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AIR CHARTER INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE AND MARKETING SOLUTIONS. Leading air charter brokers and travel professionals use FlightList PRO’s full-market resources, economical rates and marketing opportunities to grow their service level, their business and their bottom line: • Professional Aircraft Sourcing Platform • Public Air Charter Broker Directory • Charter Broker Business Accreditation   Request a free trial here.   More about FlightLIst PRO.

Delta’s First Upgrade to Private Jet

A Cincinnati couple became the first people to receive the ultimate in Delta upgrades: from commercial airplane to a private jet.

Bruce and Jeanette Rogovin are Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and were originally booked on a Delta flight from the Cincinnati airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, until they received an email the night before their Friday flight offering an upgrade to a private plane.

Delta private jets charter fleet

First upgrade to private jet for Delta’s new program

The couple, who were traveling to Atlanta to visit their son, were upgraded to a Falcon 2000, a large cabin jet that seats up to 10 passengers. They even had their own flight attendant, who provided them with complimentary champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and lunch during the flight.

The couple said they loved the roominess of the private jet.

“I would have to say that it was the most relaxing, enjoyable flight I’ve ever had,” Bruce Rogovin said. “From the lack of lines to the spacious, beautiful cabin, everything was truly enjoyable.”

Delta Private Jets President Erik Snell and David Sneed, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Delta Private Jets, were on hand in Cincinnati to greet the first passengers, and accompanied them on their flight.

upgrades to private jet with Delta Private Jets charter fleet

Ohio couple upgrades to private jet with Delta Private Jets charter fleet

The program is offered by Delta Vacations and allows Medallion status passengers traveling on select Delta commercial flights to upgrade their tickets to travel via Delta Private Jets. Customers are contacted via email and offered the upgrade for an additional fee, which includes transportation to and from the private airport and the main commercial terminal, and complimentary on-board catering.

“Delta Private Jets is proud to operate this innovative program offered by Delta Vacations and Delta Air Lines. As the only Part 135 operator (offering non-scheduled charter flights) in the United States owned by a major airline, we are uniquely able to operate such a program,” said Sneed.

“Delta Private Jets was the first private jet operator to offer the convenience of a Jet Card (see below) and continues to revolutionize the industry with new products such as offering Delta Air Lines Medallion customers elite access to private jet travel.”

Source: Delta Air Lines

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New To Charter Learjet 45XR w/Wi-Fi Based Dayton, OH

Solairus Aviation jet charterCharter Operator Solairus Aviation has added new to charter, N117WH, a low time 2006 Learjet 45XR which is based at KDAY Dayton, Ohio and is currently available.

The aircraft features Wi-Fi on board, forward galley with microwave oven, cabin climate control, and seating for up to 8 passengers in the desirable Learjet 45 double-club configuration.

This is Solairus’ first Learjet 45 model for charter.  Solairus operates 37 aircraft for charter based throughout the U.S., 13 of which are available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

The full Solairus fleet is a diverse variety from the King Air B200 executive turboprop to the new Gulfstream G650 long range jet.

Learjet 45XR charter

Learjet 45XR N117WH with charter operator Solairus Aviation, based KDAY Dayton, OH

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Allegiant Execs at Controls of Jet that Ran Low on Fuel

Flying Magazine
By Stephen Pope / Published: Aug 04, 2015

Photo: Eric Salard via Creative Commons

Photo: Eric Salard via Creative Commons

There are many more questions than answers surrounding an in-flight low fuel emergency involving an Allegiant Air MD-80 arriving in Fargo, North Dakota, last month, with fingers variously being pointed at the pilots, the airline’s management and the Fargo Tower controller.

The drama unfolded when Allegiant Air Flight 426 from Las Vegas to Fargo, being piloted by two of the airline’s executives, arrived with a load of passengers and minimum fuel. The Fargo airport was due to close 12 minutes before Flight 426’s scheduled arrival for a five-hour Blue Angels practice session, but the flight was delayed in Las Vegas for over an hour. For some reason the pilots decided to take off anyway.

The pilot told the tower that he didn’t have enough fuel to make it to his alternate airport, so he was forced to declare an emergency to clear airspace for a landing at Fargo’s Hector International Airport, according to a recording of the incident on LiveATC.net.

