Author Archives: FlightList PRO

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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.

Report: Charter, Part-91 Off To Flying Start This Year

Traffic climbed 3 percent in January, and projections call for a 9.1-percent YOY increase this month and a 5-percent rise during the first quarter.

Business aviation flight activity in North America jumped by 3 percent last month versus a year ago and could climb much more steeply this month, according to data released yesterday by aviation services group Argus International.  In fact, the firm is projecting a 9.1-percent year-over-year increase this month and a 5-percent rise during the first quarter, compared with the same three-month period last year.

Part 91 activity was up by 4 percent last month from a year ago, while Part 135 charter activity climbed 2.5 percent and fractional flying slid by 0.2 percent.  The overall retraction in the fractional market obscures decent individual gains; fractional turboprop and light and large-cabin jet flying were up 2.9 percent, 2.2 percent and 5.3 percent, respectively. Fractional midsize jet activity fell 2.8 percent from a year ago.

Article Source:
AIN Online, Aviation International News.

Year-over-year flying activity rose across all aircraft categories last month by 3 percent. This surge was led by turboprops and large-cabin jets, each logging a 5.3-percent gain.  Light jets climbed by 1.7 percent, while midsize jet flying eked out a 0.3-percent improvement. The largest year-over-year gain for an individual segment was Part 135 large-cabin jet flying, which saw a 7.4-percent upturn last month.

Air Charter Alert Editor’s Note –  FlightList PRO released numerous Air Charter Alerts this month of reported increases in 2015 business and flying announced by many US charter companies, including XOJet, Delta Private Jets, New Flight Charters, Key Air and others.

Argus’s TraqPak data logs serial-number-specific aircraft arrival and departure information on all IFR flights in the U.S. and Canada.

Source:  AIN Online

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Private Jet Membership Set To Take Off In 2016

Wheels Up King air 350

Wheels Up King Air 350

Private jet usage is set to take off following the roll out of membership schemes that allow people to make use of jets without owning them.

A survey carried out by industry magazine Corporate Jet Investor found that nearly one in four (23 per cent) said that the growth of membership schemes and online charter is fuelling demand for jets, while companies are becoming increasingly likely to opt for jet membership scheme for business travel.

Rise King Air 200 Flight Service between Dallas, Houston, Austin and Midland Texas

Rise King Air 200

Jet sharing companies such as Wheels Up and Rise are launching a European service in 2016, and plan to be able to fly people the distance from Edinburgh to the south of Spain.

John Colucci head of Wheels Up Europe, told City A.M.: “Corporate customers are excited about it. We have 250 corporate customers in the US compared to around 2000 private members and we want to do more corporate business.”

Wheels Up members have access to an app that allows them to view flights that have already been booked and request a ride share, similar to car hire app Uber’s Pool service.

The industry is shifting as many executive jets are going on the market at knockdown prices following some of the world’s biggest companies scaling back their fleets.

Supermarket Tesco made headlines when it began selling off its fleet of luxury private jets following its accounting scandal and subsequent profit warnings, putting a 14-seater plane up for sale with a price tag of nearly £22m.

Alasdair Whyte, editor of Corporate Jet Investor told City A.M.: “The last six years have been tough for business aviation but there are lots of people trying to grow the market – especially by making it more accessible.”

The survey reveals that over the next three years, 59 per cent expect aircraft sales to increase, compared to 15 per cent who anticipate they will fall.

The US is likely to be one of the strongest markets, with 81 per cent expecting the number of business flights to increase in North America during this period. In Europe, 54 per cent are expecting a rise.

“When you add up the actual cost and the opportunity cost for executives to stand in security queues or get stuck when flights are delayed, flying on a business aircraft can make a lot of sense,” Whyte added.

Another key reason for growth in the sector is the number of so called high net worth individuals is expected to rise over coming years.

Source:  CITY A.M.

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28% Fourth Quarter Growth, 14% Annual Growth Announced by New Flight Charters

Nationwide Air Charter Services Company Jets Over Industry Growth Rate, Reports Increased Charter Demand and a Movement From Light Jets to Midsize Jet Charters.

