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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.

First Two HondaJets Available for Charter in US

Much anticipated, HondaJets are rolling off the Honda Aircraft production line in Greensboro NC, and for the first time are now available for charter.  Two new 2016 HondaJets are now available for charter in the US.

Compared to it’s Very Light Jet (VLJ) category competition, the Citation Mustang and the Phenom 100, the HondaJet betters the field in important ways.  The faster, lighter and more fuel efficient 4-passenger jet has a cabin 20% larger cabin than its competitors, more baggage space, a faster airspeed at 420 kts, and higher cruise altitude at 43,000 feet.  In many ways, the HondaJet is a better fit up in the light jet category.

Cutter Flight Management is first to operate the 4-seat VLJ under US Part-135 charter regulations.  Two are currently available, based in the southwestern US at KPHX Phoenix, AZ and KSDL Scottsdale AZ.  Cutter is a Wyvern Registered operator, and maintains fleet, crew, and insurance information as well as verified regulatory documentation within the Wyvern’s system.  Cutter Flight Management is the aircraft management and charter arm of Cutter Aviation, provider of aviation related services and FBO operations in the Southwestern US and Colorado.

HondaJet private jet for charter

HondaJet available for charter, operated by Cutter Flight Management.

Leading the way again, FlightList PRO is the only charter sourcing platform with the HondaJet and also the full Cutter Flight Management fleet of 9 charter aircraft which includes turboprops, light, midsize and heavy jets.

The HondaJet being uniquely Honda, instead of using engines from other manufacurers, the company began developing its own engine in partnership with GE Aviation ultimately creating the GE-Honda HF20 turbofan engine.  The HA-420 HondaJet is powered by two over-wing mounted HF120 turbofans, each producing 1,997 pounds of thrust.  The engine mounts atop the wings are constructed of metal.  The natural laminar flow wings terminate in sizable winglets. The HondaJet’s fuselage is made of carbon fiber, and its flight deck is built around Garmin’s touchscreen-capable G3000 suite.

The HondaJet cabin and baggage capabilities:

The cabin area is a 12.1-foot-long space that provides plenty of room for passengers. The club seating arrangement gives ample legroom and is spacious for a VLJ, with opposing passenger knees completely out of range.  The hum of the  HF120s can be heard with the lavatory doors open, but with them closed, it is significantly quieter than almost any other light jet.

The lav is also far superior to that of many light jets, some of which section the toilet area off with a simple curtain.  While the HondaJet’s lavatory is not huge by any stretch, it provides complete privacy, a nice sink with a faucet activated by a motion sensor, and two skylights providing natural light and a unique perspective of the skies above.

One benefit of having the engines mounted on the wings is that the HondaJet has an exceptionally large luggage compartment for an airplane in the light-jet category.  The rear compartment is 57 cubic feet and holds up to 400 pounds, which is more than many light jets and some midsize jets.  There is plenty of space to load large suitcases without trouble.

The aircraft also has a 9-cubic-foot cargo area in the nose, capable of carrying up to 100 pounds. Neither of the cargo spaces is pressurized, however, so toothpaste and any liquid materials may want to stay inside the cabin.

Charter a HondaJet light jet

HondaJet operated by Cutter Flight Management, one of the first available for charter worldwide.

There is no question HondaJet’s very light jet  competes directly with the Cessna’s Citation Mustang, Embraer’s Phenom 100 in the charter market, and even some Citation and Learjet light jets.

There are now 25 aircraft on the production line at Honda Aircraft’s facility at the Piedmont Triangle International Airport in Greensboro, NC, which now employs 1,700. Honda expects to have delivered between 40 and 50 aircraft by the end of 2016, ultimately ramping up to 75 aircraft in 2017.

All HondaJets for charter as well as the full Cutter Flight Management charter fleet are available in the FlightList PRO platform which includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide.

Sources:  Cutter Flight Management, Flying, Forbes online

JetSmarter Becomes First Business Aviation Unicorn

From Corporate Jet Investor, 12/16/16:

JetSmarter this week raised $105 million in funding, at what it says is a $1.5 billion pre-money valuation. This makes it the first business aviation unicorn (a private company with a valuation of $1 billion).

The company said the Series C funds came from new investors  including an Abu Dhabi  growth equity fund, operator JetEdge, London venture capital firm KZ Capital, and a Qatar private equity fund. Some existing investors also participated, although possibly at a different valuation.

The $1.5 billion valuation is astonishing.

An online charter market, Avinode, estimates the total value of the global business aviation charter market at between $10 billion and $12 billion a year – although this does not include flight sharing, something that JetSmarter is pioneering.