At one point, the Fargo Tower controller rebuked the pilots for their apparent ignorance of the airport closure. “Your company dispatch should have been aware of this for a number of months,” the controller said.

“We don’t have enough fuel to go anywhere else,” the pilot told the controller. “And our guys are trying to get in touch with the tower manager right now to coordinate our landing or I’m going to have to declare an emergency and come in and land.”

Fargo Tower gave the pilot a phone number to try, and then told him the airspace would be clear to land if he could wait another 20 minutes. Otherwise, they would have to try their luck with Minneapolis Center.

“Yeah, I don’t have 20 minutes,” the pilot said.

The tower then recommended another airport 70 miles to the north, the recording shows.

“Yeah, listen, we’re bingo fuel here in about probably three to four minutes and I got to come in and land,” the pilot said.

Minutes later the pilots declared an emergency with Minneapolis Center. They made a safe landing shortly after 1 p.m. after Blue Angels jets were cleared from the runway.

It will now be up to the FAA to try to determine why the pilots took off with minimum fuel headed for an airport they should have known was closed and, subsequently, why the controller in Fargo took an unhelpful and even apparently adversarial approach in handling the unfolding emergency.

Flying Magazine Online Article

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Airnet Acquired by Kalitta Charters

Columbus Business First
By Evan Weese, August 4, 2015

Kalitta Charters Cargo Passenger AmbulanceYpsilanti, Michigan-based Kalitta Charters LLC has purchased operational assets of Columbus-based AirNet Systems Inc., a specialized cargo carrier that has struggled to overcome a plunge in demand for flying canceled bank checks over the past decade.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We’re buying the people,” said Doug Kalitta, president of Kalitta Charters. “They’ve been in business for 40 years. They’ve scaled down and they really kept their best people.”

Kalitta provides air charter services for passenger, cargo, and medical transport.

AirNet operated under a court-appointed receiver since early 2014.  Founded in 1974, the company was publicly traded from 1996 through 2008, when it was taken private.

AirNet employed more than 1,000, many in Columbus, until its main source of business dried up when banks were authorized in 2004 to clear checks by sending digital images instead of physically transporting canceled checks.

“From the check side of things, obviously none of that exists anymore,” said Mark Simone, an executive with AirNet who spearheaded the sale of assets out of receivership.  “(Now) it’s radioactive pharmaceuticals, auto parts, getting parts to airplanes, organs for procurement.”

Kalitta Charters, which operates a fleet of 40 aircraft for flying passengers and cargo with quick response times, also was drawn to the company’s aircraft maintenance operations.  “That’s one of the things we’re real excited about,” Kalitta said.

Kalitta plans to begin hiring.  “We’re looking for definitely another dozen pilots,” Kalitta said.

Katlitta’s full fleet for passenger, cargo and ambulance is available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

AirNet’s full fleet for cargo charters is available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

Columbus Business First

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Donald Trump’s Aircraft – Meet The Fleet

New York (CNN) Donald Trump is known for his larger-than-life personality, a trait visible from his fleet of aircraft: A large airliner sized plane, a corporate jet and two helicopters.

The largest is a Boeing 757-200 and emblazoned with “Trump” in golden letters and a huge red “T” on the four story tall tail.

Trump Boeing 757In a commercial configuration it could carry as many as 228 passengers if it were filled with economy seats, but there’s nothing “economy” about this plane.

Trump’s 757 is designed to carry 43 passengers secured with 24 caret gold plated seat belts, according to a video tour of the aircraft his company posted in 2011. It features a dining room, big screen TVs, a master and a guest bedroom and even a shower.

Trump’s plane was built in 1991 and one of his companies took ownership in 2010, according to FAA records.

The 757 replaced Trump’s older and more costly to fly 727 built in 1968 and originally flown by American Airlines.  It was sold to a charter company which now flies it in Asia.

Trump also owns a Cessna Citation X corporate jet.

Trump Citation X business jetPainted white the plane features the Trump family crest in gold near the passenger door, but unlike his larger plane does not prominently display Trump’s name.

The plane’s FAA registration number, N725DT, does include his initials and the address of New York’s Trump Tower (725 5th Ave).

Trump also owns two Sikorsky S-76B helicopters built in 1989 and 1992.

Trump Sikorsky S76Four aircraft is actually a major downsize for Trump who once owned an airline with a fleet of 17 planes.