(Marketwire) February 3, 2016, – New Flight Charters, a nationwide leader in private jet charter services since 2004, announced today a 14 percent increase in 2015 charter business over 2014.  Fourth Quarter 2015 saw explosive growth in charter business, up 28 percent over the same period in 2014.

Jackson Hole Jet Charter

New Flight Charters at Jackson Hole Airport

Growth during the year was seen from an increased demand in repeat business, new business and a general move in demand from smaller aircraft to larger aircraft charters.  Fourth Quarter saw a notable movement from light jets to midsize jet charters in particular, and December featured large increases in both the number of charters – up 28 percent, and average charter spend – up 18 percent, compared to December 2014.

New Flight Charters arranged over 1,400 flights in 2015.

2015 increases more than quadrupled industry trend numbers for the year; market analyst Argus reported a flight activity increase of 2.9 percent for 2015 across private aviation segments including charter and Part-91, and projects a similar size increase moving forward into 2016.

New Flight Charters attributes beating industry trends to several factors including its continuous flight-by-flight service level, and the company’s unique entrée to the full U.S. Part-135 aircraft market.  Not restricted to a sourcing pool or marketing network as is common in the industry, the company can provide more availability and better pricing options, including 218 additional one-way priced aircraft nationwide, along with its Best Price Guarantee for every flight.

“The combination of our aircraft availability, our long term expert team and our service level is growing our repeat business,” said New Flight Charters president Rick Colson.  “We continue to gain business from experienced charter fliers and jet card holders who try us, like the service, and come back.  Without a large deposit or financial commitment to us up front, we have to earn every single charter.  It keeps you on your toes, and not surprisingly our clients like that.”  The company was top rated in a previous industry survey.

The one-of-a-kind air charter company features an acclaimed six-member charter service team with a cumulative 48 years in air charter, 49 years FAA-certified experience, 99 years executive management experience, 17,400 hours pilot-in-command, and includes private and commercial pilots and retired law enforcement.

About New Flight Charters

Since 2004 New Flight Charters has arranged private domestic and international flights with top-rated operator aircraft at leading jet charter quotes, along with its Best Price Guarantee, industry empty legs list, and a perfect safety history.  Extensive client and industry reviews are available on the New Flight Charters website.  As a registered U.S. government contractor, and named to the Inc. 500 fastest growing list four consecutive years, the jet charter company serves a wide variety of clientele including Fortune 500 companies, government heads of state, presidential campaigns, entertainment icons, private families and entrepreneurs.

For charter quotes, information or the latest updates, call (800) 732-1653 or visit NewFlightCharters.com nationwide or new specialty location Denver Jet Charter for Denver, Aspen and all Colorado private jet charters.

Source:  Marketwire News Release

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XOJET Announces 2015 Increases; 14% Program Sales, 4% Charter

On-Demand Private Jet Charter Company Exceeds Profitability Projections—

  • xojet41% increase in EBITDA—achieves highest core profitability in company history
  • 14% growth in new program sales and 10% increase in its partner fleet business
  • The San Francisco-based company celebrated its 10 year anniversary in January
  • XOJET will substantially increase reinvestment back into the business, including aircraft cabin refurbishment, office expansions in New York and Southern California and investments in its pilot, client service and advisor workforce

COMPANY PRESS RELEASE (January 27, 2016) – XOJET, Inc., a leader in private jet charter services, announced today that it achieved record results, delivering a 41% increase in EBITDA and a 14% increase in new program sales. XOJET’s on-demand charter model continues to gain momentum as the smart alternative to jet cards and fractional ownership. XOJET was the first to pioneer the on-demand, dynamic pricing model in the private aviation sector, and this month celebrates 10 years of putting passengers first. Now the largest on-demand charter provider in the industry, XOJET continues to gain market share, with retail charter sales up 4% and its partner fleet business up 10% overall. Operational efficiency gains, including fuel savings, drove substantial profitability and margin improvements.

