How do you manage jet lag in business aviation?

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When you fly, except for very short distances, you’re likely to experience a time difference between your point of departure and arrival. There are two consequences of this time difference: on the one hand, it can be difficult to keep track of time, and on the other, it can affect your mood and fatigue. AEROAFFAIRES explains how hours are calculated in aviation and business aviation, and also gives you a few tips for limiting jet lag.

The different names for hours

While there are many different names for hours, some correspond to the same thing. In the aeronautical world, several names are used:

GMT: Greenwich Mean Time – this is the reference time at the Greenwich meridian in England, which crosses the capital of London. This time is calculated according to the Earth’s rotation.
UTC: Co-ordinated Universal Time – this is world time. It is international and serves as a reference across the globe. It is also used in aeronautics. UTC and GMT are similar.
Z pur Zulu time: This is not really official time, but rather a term used by aviation professionals such as pilots. It corresponds to universal time.
TU time: this is the French name for Universal Time (TU), but it also corresponds to UTC time.

In short, in aeronautics, the time used universally is UTC.

Calculating UTC time in France and for travel

In France, UTC time is calculated by the BIPM, the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures. The BIPM collects measurements and data from almost 200 clocks located throughout France, in nearly 50 laboratories.

As France is subject to summer and winter time, this changes according to the time of year (i.e. 1 or 2 hours).

In winter time, UTC time in France is calculated as follows: UTC time = Local time in France – 1h

In summer time, UTC time in France is calculated as follows: UTC time = Local time in France – 2h

So now you know the simple calculation for international time in France, but when you’re traveling we’ve got a tip to help you keep track.

Your plane tickets or flight instructions often indicate the local time at your destination (departure or arrival). This makes it difficult to calculate the flight time or even the time difference.

Quite simply, you need to convert local times into UTC times. Search for the time zones corresponding to your destinations and perform the same calculation as for France above. Of course, change the index corresponding to the right time zone.

For example, your plane arrives at 2pm in Sao Paulo. The time zone indicates that Sao Paulo is in UTC-3h. You therefore need to add the 3h to Sao Paulo’s local time to obtain UTC time. So your plane arrives at 2pm local time in Sao Paulo, but at 5pm UTC time.

Some tips to combat jet lag

Photo credit: Unsplash

When you’re traveling, and especially on long-haul routes that cross many time zones, the notorious jet lag is sometimes hard to avoid.

However, there are techniques you can use to limit this effect on your body. It’s advisable to prepare ahead of time when jet lag is significant. First of all, calculate how many hours you’ll be jet-lagged when you arrive, and whether it will be earlier or later. Then, during the week or a few days before your departure, gradually modify your meal and sleep times to match the local time at your destination. Your body will get used to this all the better when you arrive. Just before your trip, eat a healthy diet, and prefer a starchy meal just before your flight.

During the flight, avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks. It’s also important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Pack comfortable clothes and all the accessories you need for a plane trip: earplugs, a small pillow, thick socks, a blanket, snacks, entertainment..

Here are our tips for overcoming fear of flying, to make your journey as pleasant as possible.

If your flight is at night, try to get as much sleep as possible. If you’re flying during the day, only short naps are recommended.

Finally, when you arrive, try to get into a rhythm, both in terms of eating and sleeping. Of course, if you’re experiencing jet lag, you can take short naps and snacks, but make sure you get back to local time as soon as possible.

Did you know?

It’s been proven that people react differently to jet lag depending on whether they’re traveling east or west. And indeed, it all comes down to our brain, in the hypothalamus. This is where your “internal clock” is located. And it’s here that your “internal clock” is located.

Since the cycle of our internal clock is 24 hours, it’s easier to travel west and lengthen your day by staying in daylight than to shorten your day by heading east, where night comes earlier.

Michelle Girvan, physicist at the University of Maryland, USA

Time zones are no longer a mystery to you! At AEROAFFAIRES, we’re available 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. We respond quickly to your request for a quote, both online and by phone: +33 (0)1 44 09 91 82 / CH +41 22 355 06 24.

How do time zones work in business aviation?