The billionaire bought Eastern Airline’s shuttle service for $380 million dollars in 1989 and offered frequent flights between cities in the northeast, but soon faced financial difficulty.

The Trump fleet is based conveniently at New York airports, one of the country’s most popular regions for corporate and private charter aircraft.  The region contains hundreds of corporate jets and New York jet charters based across the metro area at four New York metro general aviation airports – Teterboro, White Plains/Westchester, Farmingdale and Islip.

sources:  New Flight Charters and http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/23/politics/donald-trump-airplane-details/

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Operator Neptune Aviation Starts Scheduled Flights On Membership Basis

Neptune Aviation, a Part-135 charter operator based at KMSO Missoula, MT, has gained FAA approval to offer scheduled flights between Missoula and Billings.  Montana’s two largest cities will be connected by direct round-trip flights twice a week, starting in September.

The service will be a membership-based flight program with their King Air 100, and will depart Missoula every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:45 a.m. and get to Billings at 9 a.m., then depart Billings at 4:45 and arrive in Missoula at 6:15 p.m.

“Our current FAA 135 Charter Certificate limits the number of ‘scheduled’ flights we can offer each week,” explained Neptune CEO Ron Hooper. “When we launch flights to Billings in September, we will start with two round trips per week, with limited seating on each flight. Based on FAA rules, we have the option to offer two additional ‘scheduled’ flights per week, which we hope to add to the membership program later in the year.”

Kevin Condit, a spokesperson for Neptune, said that memberships for Neptune’s service to Billings will start at $750 per month and go up, depending on how many flights a customer wants.

King Air B100 Charter

Neptune Aviation’s King Air B100 in charter service and scheduled flights between Missoula and Billings.

“This is not a commercial airline-type situation where people are calling up and saying I need to go to Billings next month,” he explained. “This is really designed for people who travel to Billings frequently and need to go there and back on the same day.”

Neptune conducted community surveys with the help of the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce and the Missoula Economic Partnership to gauge the market for these flights.

“Basically, people said, ‘We need this as soon as you can,’ ” Condit said. “The folks at the Missoula Airport get calls saying, ‘Hey, I need to get to Billings, what’s the best option?’ This will connect the two largest cities in the state with really efficient air travel.”

When Big Sky Airlines of Billings went out of business in 2008, it left a big hole in the transportation options in the state, Condit noted.

“When you think about Missoula and Billings, there is not an easy way to get back an forth,” he explained. “You can either drive six hours or fly commercial through Seattle or Salt Lake or Denver, and that takes as much time as driving. There’s a real need.”

Charter Flight Service Montana

Ron Hooper, CEO of Neptune Aviation, describes the company’s plan for charter air service to Missoula Economic Partnership investors Wednesday morning

Hooper said that frequent travelers to Billings should act quickly to sign up for a Neptune membership.

“Our first round of memberships will be limited to 25 individuals and companies,” he said. “Based on the input of the Missoula community, memberships will sell out quickly.”

http://missoulian.com/business/local/neptune-aviation-to-offer-roundtrip-flights-from-missoula-to-billings/article_d0e67547-3e3c-50f8-8fe1-8be90e584cbc.html

Neptune Aviation also operates a Falcon 50 and Falcon 10 on their 135 certificate.  Operator and fleet details are available in FlightList PRO.

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New Broker Offers Pay-As-You-Go Card And Consulting Services

Launched in May 2015, Horizon Air Charter rolls out what it calls the industry’s first monthly Flight Equity pay-as-you-go jet card program.

According to a company release, Horizon’s “flyNEXT” program allows retail clients pay a nominal monthly fee from which they accrue “Flight Equity” (usable flight hours), and pay for flight or consulting services as they require them.

Horizon’s “flyCORP” program allows corporate travel clients to earn unlimited cash back through their bookings much like a mileage-rewards or cash back credit card.

Horizon Air Charter CEO Luis Barros and Managing Partner Robert Rosenberg, both have histories at charter operator Starbase Aviation.  Beginning with a small but expert set of charter brokers, a marketing support team and a few dedicated investors, Barros says: “Horizon Air Charter is determined to become the varsity level purveyor of charter aviation for knowledgeable flyers.”

