The MET Gala, a landmark event in the global fashion calendar, transcends its status as a simple fundraising evening for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York, to become a spectacular showcase of extravagance and style.
Attracting a wealthy international clientele, the event generates considerable demand for private flights, providing a unique opportunity for airline operators and caterers to offer customized high-end services.
Inflight Chef Delight's catering partners, in particular, can distinguish themselves by creating tailor-made menus to suit travelers' individual preferences, adding a touch of exclusivity and comfort to the trip.
By the way, what is the MET Gala?
Where: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, New York.
When: Monday, May 6, 2024.
Nearest airport(s): Teterboro - Westchester County - LaGuardia
The MET Gala is an annual fundraising gala for the Anna Wintour Costume Center at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, marking the opening of the annual fashion exhibition. Held since 1948, the event celebrates the theme of this year's Costume Institute exhibition, which sets the tone for each guest's evening wear. The MET Gala is considered one of New York's most exclusive social events and one of the city's largest fundraising soirees. It is one of the Institute's most remarkable sources of funding.
The Met Gala was created in 1948 by Eleanor Lambert, a renowned fashion journalist, to raise funds for the newly founded Costume Institute and inaugurate its annual exhibition. Although its creator very humbly dubbed it "the evening of the year", the gala was just one of many annual charity events organized for New York's charitable institutions. Until 1971, the event was attended only by members of New York high society or the fashion industry.
It was when Diana Vreeland became special advisor to the Costume Institute in 1972, that the gala began to evolve into a more glamorous event. Over the years, increasingly prestigious guests such as Andy Warhol, Diana Ross and Cher were invited to the Gala.
By the time of Diana Vreeland's death in 1989, the MET Gala was renowned as a prestige event and considered the jewel in New York City's societal crown.
Today, Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and president of the event since 1995, oversees both the supporting committee and the prestigious guest list. According to the New York Times, the scale of the event is comparable to Vanity Fair's West Coast Oscar party.
What kind of clientele is expected on board a private jet bound for MET GALA 2024?
In 2014, an individual ticket cost $30,000 for those not on the official guest list. The official annual guest list comprises only 650 to 700 people. The invited personalities are hand-picked, a rigorous selection carried out by Anna Wintour herself, who ensures that only the most influential and iconic individuals of the moment walk the red carpet. This ensures that the event remains one of the most exclusive and prestigious in the world.
What's more, a golden rule helps preserve the gala's unique aura: no phones inside. This policy ensures that moments spent inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art remain private, fostering authentic, unfiltered interactions between guests. This isolation from the outside world reinforces the exceptional, hyper-selective nature of the evening, making the MET Gala a truly unique experience, far from the lenses of the paparazzi and the public sphere.
The clientele expected aboard a private jet bound for the MET Gala 2024 in New York is undoubtedly an eclectic and exclusive mix of the elite from the worlds of fashion, cinema, music and business.
These guests, often internationally renowned celebrities, top influencers, and industry moguls, are known for their keen fashion sense and influence in their respective fields.
As the event approaches, each of them prepares to make a remarkable entrance, wearing outfits designed by the biggest names in fashion, often as previews or one-off pieces. The atmosphere on board is tinged with exciting anticipation, with everyone perhaps sharing glimpses of their outfits or discussing the year's themes and tributes. In this exclusive space, away from the public eye, privileged interactions take place, where future collaborations are discussed and tomorrow's trends begin to take shape, all the while heading to one of the fashion industry's most photographed and scrutinized events.
Private jets offer a level of comfort and confidentiality unmatched by commercial airlines, enabling VIP guests to travel in excellent conditions.
Private jets on the move for the MET Gala in New York
The MET Gala in New York attracts private jets from all 4 corners of the USA and the world. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the private jets you may encounter at the MET GALA, reflecting the preferences of the world's elite attendees.
Bombardier Global 7500: Favored for its intercontinental range and superior comfort, the Global 7500 can carry passengers in the lap of luxury, with private suites and spacious living areas. This private jet can accommodate up to 19 passengers, although the standard configuration is often designed for fewer passengers to optimize luxury and comfort.
Gulfstream G650ER : A popular choice among celebrities, the G650ER is renowned for its speed, comfort and ability to make long, non-stop journeys, making it ideal for international guests. This private jet is capable of carrying up to 19 passengers. Although it is also frequently configured for fewer passengers for a more spacious and personalized experience.
