Private jet firms in region hope to land new opportunities during pandemic

The “Fasten Seat Belt” sign has been flashing since March, and for good reason — the pandemic has been a bumpy ride for the aviation industry.

For commercial airlines, travel restrictions and public health concerns have led to canceled flights, panicked passengers and plummeting profits. For businesses involved in private air travel, the story is more nuanced. The beginning of the pandemic brought difficult days, but as coronavirus dragged on, many passengers have turned to private aviation as a welcome alternative to commercial flights and airports packed with people. Now some area companies are hoping the crisis creates new customers who will continue to fly private long after the pandemic passes.