Air charter broker Horizon

Luis Barros, Horizon Air Charter CEO

Mr. Barros devoted his early career to true operational, first-hand working knowledge within the aircraft industry. He spent many years on the operational side of the industry before moving to sales, which is a unique trait among professionals on the brokerage side of the industry. It has provided him valuable insight that helps to set Horizon’s vision and service apart from almost all other private charter companies.

“I have built my foundation upon delivering the finest quality service by focusing on the operational aspect of air charter,” Luis Barros said. “Many other brokers focus on sales as their first priority but my goal has been to ensure that each and every trip runs smoothly and delivers the highest level of service and safety for every client.”

Rob Rosenberg began his aviation career after years helping build his family’s business, where he developed exceptional sales and management skills. Upon entering the private aviation industry Rosenberg quickly became one of the top charter sales executives in the central U.S. Rob and Luis met during Rob’s early years in private aviation and formed a partnership that is set to establish a new framework for the private charter industry.

“Every client deserves the utmost respect, quality, safety, and comfort with their private charter experience,” Rob Rosenberg says. “Understanding FAA safety standards, industry best practices, and general trip practicality is what sets Horizon apart and I’m proud to be part of this team.”

http://www.horizonaircharter.com

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Charter Operator ExcelAire adds Joe Horowitz, VP Business Development

Hawthorne Global Aviation Services today announced that Joe Horowitz joined ExcelAire, its private jet charter and management company, as Vice President Business Development.

ExcelAire charter operatorPrior to ExcelAire, Mr. Horowitz served as Vice President of Business Development for LISS Technologies Consulting.   He was also a Brand Ambassador for both Tempus Jets and Webair Internet Development.  A professional golfer, Joe played on numerous professional tours, including PGA Tour Canada and has won professional tournaments worldwide.

“Joe brings deep expertise in business development and charter sales to ExcelAire, and we welcome him to our team, “said Greg Brinkman, President, ExcelAire.  “His extensive network of corporate jet charter clients is a tremendous asset to our firm, and will contribute greatly to our continued growth in aircraft management and private jet charter.”

Excelaire operates 9 northeast-based charter aircraft; midsize through ultra long range jets which include Learjet 60, two Gulfstream IVSP, Gulfstream V, three Legacy 600’s, a Falcon 900EX EASy and a Global 6000.

The entire fleet and operator details are available in FlightList PRO here.

News Source: Hawthorne Global Aviation Services

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Delta To Offer Passenger Upgrades to Private Jet Fleet

From Bloomberg Business and Delta Airlines Press Release:

Delta Air Lines is cooking up what may be one of the most appealing flight upgrades yet: one that allows you to bag a commercial flight altogether and board a private jet.

Delta Air LinesThe new upgrade program, targeted at what Delta calls “high-value customers,” will cost $300 to $800, depending on destination. Beginning as soon as this week, passengers who have achieved elite or “medallion” status in Delta’s SkyMiles frequent-flyer program will be eligible for the upgrade offers. But officials stress that the initial number of private jet flights will be small and focused mainly at Delta’s East Coast hubs.

“This is truly a groundbreaking new approach from both industry standpoints,” said James Murray, vice president of operations at Delta Private Jets (DPJ). “Nobody else can do what we’re talking about doing.”

The upgrades could also help Delta quell one of the thorniest—and costliest—problems in private aviation, known as “empty legs,” or the need to reposition a jet without having a customer headed to that particular location. These inefficient flights account for roughly a third of all private jet flights, despite years of effort by the industry to minimize them. The advent of greater tracking data and new software analytics tools is likely to help private jet operators reduce their empty legs even further, said Erik Snell, president of Delta Private Jets.

Delta Airlines Private Jets

Source: Delta Private Jets via Bloomberg

Initially, only Delta’s top customers—those at the highest “Diamond Medallion” level, which is met when people spend $15,000 at Delta and travel at least 125,000 miles or 140 flight segments per year—were going to be invited to purchase the upgrades. But the company has spent several months tweaking its model and decided to expand the pool of potential customers by opening it to people at the lowest elite tier, those who travel 25,000 miles or 30 segments annually, and who spend $3,000. Most of the upgrades will involve travel scheduled the next day, although Delta Private Jets said it would have some flights that offer travelers as much as 48 hours’ notice.