Uber – which claims to have raised funds at more than a $62 billion valuation – is the most valuable and best known of more than 170 Unicorns (although many analysts disagree with many of the valuations of companies on this list). Although JetSmarter is often referred to as being like Uber for business jets, it has a very different model. JetSmarter sells first year memberships at $15,000 and says it has more than 6,700 members.

Members can book normal private charter, fly for free on regular shuttle services, charter shared flights and fly for free on empty legs. It does not own aircraft, instead chartering them from operators like XOJET, JetEdge and others.

The company says that it will use the new cash to launch new scheduled shuttles as well as launch in Asia and South America.

This is arguably the biggest business aviation story of 2016. JetSmarter was launched in 2012 and is now apparently valued at $1.5 billion. In comparison, Textron – the parent of Cessna which builds aircraft used by JetSmarter and was founded in 1927 – has a market cap of $13.6 billion.

Source:  Alasdair Whyte, Corporate Jet Investor, 12/16/16

New 2016 Citation Latitude Midsize Jet Now For Charter From Midwest U.S.

ExcelAire charter operatorA brand new 2016 midsize Citation Latitude is now avaialble for charter from the midwestern U.S.  Charter operator Excelaire announces the addition of the new Latitude, this aircraft is not based at Excelaire’s New York headquarters, however.  The aircraft calls KOSU home, in Columbus, OH.

ExcelAire’s new Citation Latitude is an elegant business jet that features a spacious stand-up cabin (height 6 feet), with seating for 8 passengers.  With outstanding runway performance and considerable range (7 hours non-stop), the Citation Latitude is ideal for a variety of coast to coast and intercontinental trips.  The aircraft is equipped with onboard Wi-Fi internet.

ExcelAire‘s Latitude and full fleet of 11 aircraft are available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

Just 9 Latitude’s are currently available for charter in the U.S., from 9 different operators, according charter aircraft resource FlightList PRO.  All except one are based in the Midwest to Eastern U.S.

The Citation Latitude is positioned between the Citation XLS+ and Sovereign executive jets.  It’s mid-range specs make the Latitude a capable contender for transcontinental or cross Europe flights, but it’s in the cabin where the aircraft really shines.  And, as any air charter broker will tell you, cabins help sell charters.  The Latitude has the largest cross-section of any Citation that Cessna has built, and its windowns are 25% larger.

Citation Latitude midsize business jet for charter.

Citation Latitude midsize business jet for charter. Photo: Flying Magazine

The aircraft can get from coast-to-coast in the US. You’ll be more comfortable on the way there in a Latitude, especially as the cabin pressurisation has been lowered to 9.7psi – effectively meaning that at cruise height, the cabin feels like it’s at just 6,000ft.

“With the new Latitude, we now offer another choice in midsize jets and continue our momentum of growing our fleet — with one more addition expected before the end of the year,” said Robert Molsbergen, President of ExcelAire.  “We are proud to provide the ultimate private jet charter experience, with truly personalized service and the best-in-class team of private jet travel professionals.”

Source:  Excelaire press release
Source:  Corporate Jet Investor

Two New Jet Charter Operators, Four Aircraft Now in Florida

Two new Part-135 certificate holders have begun operating based in Florida, their aircraft are now available for charter.  Both have acquired an ARG/US Gold rating.  The operator and fleet details are included in FlightList PRO.  The two light jets and one midsize jet are newly available for charter from southern and central Florida.


Treasure Air Charters, LLC operates a Learjet 35A light jet, and a Piper Chieftain 7-passenger twin piston.  Both are based at KTMB Miami Executive Airport.  Now five jet operators have a total of nine aircraft based at KTMB.

Learjet 35A light jet available for charter from Treasure Air Charters in Miami, FL

Learjet 35A light jet available for charter from Treasure Air Charters in Miami, FL


Rennia Aviation, LLC operates a Citation II light jet and a Falcon 20 midsize jet.  Both are based at KGNV Gainsville, FL.  Rennia is the third jet charter operator now at Gainesville Regional Airport.

Falcon 20 midsize jet available for charter from Rennia Aviation, Gainsville, FL.

Falcon 20 midsize jet available for charter from Rennia Aviation.

Falcon 20 passenger cabin seating 9, available for charter from Rennia Aviation in Gainesville, FL

Falcon 20 passenger cabin seating 9, available for charter from Rennia Aviation in Gainesville, FL

Source:  The FlightList PRO resource includes every certificated operator and aircraft in the US, and equivalent worldwide.  Free 30-day trials are available online. 

New to Charter 19-Seat Gulfstream G-V, One of Only Five Such Capacity Executive Jets in U.S.

