Like many other industries, private aviation faces many security threats and operational challenges. Runway excursions and ground handling incidents are common causes of private aviation accidents, compounded by airspace complexities. 

In October 2023, two private jets collided on the Houston airport tarmac. One twin-engine jet departed the runway without authorisation and collided with another twin-engine jet while landing.

Meanwhile, in June of the same year, a private plane flew over D.C. before crashing in rural Virginia, triggering a response from six F-16s as the pilot was incapacitated. Just a month later, a near-miss occurred between an Allegiant Air plane and a private jet in Florida, both receiving collision-threat warnings. 

In addition to flight and ground collisions, the private aviation sector now faces heightened scrutiny of prominent individuals’ movements, especially from environmental activists. High-profile figures who rely on private jets for their travels often need heightened security, given the intense public interest in their whereabouts.

Multilayered safety measures

Private jet travel is statistically one of the safest modes of transport. However, what instils confidence in private aviation is the robust infrastructure that surrounds it. 

Even veteran fliers who have travelled with security personnel before may not fully comprehend the multilayered protection woven into the fabric of private airports and fixed-base operators.

Several stringent measures are in place to maintain the safety and security of private jet travel. Private jets are typically stored in secure hangars, shielding them from unauthorised access and external threats. Passenger manifests are then shared on a need-to-know basis, ensuring that only authorised personnel are privy to this information.

Both ground and flight crews undergo regular background checks, guaranteeing the integrity and reliability of those operating and servicing the aircraft. Regular sweeps of aircraft and ground transportation are conducted to detect and remove any surveillance bugs or devices, enhancing privacy and security. With such layers of security, wrongdoers or paparazzi will have difficulty penetrating.

For large companies with their own fleets, safeguarding top executives against threats like kidnappings or corporate espionage is a paramount concern. As exemplified by Google’s $5.9 million allocation for CEO Sundar Pichai’s security, such measures can be substantial.

Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of public shaming and rising political tensions have spurred many private fliers to proactively enhance their security measures or at least assess their security needs.

Detailed threat profiles

Many individuals need to realise the elevated security risks they face. Experts from security companies such as Marengo meticulously construct detailed threat profiles for their owners, examining personal history, places of residence, and occupations. 

Factors like the destination, geopolitical concerns, and susceptibility to cyber-attacks are also factored into these assessments. In many instances, discretion also becomes a pivotal strategy. Blending into one’s surroundings rather than standing out as a wealthy individual is a key objective.

Moreover, the role of executive protection operators has evolved, with a trend towards discretion and avoidance of the term “bodyguard.” These professionals, often with backgrounds in police or the military, specialise in small-arms weapons (jurisdiction dependent), close combat, and evasive driving while maintaining a low-profile presence.

The spectrum of security measures can be tailored to individual needs, ranging from a single officer and basic protection to a full-fledged security team with armoured vehicles. As the saying goes, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.