Delta Private JetsEarlier this year, Delta Private Jets filed for a patent on the scheme of how to transfer passengers from a commercial carrier to a private jet operator. DPJ, a wholly owned subsidiary that calls itself the fourth-largest U.S. operator of private jet flights, has received regulatory approval to fly Delta passengers on 160 domestic routes, although it plans to begin mainly with flights among Atlanta, New York, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, near the unit’s Erlanger (Ky.) headquarters.

Over time, Delta Private Jets officials said the program might expand, potentially deploying part of the private jet fleet toward regular upgrades on certain routes, complementing Delta’s commercial service. And depending on passenger reception, Delta may begin marketing the option of a private jet upgrade as commonly as it touts airport lounges, first class, and other amenities for the most lucrative travelers. Still, “Delta operates a whole lot more flights than we have [private] airplanes,” Murray said, which means an upgrade to a private jet is likely to remain a niche offering.

Yet, the “empty legs” problem of a vacant cabin won’t ever be eliminated. That’s one reason executives at the Delta unit were keen to see if they could match up routes with their mainline parent and harvest some of Delta’s most profitable customers—many of whom might not have flown privately before but could afford to.

Read the full article in Bloomberg Business…

The full Delta Private Jets fleet is available only in FlightList PRO.

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Charter Broker Victor Expands in U.S. With YoungJets Acquisition, $5M Additional Funding

Announced today, European based charter brokerage Victor, acquires U.S. broker YoungJets to lead expansion in North America.  YoungJets founder and CEO David Young will also join to serve as Victor’s senior vice president of the U.S. market.Victor

In addition, according to Victor the company has secured $5M in funding from investor customer.  This second closing round augments a previously announced $8M, making a total of $13M invested in private equity from its own clientele during the last 90 days.  The funds will be used for customer acquisition and scaling of the technology to meet growing demand.  As the company continues to expand it will be pursuing institutional funding later this year.

Veteran aviation executive Levent Edepli, formerly of Sentient Jet, Jet Edge and more recently Jet Linx, has also joined Victor to oversee logistics and operations for North America.  Edepli, as Victor’s vice president of operations and customer service for North America, will focus on developing and managing supplier relationships and operational excellence.  He spent 10 years at Sentient Jet co-managing the sourcing department for member flights and establishing a large, customized vendor network.

“Victor is focused on expanding its global business in a manner that maximizes operations efficiency and customer service expertise at market entry; and the addition of our funding, the YoungJets team and Levent does just that,” said Victor CEO Clive Jackson.  “David Young has an incredible reputation in the entertainment industry and brings a specialized team that expertly handles complex travel for high-profile jet charter clients.  Bringing both David and Levent into the executive ranks further rounds out our management team with world-class talent in the aviation market.”

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Announcing New Charter Operator Directory – Capabilities & Results

FlightList PRO’s new Operator Directory and functions make locating operators and their information easier and faster.

Now locate any charter operators by Name, City, State/Providence, Country or airport ICAO.  Display operators with an aircraft based at any selected airport, or any selected city, state or country.  

For example if you search operators by KLAS, you will see every operator with an aircraft based at KLAS Las Vegas, NV, (currently 19 operators) in any of the certification categories; passenger, cargo and ambulance.  Similarly, display operators by city, state and country.  If you search by City: Las Vegas you will see operators with an aircraft based at any Las Vegas airport.  If you search by State: Nevada you will see operators with an aircraft based at any airport in Nevada.

Air Charter Operator Directory

Air Charter Operator Directory & Sort Functions

Displayed immediately are operators and their phone, email and headquarters location, plus a link to their website.  Click the operator name for the operator details popup window showing full contact info, ratings and fleet information.

All Operator Directory and Operator Information pages are now sort-able by column.  Sort by aircraft name, number of seats, year of make, registration, base airport and more.

Use the new charter operator directory here.

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Delta Airlines Adds Charter 757’s for NBA Teams & Others

NBA Players Get Roomier Chartered Jets as Delta Air Adds Teams

by Michael Sasso, Bloomberg Business, bloomberg.com, July 5, 2015

NBA players already get twice as much legroom as the average airline passenger, and soon they’ll be flying in bigger jets under a new charter deal.