ExcelAire charter operatorNew to the U.S., a Gulfstream V seating 19 passengers is now available for charter based in New York and operated by ExcelAire, LLC.

The addition is one of only two 19-passenger executive jets available for charter from the Northeast U.S., and one of only five 19-passenger executive jets available across the U.S., according to FlightList PRO’s search-by-country function.

ExcelAire’s new Gulfstream V offers passengers premium comfort, with a unique design that can seat 19 passengers and three crew. The ExcelAire Gulfstream V is equipped with the newest Gogo Wi-Fi system that is enabled to provide Gogo Biz 4G, when that service rolls out in 2017. The new service will feature Gogo Vision, providing the latest movies, TV, flight tracker and weather reports along with reliable web browsing.

ExcelAire‘s full fleet of 10 aircraft is available only in FlightList PRO.

“With the addition of this new Gulfstream V, we are now providing our clients with one of the only 19-passenger GV jets available for charter,” said Robert Molsbergen, President of ExcelAire. “In addition to the GV, we plan to add two more jets to our fleet this year, providing our clients with the ultimate private jet charter experience, and the best-in-class team of private jet travel professionals.”

The new G-V brings ExcelAire’s charter fleet to ten heavy and ultra long range jets; eight based in New York, plus one in Columbus, OH and one in Oakland, CA.

19-passenger Gulfstream G-V for charter, operated by ExcelAire, LLC.19-passenger Gulfstream G-V for charter, operated by ExcelAire, LLC.

Source: company press release

Three Midsize Jets Added to Florida and Midwest with Jet Access Aviation

jet-access-aviation-logo-newCharter operator Jet Access Aviation has added 3 Wi-Fi equipped midsize jets to its charter fleet available immediately.

A new-to-fleet Hawker 800XP and Citation III are based in the midwest (JVY) near Louisville, KY.  The third is a Citation VII based West Palm Beach, FL (PBI).  All are equipped with Wi-Fi internet.

Jet Access Aviation‘s full fleet of 15 aircraft is ONLY available in FlightList PRO.

The Jet Access Aviation charter fleet has grown to 15 aircraft total, light cabin through heavy jets.  The majority are based in the midwest and Florida, with a midsize Citation Excel in Atlanta, GA.

The company has an ARG/US Platinum rating.

Source: company announcement

New 2016 Citation M2 Added to Las Vegas Area Charter

westcoastchartersCharter operator West Coast Charters, headquartered in Santa Ana, CA, has added a brand new 2016 Citation M2 light jet, fresh from Wichita, to their charter fleet based KHND Henderson, NV.

The new M2 joins West Coast Charters’ existing M2 (DOM 2013) and two Citation CJ3+ light jets (DOM 2014 adn 2016) based at Henderson.  The operator boasts the newest aircraft fleet in the Las Vegas region.  The new M2 features the latest in passenger amentities including entertainment iPads and headphones, Sirius/XM radio, and power/charging stations throughout the cabin.

West Coast Charters‘ full fleet of 27 aircraft is ONLY available in FlightList PRO.

West Coast Charters now operates a total fleet of 27 charter jets and turboprops in the greater Los Angeles and Las Vegas areas.

Henderson is home base for 7 executive aircraft for charter from four different operators.  The greater Las Vegas area boasts a total of 28 executive aircraft available for charter, from 13 operators.

The Henderson airport is a 17 minute drive south of LAS McCarran International Airport.  Easier airport access, less traffic and lower fees can make Henderson an attractive option for Las Vegas charters.

Citation M2 light jet available for charter from HND Henderson, NV operated by West Coast Charters.

New 2016 Citation M2 light jet available for charter from HND Henderson, NV operated by West Coast Charters. Photo: www.WCAS.aero

News source:  West Coast Charters

Jet Linx/ProJet Alliance Expands Jet Linx Operations, Aircraft to D.C. Area

Jet Linx Aviation announced it has formed a strategic alliance with ProJet Aviation, to assume ProJet’s managed fleet of aircraft to grow its presence in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

As a result, Jet Linx has expanded its service operations to include three area airports including the Jet Linx private terminal at Dulles International Airport (IAD), Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) and now Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO) where ProJet provides FBO/flight support services including over 75,000 sq. ft. of hangar and office space. In addition, Jet Linx has recruited 15 of ProJet’s team members, including pilots, maintenance, and client service agents.

jet-linx“The addition of ProJet’s fleet to our already growing fleet of aircraft in the D.C. metropolitan area reinforces our commitment to provide the best local service to our clients,” said Jamie Walker, President & CEO of Jet Linx. “Strategically, Leesburg is the closest General Aviation Jetport to Dulles and Virginia’s horse and wine country, making ProJet an ideal partner for us and for our Jet Card clients and aircraft owners in the area.”

