Moviation's private jets fly through banned Russian airspace

A private jet produced by American plane manufacturer Gulfstream flies in this undated file photo. Moviation has partnered with Gulfstream to provide the American firm's jets for Vonaer's private jet service. Courtesy of Moviation

Moviation, a Korean private jet service provider, has begun offering flights that fly through Russian airspace, which has been restricted to most European airliners in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Vonaer, Moviation's online private jet booking platform, launched the service through a partnership with a private jet company based in a "third country" that the Russian government has selectively approved for airspace access. Due to confidentiality, Moviation declined to identify the private jet company or disclose the country in which it is based.

The flights connect Gimpo International Airport to countries in Europe by passing through previously restricted airspace, saving up to two hours when traveling between Korea and major European cities such as Paris, London, Geneva and Rome.

The company said it launched the flights to meet high demand for business travel between May and June.

“Unlike Incheon International Airport, Gimpo Airport has separate hangars and gateways for private jets and their passengers," said Lee Mi-hyun, chief strategy officer and vice president of Moviation. "So our flights depart from Gimpo, allowing passengers to avoid long pre-boarding hours and hop on their flights in just 30 minutes or less before their takeoff.”

The company said its flights are expected to reduce inconvenience caused by extended flight times, while also saving on costs related to fuel, crew wages and carbon emissions. Since the Russian government's travel ban, 36 airlines operating between East Asia and Europe have been forced to take detours, adding two or more hours to flight durations.

Moviation said time is especially critical for VIP business travelers and tourists with luxury itineraries, and its new flights are designed to cater to their needs. According to Lee, private jets charge by the hour, so faster flights translate to lower costs for passengers.

Moviation CEO Shin Min said the new private jet flights are “the most effective solution to those using national airliners that were forced to detour the Russian airspace.”

“With this campaign, we’ll focus on targeting VIP and VVIPs by improving efficiency in their business trips and raising quality in their transportation,” Shin said.

Moviation has partnered with eight private jet operators based in countries around the world, including Japan, the United States and other Asian nations.