Delta Air Lines Inc. is poised to start using Boeing 757s under a tentative agreement for National Basketball Association charters, with almost 50 percent more cabin space than the planes now on those flights. The accord also calls for ferrying as many as 27 of the 30 NBA teams, four more than last season.

The shifts are detailed in a letter to U.S. regulators from the league, and offer a rare glimpse into how the biggest NBA charter operator caters to its high-profile clients. While last season’s $65 million in NBA flying was a fraction of 1 percent of Delta’s sales, the business helps boost profit and showcases the carrier for an elite audience.

“It’s Delta’s way of keeping up with the proverbial Joneses,” said Greg Raiff, chief executive officer of charter operator Private Jet Services Group, whose clients include National Hockey League teams. “I’m sure the aircraft will have all new Wi-Fi and entertainment systems and in-seat power.”

Delta spokesman Anthony Black declined to comment on the NBA agreement, which will employ 11 of the airline’s Boeing Co. 757-200s after the carrier operated the service with eight Airbus Group SE A319s. The amenities already on the smaller Airbus planes hint at the pampering players receive during their months of travel.

…“The A319 that Delta has been using in the pro sports team airliner segment is the smallest of the VIP airliners in the space,” said Raiff, the charter operator. NBA squads usually fly with about 50 players, staff, reporters and guests….

Under Delta’s new charter accord, the airline would sell the 11 Boeings to an unidentified leasing company, which then would lease them to an NBA-controlled trust. Delta would still operate the jets and maintain them, and would be free to deploy them for other charters in any down time… continued here.

See full article here…

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Charter Broker Unity Jets Article in Miami Herald

Unity Jets Emphasizes The Privacy of Private Aviation

By Molly Duffy, Miami Herald, July 5, 2015:

Unity Jets Charter Broker

Kevin Diemar is the president and CEO of Unity Jets, a small but successful boutique private jet brokerage firm that is based in west Kendall. | PATRICK FARRELL MIAMI HERALD STAFF

Kevin Diemar’s cellphone rang one recent evening. It was 9:30 p.m.; Pamela Rodriguez was frantic. Her boss, a Miami philanthropist, wanted catering service on his 7:30 a.m. flight from Miami to Anguilla the next morning.

“No problem,” said Diemar, CEO and president of Unity Jets. “I’ll take care of it.”

The next morning, the philanthropist and his two traveling companions were eating bagels and yogurt as their plane left the tarmac.

Diemar founded Unity Jets, a boutique private jet brokerage firm headquartered in west Kendall, with a plan to simplify private aviation and eliminate upfront and membership costs associated with fractional ownership and jet card programs.

“You see hundreds of ads for luxury watch companies, and I always think to myself, ‘I’m the only one who can give these people what they’re really looking for — which is time,’” Diemar said. “It really is like a time machine.”

The trip-by-trip charter and payment model has paid off… [continued – Miami Herald online]

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JETdebit.com Launches New On-line Digital Jet Card

– Press Release –

jetdebit.comManassas, VA- JETdebit.com was launched yesterday during the NBAA Regional Forum at Landmark Aviation at Teterboro Airport (TEB).  Billed as the charter industry’s first Digital Jet Card™ – JETdebit clients will have the ability to interact with their own customized profile page and receive complete trip fulfillment services with financial protections.

“Consumers want direct access to the independent operators fulfilling over 90% of charter flights worldwide, while operators deserve to be paid for their services on-time, at a fair rate, and without the risk of fraudulent credit card disputes,” said JETdebit Founder & CEO Jacquie Dalton. “What makes JETdebit unique to the bizav segment is that it’s mutually beneficial to operators and clients, and no additional cost to either.”

Editor’s note – Jacquie Dalton is also currently COO at charter operator Metropolitan Aviation based in Manassas, VA, according to LinkedIn and Metropolitan’s website.

JETdebit charges charter clients a flat percentage fee upon deposit of their travel funds and gives them direct on-line access to an approved network of worldwide operators that fly for JETdebit account holders at wholesale prices. The client benefits from having real-time access and transparency to their personal account where they can monitor their balance, operator quotes, travel history, profile preferences, and more. Operators gain by increasing their brand exposure, direct client business, and 24/7 centralized support services.

“The JETdebit program acknowledges the significant costs an operator incurs to support a charter flight and its goal is to support the operator community by connecting them with pre-paid clients who value flying direct at wholesale pricing while still demanding higher-level services that operators are not equipped to provide,” underlined Dalton.