Jet Linx full fleet of 72 aircraft is ONLY available in FlightList PRO.

ProJet will continue its FBO services at Leesburg Executive Airport and the Jet Linx D.C. team will operate out of a private terminal facility that is part of the ProJet FBO campus.

Members of the ProJet staff have already joined the Jet Linx team, including its current COO, Josh Rosenblatt, who will serve as Executive Vice President of the Jet Linx D.C. operations, reporting to Base President, Greg Kinsella.

“Through our strategic alliance with Jet Linx, ProJet can focus on the expansion and improvement of our award-winning FBO/Flight Support business,” said Shye Gilad, President & CEO of ProJet Aviation. “The presence and quality of the Jet Linx fleet strengthens Leesburg’s reputation as the private aviation destination of choice for the DC Metro region.”

Jet Linx has flown 50 million miles since its inception and today manages the third largest part 135 fleet with 78 total aircraft ranging from light, mid, super mid and heavy jet aircraft across the nation. The local fleet in Jet Linx D.C. includes a Hawker 900XP and a Lear 60 at their private terminal in Dulles, a Falcon 900 at Manassas Regional Airport, and a Challenger 604, and Hawker 800XP at Leesburg Executive Airport.

Jet Linx Aviation boasts local, private terminals in 14 cities spanning from East to West, guaranteeing service “from” and “to” anywhere in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, including Cuba. Jet Linx also provides international service to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America.

Jet Linx is among the four percent who have earned an ARGUS Platinum Safety Rating, the highest safety rating awarded to an operator which has been presented to Jet Linx every year since 2005. In addition, Jet Linx attained the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage 3 certification this year (the highest IS-BAO rating), which has become a globally accepted “gold seal” for business aviation operations attesting to the highest standards in safety and efficiency, placing Jet Linx in the top one percent of all operators for safety.

Source:  Jet Linx press release

Largest VLJ Air Taxi Operator Is Created With Wijet Acquisition of Blink

Air-taxi firm Wijet is acquiring very light jet (VLJ) charter operator Blink, forming “the world’s largest” VLJ air-taxi provider, the european companies announced. The transaction will result in a new company, Wijet Group, with a combined fleet of 15 Cessna Citation Mustangs. Blink will join Wijet on the real-time european booking platform OpenJet.

The Wijet and Blink fleets and operator info is available in FlightList PRO.

Wijet Group, the holding company for Blink UK and Wijet France, will have joint CEOs: Corentin Denoeud and Cameron Ogden. Combined, it will have €18 million in revenues this year, and this is forecast to rise to €28 million, with 11,000 flights and 16,000 passengers, next year.

Blink and Wijet have operations in London, Paris and northern Italy. “By combining the two companies, the joint customer base will provide strong demand across western Europe,” the companies said. In addition, Blink’s established maintenance and operations capability will remain in the UK and Italy, while Wijet will continue to service its client base from Paris, along with key head office functions.

Initially, the aircraft will continue to operate under the Blink and Wijet colors before “gradually merging” into a new combined brand.

Source:  Aviation International News

Phenom 100 Scheduled Service Launched by JetSuiteX

New public charter service JetSuiteX is introducing service between Carlsbad and San Jose, CA, starting October 17th. JetSuiteX is offering “private jet travel” but is sold by the seat at commercial rates. Seat fares for the new San Diego County – Bay Area route will begin at $499 each way, according to a press release by the company.

Image: JetSuite

JetSuite Phenom 100 aircraft.  Image: JetSuite

JetSuiteX will connect McClellan–Palomar Airport with Mineta San José International Airport with four roundtrip flights per week – a 7:45am departure from Carlsbad and a 5:00pm return flight from San Jose – on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, on a four-seat Phenom 100 aircraft. The public charter operator launched service in April, and currently offers regular flights on 30-seat E135 aircraft in major west coast markets, including Las Vegas, Burbank and Concord in the East Bay.

Flight frequency along JetSuiteX’s other San Jose “Tech Charter” route to Burbank will also increase starting on October 17th, with two round-trip flights daily and fares starting from $129 each way.

“We are thrilled to introduce service between San Diego County and the Bay Area, adding yet another JetSuiteX destination,” said JetSuite CEO Alex Wilcox. “Our new route is the first publicly available non-stop service to the Bay Area in at least 20 years. This service, in combination with our BurbankSan Jose service and seasonal San JoseBozeman, MT route will make San Jose a cornerstone of JetSuiteX offerings.”

