British airlines have largely stopped international long-haul flying due to the pandemic but that isn't stopping the wealthy from escaping to the Caribbean this summer.
One airline is bucking the flying trend by offering flights between London and Barbados on a VIP-configured Airbus A340 private jet complete with all-first class-style seating. Caledonia Jets is the broker behind the operation, with the aircraft itself coming from AirX, one of Europe's leading private jet charter operators.
Before passengers can board their luxury jet, however, they must submit to a COVID-19 and self-isolate in a hotel overnight prior to the flight, at their expense. According to the Caledonia Jets website, the test ensures that travelers don't have to worry about their flight mates potentially having the virus and help protects the local Barbados population, which has largely been spared from the pandemic.
Barbados is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for British holidaymakers. Before the pandemic soured international travel, three airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and TUI Airways served Barbados via its capital city, Bridgetown, from cities across the UK.
Take a look onboard the ultra-luxurious aircraft, known as BIG.