Drawing on her years of experience as an executive with Metropolitan Aviation, the mid-Atlantic’s largest private jet management and charter company based at Manassas Regional Airport, 20 minutes from Washington Dulles International, Dalton independently developed JETdebit.com.

“The majority of operators have been looking for the right vehicle to support each other’s business in response to the challenges presented by technology over the past decade, noted Dalton. “JETdebit is a platform that brings operators together to the benefit of consumers while advancing their independent brands and growing their business.”

With over 900 Part 135 operators in the US alone, JETdebit expects to register 50 operator clients in the first year of business and build to 1,000 clients within three years.

 

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Charter Sales Up 32% Year-To-Date For Delta Private Jets

Delta Private Jets CharterJet card sales are up 33% over last year and charter sales are up 32% year to date, according to Delta Private Jets (DPJ).  Continued charter fleet growth has fueled sales increases for DPJ, whose fleet now numbers 64 charter aircraft, making it the 3rd largest charter fleet in the U.S.

Most of the recent aircraft additions have been midsize and super midsize aircraft and many of the aircraft have joined the fleet through DPJ’s Ownership Assist program. “We continue to add late-model aircraft with state-of-the-art technology and amenities most requested by customers to our fleet to meet the record demand we are experiencing,” Vice President of Operations James Murray said to BlueSky News.

Delta Private Jets’ full fleet and operator details are available in FlightList PRO.

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Silver Air Signs Chuck Stumpf as EVP of Business Development

Silver Air is an aircraft charter and management company based in Southern California.  In just a couple short years they have grown from a few aircraft to a charter fleet of 13 representing all categories from Phenom 100 to Gulfstream V.  They submitted the below press release which focuses on their aircraft management and owner services.

 

Santa Barbara, Calif. – June 24, 2015 – Silver Air, the private aircraft management company and charter operator looking to redefine owner advocacy for private jet owners, has added Chuck Stumpf to its executive team as the company’s new executive vice president of business development.

Chuck Stumpf, EVP Business Development, Silver Air

Chuck Stumpf, EVP Business Development

Stumpf has more than two decades of executive experience in the private aviation industry. He brings a wealth of knowledge and background in sales, marketing and ownership expertise, all of which is expected to support Silver Air’s growth plan in the second half of 2015 and beyond.

“Chuck is an outstanding professional with deep industry knowledge and aircraft ownership expertise that will help him lead Silver Air’s continued growth plan,” said Jason Middleton, Silver Air’s founder and CEO. “Silver Air wants our owners to have a successful experience with their aircraft, and Chuck’s energy, leadership skills and experience working with aircraft owners make him a perfect fit for our growth strategy and our team.”

Silver Air’s plan for very specific, responsible growth is paralleled by its continued focus on service for existing owner partners who already understand its advocacy approach to management. Silver Air currently manages a comprehensive fleet of luxury aircraft from light to long-range heavy jets.

“Silver Air is working hard to provide the absolute best experience for aircraft owners, and I am innately attracted to this team’s focus on service and advocacy for private jet owners,” Stumpf said. “Silver Air has committed to working with select aircraft owners across the country that fit the company’s long-term management vision. From my experience in the private aviation industry, I know there are a lot of private aircraft owners who will appreciate and benefit from Silver Air’s vision and management plans.”

Stumpf has a Bachelor of Science degree in business aviation administration, with a minor in international aviation business and computer applications from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He completed the Developing Leadership Capability in Corporate Aviation program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, and he holds a single-engine pilot license with IFR and commercial ratings. Prior to aviation, Stumpf served as a Corpsman and Special Operations Coordinator in the U.S. Navy.

At Silver Air, Stumpf will be primarily responsible for seeking out new aircraft owners in a very specific and responsible way and managing strategic growth while building the Silver Air managed fleet domestically. He is based at Silver Air’s corporate offices in Santa Barbara, California.

“Utilizing new technology and financial modeling, Silver Air develops management plans unique to this industry that garner the best returns for owners based on their estimated usage and financial goals,” Stumpf said. “Private aircraft owners who are looking for a new management company, or who even just want to see a free cost-benefit analysis for how Silver Air can maximize their cost-benefit return rates, should give us a call at Silver Air.”