JetSuiteX provides many of the comforts usually associated with private jet travel but for the price of a traditional airline seat, offering:

  • Private jet terminals (FBOs) so the experience is faster and more comfortable, with no airport terminal delays, security lines, waiting for gates or long walks through terminals;
  • 4, 6, and 30 seat jets, each with legroom comparable to domestic airlines’ business class service;
  • Individual power outlets;
  • Free WiFi and inflight entertainment onboard streamed to passengers’ personal devices, and;
  • A spacious, extra soundproofed cabin interior covered in soft leather.

Unlike alternative offerings, JetSuiteX clients don’t need to pay a monthly subscription, or travel in small propeller airplanes.

Source:  Company press release

Operator Latitude 33 Aviation Now Handles Jet Source’s Charter Requests

Latitude 33 Aviation, the growing operator of newer light jets from Southern California, has been selected as the exclusive private jet charter operator to handle requests to Jet Source, Inc. for charter operations. Jet Source, Inc. has been an award-winning full service fixed-base operator (FBO) at San Diego County’s McClellan-Palomar Airport for nearly 20 years.

Latitude 33 Aviation expands private jet charter operations to include Jet Source Inc. charter requests.

latitude-33Latitude 33 Aviation’s experience and industry reputation were cited as factors for the selection.

Jet Source, Inc. will continue to provide full FBO services including maintenance, fuel and ramp service. All charter flight requests received by Jet Source, Inc. will be forwarded to Latitude 33 Aviation. Telephone calls and emails will be routed to Latitude 33 Aviation’s charter department, and advertising space will be provided inside Jet Source, Inc.’s lobby.

“We are excited to work with Jet Source, Inc. to provide our exceptional services to a wider audience and help more travelers experience Latitude 33 Aviation’s renowned customer service and refined VIP treatment,” said Casey Miller, President of Latitude 33 Aviation.

Solomon Short, Latitude 33 Aviation’s Director of Operations, added, “Our growing charter fleet – including over a dozen Citation M2, CJ2+, CJ3, CJ3+, CJ4 aircraft, as well as our recently added Phenom 100 and 300 models – allows us to complete more trips and provide increased operational efficiency. We are well-positioned to handle the increased demand as we service Jet Source, Inc.’s former charter clients.”

Source: Latitude 33 press release

Operator ATI Jet Begins Conversion to All-Lear 60 Charter Fleet

From the El Paso Times;

“ATI Jet Inc., the Southwest’s largest based jet charter company has begun pre-purchase on two Learjet 60 aircraft.  ATI’s President Lyle Byrum expects the aircraft to be in service by August of 2016.

ati-jetATI Jet Inc. operates a fleet of Learjet 55 medium size jets with over 500 customers in the U.S. with its main base of operations in EL Paso Texas and satellite base in Vail, Colorado.

Mr. Byrum stated the company plans to upgrade it entire fleet of 7 jet aircraft to Lear 60’s within the next two years.

The Lear 60 is considered to be the most popular, efficient and best performer of all Mid-Size jets.  The aircraft is capable of flying coast-to-coast non-stop and carries 8 passengers.  It has a service ceiling of 51,000 feet and is all weather capable.  It is equipped with a full service lavatory with hot water, oven full-equipped galley, luxurious cabin, complete entertainment center, state of art avionics and WI-FI.  Over 400 Lear 60’s are in service.

ATI Jet Learjet 55

ATI Jet Learjet 55

ATI Jet Inc. has logged over thirty one million flight miles of accident free jet charter service.  It is GOLD RATED CHARTER COMPANY by ARGUS, The countries largest rating service company.  INC Magazine also rates ATI in the TOP 100 Transportation Companies in the U.S.”

From: El Paso Times

Forbes.com article: Air Charter, Brokers, Operators, Marketing; the digitalization and democratization of private jet travel

The digitalization and democratization of private jet travel; brokers, operators, marketing, apps, PR.

Is XOJET Finally Solving The X’s And O’s Of Private Jet E-Commerce And Democratization?

By Doug Gollan, Sept 22, 2016, Forbes.com

Forbes.com logoThis column will cover the digitalization and democratization of private jet travel, two of the hottest topics in private aviation, but one where the PR spin often operates at a much higher altitude than reality. It’s a somewhat complicated story that doesn’t fit neatly into a tidy box, so let’s start with a bit of background.

Lot’s of private jet brokers have invoked Uber in launching their booking apps. And true, like Uber, these brokers neither own nor operate the aircraft they are selling flights on. However, the process of securing a private jet is not nearly as streamlined as you tapping on your smartphone, having a driver four blocks away press accept, and show up seven minutes later.