Both models are popular with celebrities seeking unrivalled luxury and comfort for their entire family and team, on tour for example.
Dassault Falcon 8X : With its spacious cabin and fuel efficiency, the Falcon 8X is appreciated for its combination of luxury and performance, enabling travel in exceptional comfort. This private jet is designed to accommodate up to 16 passengers, with different configurations available to suit travelers' specific needs.
Embraer Phenom 300E: Although smaller than the other models mentioned, the Phenom 300E is highly prized for short to medium-haul travel, offering a high-end experience with remarkable efficiency. This private jet can carry up to 10 passengers, making it a more intimate option for celebrities traveling in small groups.
Cessna Citation Longitude : This jet is renowned for its cabin comfort, with an advanced noise reduction system and low cabin altitude, reducing travel fatigue. This private jet can accommodate up to 12 passengers, offering a comfortable blend of space, comfort and functionality.
While many of the celebrities invited to the MET GALA have their own private jets (Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, etc.), the MET GALA is no exception. These private jets represent the pinnacle of luxury and technology. Each aircraft offers an exceptional flying experience, tailored to the needs and expectations of MET Gala's most prestigious guests. The specific choice of model can depend on a variety of factors, such as the distance of the trip, the number of passengers, and personal preferences for comfort and space.
Whatever type of aircraft you're traveling on, call on Inflight Chef Delight, experts in premium catering on board private jets.
New York's 3 business airports
For private jet travelers to New York, including those attending prestigious events such as the MET Gala, several airports are particularly popular due to their proximity to the city and the high-end services they offer.
With 12 airports in total, the New York City region offers a wide choice of airports for business aviation, as well as numerous private terminals (FOBs).
Here are the main airports where private jets bound for New York City can land:
Teterboro Airport (TEB): Located some 19 kilometers from Midtown Manhattan, Teterboro is the airport of choice for private aviation. Its proximity to the heart of New York and its exclusive services for private jets make it a preferred option.
Westchester County International Airport (HPN ): Located in White Plains, this airport is about 53 kilometers from Manhattan. It attracts those seeking an alternative to the congestion of major airports, offering easy and discreet access to the city.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) : Although mainly used for commercial flights, LaGuardia also offers services for private aviation. Its proximity to Manhattan makes it a convenient, if less exclusive, option than Teterboro or Westchester.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): New York's largest airport also serves private aviation, although it's primarily known for commercial international flights. Located about 25 kilometers from Manhattan, it is an option for private international travel.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Although located in New Jersey, this airport is relatively close to Manhattan and can serve as an entry point for private jet travelers, especially those coming from the west or southwest.
These airports offer a range of services tailored to the needs of the most discerning travelers, including terminals dedicated to private aviation, luxury concierge services, and easy access to ground transportation to Manhattan.
Around these airports, and in particular near the terminal dedicated to private jets, there are catering services specialized in providing high-end meals for private aviation. Inflight Chef Delight works with these catering companies, which are equipped to meet a wide range of requirements. Ranging from international to local cuisine, respecting specific dietary preferences such as halal, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. We offer comprehensive services, including preparation, packaging and delivery of meals directly to aircraft, ensuring a premium level of service.
What languages are spoken on board a private jet bound for MET GALA 2024?
On board a private jet bound for MET Gala 2024, the diversity of languages spoken reflects the global elite taking part in this prestigious event. Given the international nature of the gala, which attracts celebrities, fashion designers, artists, entrepreneurs and philanthropists from all over the world, many languages are likely to be heard. Here are some of the most likely languages:
🇺🇲 English: As the dominant international language, especially in the U.S. fashion and entertainment context, English is probably the most commonly spoken language on board.
🇫🇷 French: Given France's role in the world of haute couture and luxury, and the presence of many French designers and fashion house directors, French is also frequently used.
🇮🇹 Italian : Italy being another major pillar of global fashion, Italian is commonly spoken among the designers, models and industry entrepreneurs present.
🇪🇸 Spanish : With guests and celebrities from Spain and Latin America, Spanish is an important language on board.
🇨🇳 Mandarin: As China is a major player in the world of fashion and luxury, as well as a key market for many brands, Mandarin is often heard among the guests.
This mosaic of languages underlines the global and inclusive aspect of the MET Gala, an event that brings together talents and influences from all corners of the globe, each bringing their own cultural and linguistic heritage to this exclusive and prestigious space.
Looking for inspiration for your on-board catering?
Inflight Chef Delight advises you
Comments