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Learjet 60XR Charter Now Available Based Orlando FL

Solairus Aviation jet charterCharter operator Solairus Aviation adds the 2008 Learjet 60XR, N352XR, to it’s charter certificate.  Formerly operated for charter by Elite Air, the Lear 60 is immediately available for charter from KMCO Orlando, and is within convenient positioning for north or south Florida.

Solairus Aviation Learjet 60XR based KMCO

Solairus Aviation Learjet 60XR based KMCO

The Lear 60XR features free onboard Wi-Fi and DVD/CD entertainment system for it’s 6-seat cabin.

The Solairus charter entire fleet grows to 41 aircraft nationwide this month, and is available only in FlightList PRO.

 

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Charter Operators Sign For New Avanti Evo

This week during the Paris Air Show Piaggio Aerospace signed two new contracts for its new generation Avanti Evo twin turboprop.  Both are in the air charter business.

Piaggio Avanti Evo charter

The new Piaggio Avanti Evo to charter operators 2015

The new Avanti Evo seats up to 9 passengers in a cabin comparable with a midsize jet.  Improvements include a 402 kt top cruise speed, much greater range, a quieter cabin than the Avanti and sea level cabin pressure up to 24,000 feet.

Zenith Aviation, based at London Biggin Hill Airport signed for an Avanti Evo and options for seven more.  Zenith operates two Lear 45’s for charter, with a Citation XLS on the way.

Rozmey Air, a new company this year with charter operations in Malaysia signed for an Avanti Evo.  The aircraft is planned to be based at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Setar.

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International Jet Management and Charter Operator Mena Aerospace Form Joint Venture

International Jet Management (IJM) and charter operator MAE Aircraft Management, a subsidiary of MENA Aerospace have entered into a Joint Venture in Bahrain.

Mena AerospaceMAE Aircraft Management’s operation is based at its Private Hangar at Bahrain International Airport, and holds an Aircraft Operating Certificate issued by the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs. The Joint Venture will promote, sell and coordinate V-VIP and corporate travel on chartered business jets.

The cooperation allows Austria-based IJM to further develop its business in the Middle East Region together with a well established and well respected aviation player in the region with an existing regional infrastructure and business network. The Joint Venture’s objective is to expand the aircraft management business and to provide superior service to the regional business jet charter market.

Felix Feller, founder and CEO of IJM said, “The cooperation and partnership with MENA Aerospace is the next step in our strategic and measured expansion. We believe there is a huge demand for aircraft management and charter solutions that are tailored to the growing Middle Eastern market. The know-how and experience of IJM in the field of aircraft management and charter services combined with MENA Aerospace’ regional infrastructure, local insight and business network will allow us to achieve our strategy for mutual growth.”

The existing business of IJM and its Austrian Air Operator Certificate will be not affected by this new partnership.

Dr. Mohamed Juman, MENA Aerospace’s managing director said, “We are certainly excited at the prospect of implementing this Joint Venture and offering the region superior private and business aviation solutions. We see our customers benefiting from the best of both worlds; An experienced European aircraft management and charter service provider, partnering with a mature, well-developed aviation services provider with regional presence and infrastructure. We are also very eager to support the Joint Venture operation with our technical support services and aircraft hangar facilities.”

– See more at: http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/international-jet-management-and-mena-aerospace-in-joint-venture.html

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Citation Encore Jets To The Desert

Desert Jet CharterCharter operator Desert Jet has added a 2002 Citation Encore to their charter fleet, based KTRM Thermal, CA, adjacent to Palm Springs.  The light cabin jet is available immediately and within easy re-positioning for any SoCal departures.

Comfortably seating seven passengers in a center-club configuration with a belted lavatory for an eighth passenger, the aircraft can fly distances of up to 1800 nautical miles.  For example, Palm Springs to Chicago can be accomplished with ease, and at a maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet.

In-cabin amenities include XM satellite radio, Bose noise-cancelling headsets, a satellite phone, a refreshment center, and a fully-enclosed lavatory.

Desert Jet’s charter fleet now numbers 7 Citation light jets.  Full operator and fleet information is available in FlightList PRO.

Desert Jet Charter Citation Encore

Desert Jet’s new Citation Encore for charter

Desert Jet Charter Citation Encore

Desert Jet’s new Citation Encore for charter

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