The process of chartering a private jet involves lots of people, expensive and highly sensitive assets, and lots of moving pieces. There is you, the person who wants to charter the plane. Your assistant is probably involved as well, getting quotes, and dealing with logistics such as catering, names and IDs for the manifest, coordinating ground transport, and coordinating the FBOs (private jet terminals) you are using. There are also the people traveling with you, who need to know where to be and at what time.

xojet1

If you are traveling with lots of luggage, somebody needs to check how many golf bags the plane will take? Range of planes varies based on load. Weather and altitude of the airport you are flying in and out of impacts jet performance. The heavier the plane with passengers, baggage, and fuel, the more fuel burned, thus the shorter distance it can fly. Prevailing winds might require the aircraft type you favor to need a fuel stop in certain months of the year. Do you care what type of lavatory your plane has? Some have only a pull around the curtain, others are closeted off. Some, even at that are fairly small. Do you have any extra tall travelers? Private aircraft are tubes, some of which might be uncomfortable for very tall travelers. Larger jets have more headroom. If you have pets or kids, again, that can be an issue.

All 7,598 charter aircraft and 1,633 operators are available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

Most of the 7,000 private aircraft in the U.S. licensed for charter are owned by individuals or companies that then hire aircraft management companies to operate the planes on their behalf, including working with thousands of third party brokers to charter the plane when the owner isn’t using it. In other words, the broker is dealing with a management company, not the actual owner in many cases. Each owner has his or her own set of contractual rules when it comes to chartering their planes. Some don’t want pets or kids. Others only want to charter their jets for longer flights. Expensive maintenance is driven by the number of landings and takeoffs, so an owner might not want to charter her new $50 million Gulfstream for short hops between Boston and New York, but would be OK if you want to go to London or Los Angeles.

What’s more, in securing a specific plane for a charter, availability can be impacted by unscheduled maintenance issues that come up between when you book your charter and when you fly, as well as weather issues, crew availability and so forth. Sometimes the owner decides he wants to use his jet on short notice. Unlike commercial airlines with sophisticated fleet management systems and large pools of similar planes and crew they can shuffle around, owners often configure their jets slightly differently, to their own needs and tastes, of course. Cockpits are not always configured the same and differ by age of the jet, so if one jet goes tech, and your broker finds a replacement, the operator needs to find crew qualified to operate it and get it positioned to where you are being picked up.

All of the above makes the idea of a simple click-and-buy “Uber” for private jets app an oft-used, but empty analogy as management companies generally need owner approvals or need to see if they will make exceptions, a manual process.  It’s also just a very complicated process, where as a consumer, there are some true benefits of dealing with an expert broker who is familiar with the various charter fleets, where they are based, and which planes are generally available.

That said, there are exceptions to the above. Some owners give management companies carte blanche, and then there are several fleet operators that own the planes they fly and make them available for on-demand charter without any upfront fees. Two of the largest operators that own their jets are XOJET and TMC, which together have over 100 jets, 41 and 65 respectively. As of June, they now have common ownership via TPG Capital, although they continue to operate independently. Other big players in the on-demand charter market that own the jets they operate are VistaJet and JetSuite. WheelsUp is similar, with the difference is you have to pay a membership fee and its focus is turboprops.

The second issue is “democratization” of private jet travel. Another term used liberally in private aviation company press releases, it underscores that such descriptors are relative when democracy comes at a price of $4,000 per hour. Compared to shelling out tens of millions to buy a jet, millions of dollars for fractional ownership, or hundreds of thousands for a jet card, yes there has been progress.

xojetBradley Stewart, the President, and CEO of XOJET, describes the traditional market for private jet travel as “the top 10 percent of the one percent,” so folks with a net worth of $30 million and annual incomes in the multiple millions of dollars.

At the same time, SurfAir and JetSuiteX, a JetSuite offshoot, have been expanding the market with hybrid models. Each fly what are essentially scheduled services using FBOs, thus enabling customers to show up 15 minutes before their flight and jump aboard, leaving behind airport hassles, a key benefit of private travel. In the case of the former, it’s a membership model where you pay $1,950 per month, then fly as much as you want on its network, principally within California. With the latter, you simply buy a seat at prevailing fares on its website, similar to booking a commercial flight. Fares run as low as $129. Its routes right now are mainly in the West, and by next year at this time expects to have 10 Embraer 135s with 30 seats buzzing around. Travel blogger The Points Guy wrote of his JSX flight “not dealing with TSA was a huge plus.”

In both cases, you are buying a seat or the opportunity to reserve a seat. There are other passengers on the flight. Seating is closer to commercial airline economy class than Donald Trump’s Boeing 757, and there is a set departure time you need to be there for, or you miss the flight…

Full Forbes.com Article Here

The author Doug Gollan is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of DG Amazing Experiences, an e-newsletter for private jet owners.

