
06 Apr 2018 World Cup In Russia
FLY TO RUSSIA TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP With the world’s biggest football event taking place in Russia this summer we are delighted to announce that can perform flights to and from all the participating cities.
Demand is already high for these dates so please book early to secure availability. We look forward to welcoming you and your guests.
World Cup 2018 – Everything you need to know about the biggest sporting event in the world.
BY DANNY PRYER
EVERY four years, we get a certain summer buzz. Is it the gods opening up and revealing sunshine? Or perhaps footballers from the team we support getting a well deserved rest, meaning no injuries? Well, it’s none of the former.
Only the biggest and most watched sports tournament on planet earth is about to happen. The FIFA World Cup this summer has been something of excitement, controversy and eager anticipation.
Whether it’s waiting to see Brazil entertain us with their street-skills, Germany’s quest to retain their World Champions status, seeing newcomers Panama, or if perhaps this year… is well and truly England’s year.
THE SETTING
The humongous land that is Russia, known for it’s cold climate, wild bears, and of course vodka, will be hosting this prestigious tournament for the first time ever in the competition’s 89-year history.
Since winning the vote over the likes of England and Spain in 2009 – it had been met with negativity, and although former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said it had already been confirmed before the official vote – the tournament still goes ahead – despite attempted boycotts from David Bernstein and Greg Dyke of the English FA.
Away from the pessimism, the host city Moscow will be holding the opening fixture between Russia and Saudi Arabia. The capital of Russia has over 130 nationalities and 12.3 million residents, and with many of the nations supporters’ already excited about visiting the land of beautiful architecture and cultural landmarks, it’s should prove to be a fantastic choice of host.
FAVOURITES
Germany – 9/2
They are the favourites, along with Brazil, to lift the famous trophy in July, and the number one ranked team in world football are not only chasing Brazil’s record of a fifth title, but are aiming to be only the third nation to retain the World Cup alongside Italy and the Brazilians. The 2014 winners’ have had a blow to their number one goalkeeper in Manuel Neuer, as he has been out of action for German club Bayern Munich for the majority of the 2017/18 campaign. Questions will be asked if he can make it in time for the squad announcement, but it means they might have to settle for Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Not a bad second-choice…
Brazil – 9/2
Alongside their historical rivals Germany, the joint-favourites are also chasing a record, but for them – a sixth World Cup. The competition’s ever-presents will be looking to regain their status as not only the world’s best team, but the most exciting to watch – and aim to bury the ghost of 2014 from when they were demolished by Joachim Low’s side 7-1 in the Semi-Final – including letting in five goals in 27 minutes.
Their poster-boy Neymar has recently had surgery on an injured foot, and questions may be appearing about his condition ahead of Russia in June, but around him – the likes of Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus, Barcelona’s Coutinho and Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino will surely guarantee flair, and goals along the frontline.
France – 11/2
The French have always been there and thereabouts when it comes to the knockout stages of the World Cup finals. It will be the 20-year landmark of when they last lifted the trophy in their home country, and to celebrate, they would love nothing else than to get their hands on it again.
Manager Didier Deschamps has an array of stars at his disposal when it comes to choosing his starting XI’s, with three of the most expensive footballers ever – in Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Paul Pogba. For France, it’s all about whether then can gel their superstar names together as a team.
Spain – 6/1
Possibly the one nation to completely revolutionise the way of playing football. Spain have shown why the beautiful game – is called just that, in recent years. Their greatest ever era in history spun six-years of dominance between 2008 and 2012, winning the European Championships either side of the World Cup in 2010. It was all epitomised by passing football, movement, elegance and much-loved players.
But recently, a lot has changed with La Roja, in that David Villa has retired, the influence of Andres Iniesta and Xavi are no longer around – meaning the weight has increased on the shoulders of David Silva.
David De Gea is now the number one, and a lot of younger players such as Thiago, Isco and Marco Asensio are now taking some responsibility. Spain couldn’t reach the knock-out stage of the World Cup in 2014, so they will want the globe to remember that their style of play hasn’t died a day.
Argentina – 9/1
The runners’ up in 2014 seemed to have had a four-year hangover. Whilst yielding possibly the greatest footballer to ever live in Lionel Messi, the all important trophy missing from the Barcelona forward’s glorious collection is this one.
Amazingly, even two Copa America final’s against Chile in 2015 and 2016 have eluded him and his teammates, and that comes at quite a shock, considering they have some of the best individual attackers that have ever graced a football pitch. The two-time World Champions will be hoping to end their 25-year trophy hoodoo with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria on the forward line.
Belgium – 11/1
A popular saying to describe the Belgium national team would be the best pound-for-pound group of players in the world, but as a team, they have fallen short of many positive preconceptions.
The ‘golden generation’ is one of many sayings that people in their home land have called this crop of personalities – that’s because they have never won a major tournament, with their best World Cup finish being the semi-finals in 1986.
