This was according to the latest VistaJet research in association with WSJ Intelligence.

Their Future of Business Travel report surveyed over 200 high-level company executives about the essential role and value of travel in their professional lives.

During the pandemic, travel has been limited for 90% of companies surveyed, and almost all (97%) said their businesses experienced negative impact directly related to those restrictions.

Nearly one-quarter (24%) indicated massive or substantial disruptions across all eight areas measured, and 87% cited massive or substantial disruption in at least one area.

More than a third (37%) said international business development and product launches took a hit due to a lack of in-person presence.

Now, among respondents who take eight or more private flights a year, 60% plan to significantly increase in-person meetings.

VistaJet has seen a surge of 49% in corporate interest around the world since the start of the pandemic, confirming that flying private continues to be a key support for business travel.

The main benefits of taking private flights for business travel are reported by those surveyed, in order, as flexibility, efficiency, safety and privacy.

The two top priorities for trips are visiting partners and vendors and going to industry events, each at 34%.

Managing current relationships and building new ones are also key drivers.

However, the return to business travel largely hangs on regulations.

Some 46% of respondents are waiting for destinations to reopen; 42% want updated COVID-19 data and rules for destinations; 36% seek support in case COVID-19 regulations change during a trip; and the same number await relaxation of their own company’s travel policies.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the world, including travel," says VistaJet Chief Commercial Officer Ian Moore.

"It also showed that some business travel is truly essential and having to forgo in-person trips came at a real cost to companies," he explained.

In addition, "It is hard to read a room when everyone is in individual windows on screen — misunderstandings can occur, especially across cultures, and these in turn can become costly mistakes.”

To support businesses around the world connect and restart the economy in the midst of heightened market insecurity, VistaJet launched a new Corporate Membership, offering speed and maximum flexibility with payment in arrears, unlimited flying hours, guaranteed availability of additional aircraft, and streamlined travel logistics.

VistaJet is a global business aviation company with a fleet of over 70 mid and long-range business jets.

It has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world.

Founded in 2004, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet while paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership.

VistaJet’s signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of, to fly them anytime, anywhere.

It is part of Vista Global Holding — the world’s first private aviation ecosystem, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-light solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation.