Executive travel is a fundamental part of the role for any senior business leader. Whether they’re establishing new relationships, nurturing existing ones or attending industry events, executives can spend a large proportion of their working week on the move. Planning an executive’s schedule can be difficult, particularly as travel can be so unpredictable at times – but it is often critical for business strategy and operations. As such, what are the key elements of successful and effective executive travel and how can you best go about achieving these?
Flexibility
Flexibility is crucial when it comes to travel arrangements, even more so since the beginning of the pandemic. Travel restrictions, natural disasters and changing schedules can play havoc with executive travel plans, particularly where international travel and commercial flights are involved. Flexibility allows executives to make the most of any changing situations, helping to avoid time and cost wastage. On-demand services or membership programs for a business plane are a viable alternative to booking seats on commercial airliners, allowing flight booking on shorter notice and with added flexibility when it comes to travel routes, destinations and shorter overall journey durations.
Efficiency
Time is an extremely valuable commodity for executives, so efficiency is a must with regard to corporate travel. Disruptions, stoppages and layovers should be avoided at all costs, so choosing direct or faster transport options is an intelligent idea where costs aren’t the prime directive. Again, where international travel is involved, it’s always worth considering alternatives to commercial flights where delays and disruptions can overthrow an executive’s schedule.
Privacy
Executive travel, as compared to business travel for less senior employees, should ideally offer a greater level of privacy. Crucially, this can allow executives to continue working whilst travelling or to get some rest before important meetings or events. This is particularly important for long haul journeys where executives may need a space with multi-purpose functionality. Privacy also plays a big factor in safety and security, as we discuss below.
Safety and Security
In the post-pandemic world, executive travel needs to be safe and secure above everything else. Traditional transport options typically come with an increased risk of exposure to members of the public, putting an executive and their schedule at risk. Busy airport terminals and trains may represent a risk not worth taking in this day and age, meaning you may want to explore other options like executive cars or private jets.
