At the private jet terminal in Farnborough, UK, a sleek Gulfstream G–IVSP jet sat parked on the tarmac as it awaited passengers before its departure to Dubai. Just like any other private jet flight, no detail had been overlooked.
The aircraft’s plush cabin seats, cradled gourmet snacks, personalised gifts and specially designed pillows designed for the journey that lay ahead. Outside, more than two dozen eyes surveyed the scene with curiosity and anticipation.
As instructed, they boarded the aircraft one by one with their companions in tow. These were no typical clients. These thirteen passengers marked the inaugural flight to Dubai with K9 Jets, a charter company offering private flight services for dog owners and their pets.
Amongst the first fliers was three–year–old Australian Shepherd, Frida, and her owner Fabio Barzaghi. Often commuting between Europe and Dubai, Barzaghi is among one of the many pet owners frustrated with the challenging process of flying their dogs internationally — a process that typically requires larger dogs to be transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft.
“Frida has only travelled in cargo once and became utterly traumatised” recalls Barzaghi of the incident.
Frida, who suffers from separation anxiety, a common trait amongst Australian Shepherds, has since then been very reluctant to fly. It has forced Barzaghi to seek other alternatives to manage her international travels.
“It was tough for us to make her comfortable again, and it took her several months to get over this trauma. This is why I could never put Frida in the cargo hold of the plane again. She is a sensitive and emotional dog when it comes to travelling,” Barzaghi adds.
Barzaghi is not alone. Many owners of larger dogs fear what might happen to their pets when they are shipped in cargo. In such conditions, they may face fluctuating temperatures, poor ventilation and inappropriate handling that may affect their health and safety. It was precisely for this reason that founders Kirsty and Adam Golder started K9 Jets in 2022.
“Owners don’t want to take the risk of anything happening. They want the peace of mind that their dog will sit by their side or in their lap in the cabin, but there hasn’t been anything else out there that offers that service” says Founder Adam Golder.
On average, over four million animals are transported by air per year. Pet travel is set to continue to rise globally, and with this new Dubai–London route, K9 Jets aims to meet the demand for UAE based passengers travelling and relocating back to the UK with their beloved pets.
The Flight Experience
To ensure a smooth journey, K9 Jets take several precautions into account. Candid seating charts are arranged in advance that factor in compatibility between different dog breeds. Prior to departure, owners and their dogs will meet their fellow passengers outside the aircraft for an opportunity to socialise before take–off. This initial meet–and–greet helps alleviate any tension or nerves that dogs may experience who are unfamiliar with air travel.
“It’s incredible to witness the dogs determining their own ‘pack’ for the flight. I think they sense the special treatment too” Golder says.
Safely settled, crew then assume duties while engines rumble to life. Although some dogs may get frightened from unfamiliar sounds, they will most often take reassurance from their owners.
“Cargo transport leaves many dogs [feeling] anxious in the dark. They are not able to understand the noises or what is happening around them. When they fly on the private jet they can relax, knowing their person is close [by]” Golder explains.
Interestingly, the steady drone of the engine often acts as a soothing lullaby for dogs, providing a peaceful atmosphere that helps both pets and their owners enjoy a smooth journey.
Where You Can Fly
At the moment, K9 Jets flights can be booked between London and New York or to Los Angeles. There are also several flights between European cities such as Paris, Lisbon, Frankfurt and Dublin. The new flight route connecting London and Dubai marks a milestone for K9 Jets with plans to expand flight routes to other major cities in Asia.
While private jet charters inherently have a higher carbon footprint than commercial travel, eco–conscious jetsetters can feel reassured knowing that K9 Jets offsets the emissions from every flight. This ensures that owners can transport their beloved canine companions in ultra–luxe comfort without adding to the negative impacts of climate change.
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