Average business class fares in the UK and Europe have by more than twice the rate of inflation, according to figures released this week.

BTI UK’s annual air trends survey found that the average business class fare within the UK between January and September 2005 was £266, up by 6.5 per cent over the same period last year. European business class fares rose by 6.4 per cent year-on-year to an average of £585.

The rise in business class fares was in stark contrast to economy fares, which have tumbled in the last 12 months. The UK average economy fare is now £195, down 6.7 per cent on last year’s figure. European economy fares are down by 3 per cent to £296.

As part of the study, BTI UK has also analysed how fares change to see how business travellers and their companies can buy cheaper tickets. Using the example of a flight from London Heathrow to Paris Charles De Gaulle, the company found that by booking four weeks in advance companies could secure a fare of £105. This more than tripled to £353 the day before travel, an increase of £248. The survey also found there was a significant rise in the flight price on each day of the final week – booking seven days in advance rather than five days would result in a saving of £78.

Spencer Smith, director of consulting at BTI UK, says: “Evaluating the best booking approach for companies requires many complex calculations and considerations. For some organisations booking several restricted tickets may still be cheaper than paying the full price fare, while others may find that the potential cost involved in purchasing another ticket could negate any possible savings.”