New Citation Sovereign+ Ready For Charter From South Florida

U.S. based charter operator Gama Aviation, LLC announces their new Citation Sovereign+ is ready for charter from South Florida.

gamaBased at KPBI West Palm Beach, FL, the 2013 Sovereign+ is equipped with Wi-FI, Blu-ray enternatainment system, programmable touch screens and six universal 110 VAC outlets.  The aircraft features double-club seating for 8 and a coast-to-coast range.

Gama Aviation‘s full fleet is ONLY available in FlightList PRO.

One of the popular aircraft in the Cessna family, the updated Sovereign+ model has updated engines, a new avionics suite and redesigned wings for improved performance.

Gama Aviation LLC operates 21 jets for charter, based mostly in the midwest and eastern U.S., including midsize, heavy and long range jets.

013 Citation Sovereign+ based at KPBI West Palm Beach and operated by Gama Aviation LLC,.

2013 Citation Sovereign+ based at KPBI West Palm Beach and operated by Gama Aviation LLC,.

Gama Aviation LLC's Citation Sovereign+ Cabin

Gama Aviation LLC’s Citation Sovereign+ Cabin

Source:  Gama Aviation email announcement

XOJet and JetSmarter Partner Up with Real-time Booking App

On-demand and membership private jet charter firm XOJet today announced a strategic partnership with online charter broker JetSmarter that will combine the former’s service and fleet operations with the latter’s digital distribution capabilities. As part of the alliance, XOJet has named JetSmarter the exclusive digital distribution channel for the company’s fleet of midsize jets.

The core of the partnership is an XOJet-branded mobile app that allows clients to book real-time charter on its fleet of Cessna Citation Xs and Bombardier Challenger 300s. It will use JetSmarter’s technology and be available early next year. In addition, XOJet clients can book shared charter flights, shuttle flights by the seat and last-minute deals via the JetSmarter app. Meanwhile, through the JetSmarter app, members will receive real-time availability and preferred pricing at XOJet, comparable to the operator’s Preferred Access and Elite Access program clients.

Access to XOJet’s charter fleet will be available on the JetSmarter app starting October 1. The JetSmarter andXOJet apps will both be available for iOS and Android devices.

Source:  AIN Aviation International News

Charter Operator Solairus Aviation Named One Of Best Places To Work

Charter operator and aircraft management firm Solairus Aviation was named as one of the Best Places to Work by the North Bay Business Journal.

Solairus is one of ten Best Places to Work award-winners who appeared for the first time in the 2016 survey.

Solairus Aviation jet charterSolairus Aviation (2009, 84 employees) specializes in aviation asset management and optimization solutions, and offers private jet charter flight services at 40 U.S. locations.


Excerpt from NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL, Sept 19, 2016;

bestplacestoworkSOLAIRUS AVIATION

FIRST-TIME WINNER

PETALUMA — Focused on delivering exceptional private jet charter flight services and outstanding asset optimization solutions that go above and beyond standard offerings, Solairus Aviation is an aviation services company with 40 base locations in the U.S. whose core business is assisting owners with the safe, reliable, and economical operation of their aircraft.

“My company recognizes the contribution of the individual as well as the contributions of our team of 84 employees with equal fervor. There is a philosophy in place of doing what is necessary to improve the company by improving the individuals within.“

Co-owner John King says, “It’s the most entrepreneurial environment with a group of employees who rally around a shared vision with the enthusiasm of providing quality to our clients. The Solairus’ culture fosters teamwork and individuality with a wellness philosophy to support the growth and development of each employee.”

Management has grown the company be a world-class operation with a human touch. “Our CEO Daniel Drohan personally researches and sends out an email, every holiday, acknowledging those who are working the holiday and thanks them for their support — How cool is that!”

Solairus has a realistic and thorough training praised by the staff. “I’ve never felt rushed or overwhelmed during my training. The company has allowed me to develop and flourish in my position at a sustainable speed.”

“From the clients to the crew, everyone wants to do right by the people who make up this company.”

Source: North Bay Business Journal, Gary Quackenbush / Brad Bollinger

Charter Operators Clay Lacy Aviation and Key Air Merge

Van Nuys, California-based aircraft charter, management, FBO and maintenance firm Clay Lacy Aviation is merging with Key Air, an aircraft management and charter company in Oxford, Connecticut. The Keystone Aviation FBO, a sister company of Key Air, is not part of the transaction.

The entire fleets of both Clay Lacy Aviation and Key Air are ONLY available in FlightList PRO.

