Some 250 private jets have so far made reservations to land in Bermuda throughout the 35th America’s Cup.

Some of the most sophisticated private crafts in the world are sitting on the tarmac at LF Wade International, with many wondering who they are owned by or who they are carrying.

Included in the gathering are a high number of Gulf Stream private jets — “the best-performing business aircraft in the world” — Citation jets, which are part of several “families” of turbofan-powered aircraft, and Learjets, which are billed as the most trusted light jets among Fortune 50 and 500 companies.

The biggest aircraft to register to date is the Boeing Business Jet — a craft that might be used by someone who wants to accommodate friends or someone planning a long-distance flight.

The opening of the America’s Cup attracted some 150 jets between May 24 and May 31.

However, a significant number are also expected to come half way through the Cup races. Bob Withers, director of operations at airport operator Skyport said: “We have seen a lot of aircraft come in. We are tracking them on a daily basis. They tend to drop in on the weekends unless there is something special. Right in the middle of the month there is a bump.

“Over 250 have a reservation, but one craft could make several reservations.”

Mr Withers said he was confident that space could be found in the airport aprons [parking areas] to accommodate all of the craft.

He added: “It was hard to predict how many would come. With the air carriers we know their load factors well in advance. We planned for 40 to 50 jets a day and it has not got that big — the biggest challenge has been where to park jets. We have three aprons where we designate for jets for overnight parking. We share apron number three with Longtail Aviation and they can put planes in the hangar and they have our two helicopters in there, filming for AC35.

“That is why we put out the reservation system — I can’t say that we can guarantee there will be space but we are confident we can accommodate them. Under the system, they are giving us 24-hour notice to have a guaranteed reservation number. We can still accommodate those who reserve in less than 24 hours.

“Most of them would be corporate share or a shared system, but there are lots of individually owned private jets that come in as well.

“We are going to take medical and military (jets) if they need to come in and any emergency, without a doubt, we are going to be able to provide necessary services.”

Speaking on the potential economic benefits to Bermuda, Mr Withers said: “Certainly at the airport they are taking advantage of our services — landing fees, fuel fees, catering fees. All of these services are provided by our fixed-base operator, Cedar Aviation Services. They are fuelling here and we have a good fuelling system.

“Most people who come need a taxi to take them to their hotels or guest homes. I don’t think they will be leaving their wallets at home.”

The high and the low for fuel uptake is between 300 to 2,000 gallons per jet aircraft. The average might be 500 gallons. The smaller Learjet’s may take the 300 gallons going to the USA and the large Gulfstream and Bombardier jets could take 2,000 gallons going towards Europe.

A Cedar Aviation spokesman said that privacy was a “hallmark of the service”.

“We are aware that the executive jet passengers will ‘assist’ the local economy since they will require accommodation if they do not have access to a luxury yacht,” he said. “In addition, they will utilise Bermuda’s restaurants and taxis and at least go to Hamilton and St George’s to see what unique shopping is available. Depending on length of stay, several will enjoy golfing, fishing and tennis and tour the island.

“As with all of Bermuda’s guests, they comment about our beautiful water, general cleanliness, beautiful beaches and very friendly people.”

Some of those on the jets are likely to have visited the VIP Lounge set up at the airport, supplying complimentary drinks from Gosling’s.

Mr Withers reiterated the message that privacy was of the utmost importance for high-profile visitors, but added: “We have VIPs on multiple levels, certainly politicians and government staff, VIPs associated with other countries, diplomatic VIPs and certain people attached to organisations or the racing teams themselves or large corporations that need extra help getting through efficiently. We don’t lessen any of the rules on security or immigration, but it is efficient.”