An early takeoff for seasonal holiday-driven traffic provoked a steep spike in demand for private charter flights. According to the latest forward-looking index from online charter portal Avinode, projected demand for this month was more than 75 points up on the November 1 level at 167.35. The December 1 index was almost 80 points above that recorded on the same day last year. There was more continuity in Avinode’s price index, which shows rates marginally up globally and in Europe, and very slightly down in the U.S. market. In North America, the average flight hour price for a Cessna Citation Excel stood at €2,428 ($3,180); Hawker 800, €2,530 ($3,314); and Challenger 604, €3,753 ($4,916). In international markets, the average rates for these types were €2,749 ($3,601), €3,260 ($4,270) and €4,836 ($6,335), respectively. In other news, Avinode appointed Brent Moldowan as managing director of its Wyvern safety audit subsidiary. Jim Betlyon will continue as Wyvern’s chairman while taking on additional responsibilities in the Avinode group management team. Avinode acquired Wyvern when it merged with former rival Charter X earlier this year. Moldowan was formerly vice president for owner services with ACM Aviation.