After a transition period, the combined company will move forward as Clay Lacy Aviation, representing more than 75 aircraft in 15 U.S. locations, along with FBOs and maintenance centers in Van Nuys and Seattle and standalone maintenance centers in Carlsbad, California, and Oxford. A Clay Lacy spokesman told AIN that integration of the two companies is under way at the U.S. FAA level and should be completed by year-end.

“Our clients asked us for a larger presence in New York, and this is the first of several strategic steps to expand our East Coast services,” said Clay Lacy Aviation president Brian Kirkdoffer. “We now have a team of aviation experts on both coasts, focused on providing safety, service and value in the business aviation industry.”

From:  AIN Aviation International News

Citation Latitude Now Available Based So. California

Charter operator Cutter Flight Management announces their 2015 Citation Latitude is now available for charter based at CRQ Carlsbad, CA.  Latitude info and photos:

Citation Latitude:
The Latitude is a new Citation midsize jet seating up to 9 with a cabin featuring a club of four with two additional froward facing seats, a cabin-forward bench for two and a rear belted lav.  The aircraft fits between the XLS and the Sovereign in the Citation lineup and the Latitude carries an outward resemblance of both.  It is described as a superior, flat-floor, stand-up cabin, 6-feet tall, 77 inches wide and 21 feet long.   the Latitude cabin is taller and wider than the Sovereign.   Airspeed at 446 kts max cruise is similar to the Sovereign and XLS.

The entire Cutter Flight Management fleet and operator details are ONLY available in FlightList PRO.

Another Coast-to-Coast Midsize
The Latitude offers a range of up to 2,850 NM which is more than the Hawker 800XP published maximum range.  Under a charter flight profile the Latitude is easily nonstop West to East, and usually nonstop East to West with 4-5 passengers.

Cabin of the 2015 Citation Latitude based So. California with Cutter Flight Management

Cabin of the 2015 Citation Latitude based So. California with Cutter Flight Management

New 2016 Legacy 650 and Challenger 604 Added to KMR Aviation Southern California Charter Fleet

KMR Aviation, a provider executive private jet charter announces a new-to-market 2016 Embraer Legacy 650 is now available for charter, along with a fifth Bombardier Challenger 604, offering customers a wider selection of options for long distance travel, according to a press release by the company.

New 2016 Legacy 650 now for charter with KMR Aviation, Southern California

New 2016 Legacy 650 now for charter with KMR Aviation, Southern California.  Photo: KMR Aviation

The entire KMR charter fleet and operator details are available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

With a range capability of 3,900 nautical miles, the well-appointed Legacy 650, based in Southern California, can easily travel Coast-to-Coast or to the Caribbean Islands non-stop. It provides the quietest and largest-in-class three-zone cabin and can comfortably seat up to 13 passengers. The Legacy 650 also offers the largest main inflight-accessible baggage compartment in its class – 286 cu. ft. – providing ample space for whatever you may need to take along on your journey. The aircraft features spacious seating, deluxe amenities and seamless Wi-Fi connectivity. Its high-definition audio/video capabilities provide business or leisure travelers alike a satisfying and sophisticated media environment. A fully equipped galley includes a microwave oven, convection oven and Nespresso Coffee Maker. Berthable seats and a large aft lavatory with secondary forward lavatory allow passengers to arrive at their destination fully relaxed and refreshed.

“We are excited about the growth of our heavy jet fleet,” said Lori Jones, KMR Aviation Charter Manager. “The Challenger 604 continues to be a highly popular aircraft for our charter clients and the addition of a gorgeous Legacy 650 to our certificate further adds range and diversity to our impressive list of managed aircraft.”

The two new charter aircraft join Southern California’s largest operator of Challenger 604 business jets. Additionally, through an affiliation with West Coast Charters, KMR Aviation’s charter fleet access extend to over 30 charter-ready aircraft ranging in size from turbo-props to light- and mid- to large-cabin aircraft.

Source:  company press release

Twelve Jets Join Clay Lacy Aviation Fleet

Clay-LacyClay Lacy Aviation, one of the world’s largest charter operators and aircraft managers, announced it has added twelve business jets to its expanding fleet since the start of 2016. The new additions include seven long-range, large-cabin aircraft, two super-midsize jets, and three light jets from Bombardier, Dassault Falcon, Embraer and Gulfstream. Nine of these aircraft will be available for private jet charter.

The entire Clay Lacy fleet and operator details are available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

Joining the Clay Lacy jet charter fleet in Los Angeles are a Bombardier Global Express, Gulfstream GV, Falcon 900EX EASy, Falcon 2000, Challenger 300Gulfstream G200 and a Learjet 45. Also for private jet charter are an Embraer Legacy 600 in Las Vegas and a Learjet 45XR in Portland, Oregon.

Source:  Clay Lacy Aviation Press Release