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Asian Travelers consider private jets to avoid swine flu

The South China Morning Post reported that wealthy Asian travelers are considering flying private jets to avoid risks of swine flu exposure on commercial flights.

Since the outbreak of the flu, Asia Jet—a private aviation company—has seen a 40 percent spike in inquiries about its flights. It seems that more and more wealthy travelers are considering booking private jet flights, to avoid swine flu despite the more expensive price tag.

“This is not about people wanting to be uber-flashy,” comments Justin Lee Firestone, chief executive at Asia Jet. “The private jet is a controlled environment. You know who your colleagues are.”

Commercial aircrafts are believed to be one of the major channels of some of the world’s deadliest viruses, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

As of press time, there are no cases of swine flu reported in Asia. However, four patients are being tested for it in Hong Kong, while China has stepped up border health security regulations as a precautionary measure.