Seventy-four percent of U.K. executives prefer paper-based news, information when traveling, though they embrace business technologies, communications, survey finds

Kendall Sinclair

ST. ALBANS, England , June 16, 2011 (press release) – -Research by PrivateFly.com shows that UK senior executives embrace technology in the office, but most still prefer paper-based reading for travel-

Almost three quarters (74 per cent) of the UK's business leaders are sticking to old habits when it comes to receiving news on the move despite embracing a wide range of technologies in the office. That's one of the findings from a survey by the online private jet booking platform, PrivateFly.com.

CEOs, MDs and chairmen from some of the UK's top companies were invited to participate in the business travel study which was undertaken by Clarity, an independent online research group.

When asked about their use of technology to conduct business, nearly two thirds (63 per cent) said they use webcams and video calls, with over half (56 per cent) adopting internet telephony such as Skype. Instant messaging is used by 36 per cent of business leaders, while 17 per cent said they used social media such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Plaxo to conduct meetings. Unsurprisingly the majority also embrace more established business technologies such as email (98 per cent) and conference calls (86 per cent).

However the findings made clear that traditional methods still hold firm for top executives in some business situations. The overwhelming majority said that technology cannot replace business travel entirely, with 95 per cent stating it was still important or very important to meet face-to-face. Furthermore, when they are actually on the move, just 26 per cent catch up on news using a digital device such as an iPad, iPhone or laptop. The majority (74 per cent) express a clear preference for paper-based news and information when travelling.

Commenting on the findings, Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly.com, said: "Enhancing business travel efficiency is a key priority for today's busy executive, whether in choosing time-saving transport or using technology to reduce diary overload. However it's clear that business leaders like to mix the old with the new: There are times when only a handshake and eye-to-eye contact will do – and for news on the move, the traditional newspaper is evidently still king."

The full results of the study are available in a white paper written by business journalist, Jeremy Skidmore,
Summary of key findings:

> Public transport is failing UK businesses

> Business travel future looks buoyant

> Business leaders mix the old with the new

> The growing allure of private jet travel

> Business travel likes & dislikes


About PrivateFly:

PrivateFly is an online booking network that makes it quicker, easier and more cost effective to arrange private jet charter.

With over 2700 operators registered worldwide, PrivateFly is the only online aggregator for private jet charter in Europe.

PrivateFly combines online efficiency and transparency with offline expertise to offer a full-service VIP charter service to direct customers and partners. The bespoke software has been created in-house specifically to meet the needs of charter customers and operators.

In February 2010 PrivateFly launched the world's first iPhone application to provide instant private jet pricing on a mobile phone.

PrivateFly was announced as one of the Smarta 100 companies 2010, by a judging panel including Dragon's Den's Deborah Meaden and other leading entrepreneurs, such as Bebo founder Michael Birch. The company also won the innovation category of the Best Business Awards in February 2010.

Founded in 2007, PrivateFly is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire and has recently secured first round investment funding to expand the business within the UK and selected international markets.

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