Why We Offer De-Icing Cover: Transparency for Winter Repatriation Flights

During the winter months, repatriation flights often require aircraft de-icing due to snow and ice build-up on the wings or fuselage. This is a critical safety measure performed at airports and charged per aircraft type.

In 2024’s ski season, our average aircraft de-icing charge was £1,700 — but in some severe snow conditions, it has exceeded £5,000.

As most of our winter repatriation clients are skiers and snowboarders returning from alpine resorts, these costs are especially common at high-altitude airports like Geneva, Innsbruck, Chambery and Gstaad Airport — where snow is just part of the boarding process.

To avoid surprise costs and allow customers to plan with peace of mind, we now offer two clear options:

1. Prepay £250 (non-refundable) as a contribution to any required de-icing. Think of this like a mini insurance policy — no further charge is applied, even if actual costs are higher.
2. Provide a credit card on file, and we’ll only charge the actual de-icing cost after the mission (if applicable). No charge is made if it’s not used.

This system gives you control, transparency, and no hidden fees.