private jets are reserved for rock stars, royals and the cashed-up, along comes a little reality check at 35,000 feet.
Interestingly – and this is where it gets delicious – new trends in the world of private aviation isn’t just from the ‘because I can’ brigade. Take the rise of the empty leg sector. Those glamorous repositioning flights where a jet needs to move anyway? If you know how to find them, it can sometimes cost a company less to fly four to eight executives privately to a strategy meeting or leadership retreat than booking them all business class commercially. No queues. No lounge roulette. No waiting for someone to find overhead luggage locker space for their Rimowa.
Instead? They’re wheels up, laptops open, strategising in the sky before the second espresso hits. Frankly, it’s productivity with a side of altitude.
Then there are groups of friends clocking that, when you divide the numbers properly, the price can land in surprisingly similar territory to premium commercial fares but with champagne poured before take-off and not a boarding call in sight.
And the pet set? This one tugs at the heartstrings. Families relocating between New Zealand and Australia, or planning intergenerational holidays, are choosing private aviation so Scout/Fido/Chilli/Gigi isn’t in the hold and no one is navigating quarantine stress. The dog flies in the cabin. Natch.
Add to that those desperate to skip heaving domestic terminals, travellers heading to remote locations commercial airlines barely glance at, bucket-list tours where everyone wants to travel together, golf pilgrimages to Tasmania or King Island landing near Barnbougle, sporting teams flying as a unit. And yes, the quietly wealthy who simply adore the idea of stepping onto a PJ because… well, they can.
Private aviation isn’t just flash anymore. It’s strategic. It’s practical. It’s emotional. And, dare I say, increasingly clever.
Which brings me to H4U Travel – an Australian boutique luxury travel specialist – which has announced the launch of Flavours of Asia by Private Jet, a seriously extraordinary eight-day, seven-night culinary journey designed for discerning travellers seeking the world’s most exclusive food, wine and travel experiences.
Departing late April 2026, the fully hosted adventure combines private jet travel, Michelin-starred dining and Michelin key hotel experiences, and behind-the-scenes chef activities, but only for a very small group of guests.
Travellers will board an exclusively chartered Gulfstream G550 private jet and explore Asia’s most iconic culinary destinations, from Singapore to Saigon and Macau, with luxury accommodation and bespoke experiences at every turn.
Highlights of the tour include:
• Six Michelin-starred tasting menus curated exclusively for this journey, featuring intimate chef and Sommelier interactions, market tours, wine tastings and private cocktail masterclasses.
• Private jet transfers between destinations with gourmet inflight dining and premium beverages.
• Luxury stays at renowned properties including Fairmont Singapore, Hotel des Arts Saigon, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau and Raffles Hotel Sentosa.
“This is not just travel, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime culinary narrative woven through Asia’s most celebrated gourmet spaces,” said Adam Geneave, CEO, H4U Travel.
“Guests will enjoy privileged access to Michelin chefs, and sommeliers, all while travelling in the utmost comfort and privacy,” he adds.
Bookings are open now, with very limited seats available for the launch tour.
For itinerary details or bookings – visit H4U Travel’s tour page https://www.h4utravel.com.au/flavoursofasia or contact [email protected]
*About H4U Travel
H4U Travel is a luxury travel and group tour specialist based in Australia, offering bespoke, high-end travel experiences worldwide, from private jet tours and curated culinary journeys to bespoke accommodation and larger group arrangements.
Sign me up! ☺️