The team is peppered with Premier League superstars, including the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Moussa Dembele, Thibaut Courtois and Vincent Kompany. Their previous two quarter-final exits in 2010 and 2014 will be expected to be bettered this time around.
THE HOST CITIES
There will be 11 host cities at this year’s World Cup in Russia.
Moscow: Capital city based near the centre of the western region
Luzhniki Stadium (80,000)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Luzhniki Stadium during the World Cup, your closest airport is Domodedovo Airport.
Spartak Stadium (45,000)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Spartak Stadium during the World Cup in Russia, your closest airport is Domodedvo Airport.
Saint Petersburg: Furthest north of the western region
Saint Petersburg Stadium (67,000)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Krestovsky Stadium during the World Cup, your closest airport is. Pulkovo Airport
Kaliningrad: Furthest west of the western region
Kaliningrad Stadium (35,142)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Kaliningrad Stadium during the World Cup, your closest airport is Khrabrovo Airport.
Nizhny Novgorod: North east of Moscow
Nizhny Novgorod Stadium (45,764)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Stadion Nizhniy Novgorod during the World Cup, your closest airport is Strigino Airport.
Kazan: On the border of the central region
Kazan Arena (45,000)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Kazan Arena during the World Cup, your closest airport is Kazan Airport
Sochi: Furthest south of the western region
Fisht Stadium (48,000)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Olympic Stadium Fisht during the World Cup, your closest airport is Sochi Airport.
Rostov-On-Don: North of Sochi
Rostov Arena (45,415)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Rostov Arena during the World Cup, your closest airport is Rostov-On-Don Airport.
Samara: South of Kazan on the border of the central region
Samara Arena (45,482) –
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Cosmos Samara Stadium during the World Cup, your closest airport is Kurumoch Airport.
Ekaterinburg: The only participating city in the central region of Russia
Ekaterinburg Arena (35,163)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Central Stadium during the World Cup, your closest airport is Koltsovo Airport.
Saransk: South west of Kazan
Mordovia Arena (44,149)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Mordovia Arena during the World Cup, your closest airport is Saransk Airport.
Volgograd: North East of Rostov-On-Don
Volgograd Arena (45,330)
If you’re planning to attend a game at the Central Stadium Volgogradskaya during the World Cup, your closest airport is Volgograd Airport.
SLOTS
Slot lead times differ from one airport to the other, but it’s generally recommended to request these as soon as a schedule is known.
This is even more important when large events such as the World Cup take place, as there is a limited space for aircraft and in most cases there is a first-come-first-serve rule applied.
With the congestion at these airports and competition for remaining slots available after scheduled commercial operators obtain theirs, operating to these destinations will likely become more difficult.
If you book to late, then your aircraft will either have to go to an airport further away from the ground or your hotel, or drop you off and then fly out to another that has parking space for the aircraft. This will increase the cost of your charter.
GETTING THERE
The easiest and best option to get to Russia is by private plane. With the stadiums so spread out, many of the games will be far apart, making a coach, train or car journey pretty unbearable.
By chartering a private jet you will experience considerable advantages over commercial flying, including minimal delays and check-in times, sumptuous on-board amenities and access to VIP terminals away from the crowds. A tailored and flexible itinerary.
Matches can start late or go into extra time, but don’t worry our bespoke private charter service gives you complete control over your flight arrangements to accommodate any eventuality.
ENGLAND
Travelling England fans who opt to drive or hop on a coach will have to travel over an astonishing 61 hours on the road just for the group stage. The majority of England fans will be based in Moscow, so how far will you have to travel by car or train? Unless you decide to charter a private plane…
Route: London to Moscow
Aircraft: Hawker 800XP (seats 8)
Flight Time: 3 hour 30 minutes
From: £24,000 one way
Match 1
England face Tunisia on June 18 at 7pm (BST) in Volgograd, formerly Stalingrad – 585 miles from Moscow.
Route: Moscow to Volgograd Airport
Aircraft: Challenger 300 (seats 9)
Flight Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
Guide Price: £17,000 return
Match 2
England face Panama on June 24 at 1pm (BST) in Nizhy Novgorod – 613 miles from Moscow. This time look forward to a 12-and-a-half hour drive.
Flight: Moscow to Nizhy Airport
Aircraft: Challenger 604 (seats 10)
Flight Time: 53 minutes
Guide Price: £12,000 return
Match 3
England face Belgium on June 28 at 7pm (BST) in Kaliningrad – 770 miles from Moscow. Prepare yourselves for a 782-mile drive – probably lasting around 16 hours.
Route: Moscow to Kalingrad Airport
Aircraft: Challenger 300 (seats 9)
Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Guide Price: £20,000 return
*Prices are estimates only and are subject to availability
READY TO FLY?
There’s nothing like the excitement of being in a stadium of thousands of ardent fans. The suspense, the noise, the passion! Elbowing past these thousands of fans in clogged airports, however… is not an ideal way to enjoy one’s favourite sporting event.
For those with a passion for football, flying private is the ideal way to arrive in time for the big kick-off.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TODAY