In business aviation, time zones are managed very precisely to ensure coordination between the various players (pilots, air traffic controllers, airlines).

Unlike commercial flights, where schedules are fixed, private jets offer a degree of flexibility that can influence time management. For example, a flight may take off at UTC time but land according to local time, requiring real-time adaptation.

Flight crews use specialized tools to anticipate these changes and avoid planning errors.
Why is UTC more widely used than GMT in aviation?

Although GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) are often considered equivalent, UTC is preferred in aviation for its scientific accuracy.

GMT is based on the Earth’s rotation, which can vary slightly, whereas UTC is regulated by atomic clocks, providing an ultra-stable time reference. This accuracy is important for air navigation, synchronization of on-board systems and communication between aircraft and control towers.
How do pilots deal with time changes in flight?

Pilots follow strict protocols to adapt to changing time zones. They mainly use UTC to avoid confusion, especially during radio communications.

Flight plans always include departure and arrival times in UTC, then in local time. In the cabin, the crew can gradually adjust meal times and rest periods to minimize the impact of jet lag on passengers.
Are there any easy-to-use tools for calculating UTC while traveling?

Yes, several online applications and tools allow you to instantly convert local time to UTC, such as time zone converters or aviation-specific applications (e.g. FlightAware, Jeppesen).

Some connected watches for pilots automatically display UTC, which is very practical when traveling internationally. Private airlines also often provide conversion tables in flight documents.
Is the time difference different depending on the type of plane?

No, jet lag depends solely on the time zones crossed, not on the aircraft. However, as private jets often fly at higher altitudes and on more direct routes, they can reduce flight time, which slightly limits exposure to jet lag. What’s more, superior comfort (larger seats, pressurized cabin) helps to better withstand the effects of jet lag.
Which countries have the most complex time zones for aviation?
Some areas pose particular challenges, such as :
- Russia (11 time zones, with sometimes specific local rules).
- United States (4 main time zones, plus Alaska and Hawaii).
- China (a single official time zone, despite its size, which creates major discrepancies with local solar time).
- Pacific islands (some cross the date change line, adding or subtracting an entire day).
Crews must be particularly vigilant in these regions to avoid planning errors.
How does jet lag affect business aviation crews?

Crews often experience repeated time differences, which can lead to accumulated fatigue. To remedy this, airlines apply strict rules on rest periods, sometimes more restrictive than for commercial flights.

Pilots also undergo fatigue management training, which includes strategic sleep techniques and adapted nutrition.
Can jet lag be completely avoided on a private plane?
It is impossible to avoid it completely, but the private jet offers advantages to minimize it:
- Flexible schedules: You can choose to fly at night and sleep on board.
- Personalized comfort: Flat beds, light meals and a calm atmosphere make rest easy.
- Gradual adaptation: The crew can adjust lighting and temperature to stimulate or soothe, depending on the time of day at your destination.
Why do some passengers feel less jet lag on a private jet?

In addition to comfort, the absence of stress associated with airport formalities and reduced waiting times help to conserve energy. What’s more, being able to choose your own schedule helps you to synchronize your biological rhythm before arrival.
Are there any innovations to reduce the impact of jet lag?
Yes, some top-of-the-range cabins now feature :
- Light therapy (sun-simulating lighting to regulate the sleep/wake cycle).
- Optimized ventilation systems (better oxygenation to reduce fatigue).
- Anti-jet lag menus (rich in melatonin or tryptophan, offered by certain catering companies).
Research is also underway into targeted dietary supplements and in-flight sleep programs.
How do you plan a trip with several stopovers and different time zones?
The solution is organization:
1. List each stopover with its time zone (UTC and local).
2. Plan appropriate breaks (sleep if it’s local night, stay active if it’s day).
3. Use a dual-zone watch to keep track of departure and arrival times.
4. Hydrate even more during stopovers to compensate for cabin dryness.
Does jet lag affect flight safety?

Indirectly, yes. Jet-lag fatigue can impair pilots’ vigilance, hence the importance of regulations on flight and rest times. Serious airlines always include safety margins in their schedules to avoid any risk.