Charter airlines 'focus on niche destinations'

Providers of charter flights have changed their strategies to offer more services to niche destinations, according to new research.

A study by consultancy Ascend has revealed that charter airlines have had to change significantly in recent years to compete in the global market - potentially resulting in a number of benefits for passengers.

The analysis shows that charter carriers have begun to fly to locations not served by low-cost airlines, such as Egypt and the Greek islands, while also looking to long-haul destinations including Canada, Mexico, Goa and Cuba.

"We see the charter carriers continuing to develop their long-haul services," commented Gehan Talwatte, managing director of Ascend, adding: "Recently they seem to have come through the shock and are showing they can adapt to the new market conditions."

Charter flights are generally sold through tour operators and tend to focus on taking holidaymakers to specific tourist destinations. Many are operated from the UK's regional airports.

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