All XOJet aircraft are available in the one-way pricing – Floating Fleets section of FlightList PRO.

“The success of the company this year, and over the past 10 years, comes down to our culture of obsessive client service and dedication to continuous improvement. The market has responded and our company is healthier and more stable than at any point in its history,” said Brad Stewart, chief executive officer of XOJET. “We foresee another 10 years and more of bringing the best that private aviation has to offer to our clients.”

XOJET continued to expand its lifestyle offerings throughout 2015, with the addition of key partners in sports and hospitality. New partners include the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors and IfOnly, a San Francisco-based concierge services firm. The company also continued to invest in established relationships with Yellowstone Club/Discovery Land Company, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Butterfield & Robinson, a luxury travel and adventure company, and Gavin de Becker & Associates, a private security firm.

Looking to the year ahead, XOJET will refine its product portfolio with a new and improved Elite Access program, offering guaranteed access to its core fleet and select partner fleets with as little as 12 hours’ notice. With enterprise clients in high technology, media and finance, the company is investing in its enterprise sales capabilities and finding new and innovative ways to serve the needs of today’s business flyers. This includes expansion of its sales offices and aviation advisor teams in New York, the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. The company also plans to invest in its digital capabilities, both in the user experience and supporting systems, which will make planning and booking flights even easier. “Technology is enabling us to deliver a high touch experience for our clients: in the way we communicate, engage and take care of their needs,” said Shari Jones, chief marketing officer of XOJET.

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First Legacy 450 Midsize Jet For Charter in the US, One of Two Worldwide

Orlando-based Legacy 450 operated by Solairus Aviation

The first embraer Legacy 450 midsize jet on Part-135 certificate in the US, is based at MCO Orlando International Airport and operated by Solairus Aviation.   The 2015 Legacy 450 with WiFi internet and coast to coast range is currently available for charter, and one of only two 450’s available for charter worldwide – the other based in Brussels, Belgium by operator ASL.

Solairus Aviation Legacy 450 Amenities Include:

All 27 Solairus Aviation charter aircraft nationwide are available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

  • WiFi Enabled
  • Seating for up to 7 Passengers
  • Forward Full Service Galley
  • DVD/CD/Blu-Ray Player
  • Espresso Machine

Performance*

  • Range (statute miles): 3,337
  • Cruising Speed (mph): 530

Specifications

  • Cabin Height: 6ft
    Width 6.83ft, Length 24ft
  • Baggage – Interior: 150 cu. ft

Solairus Aviation is an ARG/US Platinum, Wyvern Wingman rated operator, also ISBAO-registered.  The Legacy 450 joins a very diverse Solairus charter fleet of 27 aircraft based nationwide, ranging from the King Air B200 executive turboprop to the Global Express XRS and Gulfstream G650 ultra long range jets.

Cabin of the Legacy 450 for charter by Solairus Aviation

Cabin of the Orlando-based Legacy 450 operated by Solairus Aviation

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Delta Private Jets Reports Record Charter Sales For 2015, 3rd Largest Operator

Delta Private Jets CharterDelta Private Jets is calling 2015 a record year for revenue and jet card and charter sales.
It also reported 34% growth in its managed aircraft fleet last year.

“We started the year with 53 aircraft on our certificate, which grew to 72 by year’s end,” said David Sneed, Delta Private Jets executive vice president and chief operating officer. “This allowed DPJ to become the third largest Part 135 operator in the country in terms of fleet size.”

All 72 Delta Private Jets are available in FlightList PRO.

New jet card sales rose 31% in 2015 when compared to 2014. In addition, “our charter sales were extremely strong as well, with revenue up 56% over the previous year,” Sneed said.

Last year, the company upgraded its private jet travel program, which allowed Medallion status passengers traveling on select Delta Air Lines commercial flights the opportunity to upgrade their tickets to travel on a private jet operated by Delta Private Jets. The change gave potential customers the ability to experience private jet travel, it said.

In addition, Delta Private Jets Tech Service Center, a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, and its Delta Jet Center, the only fixed base operation at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, each experienced growth.

“I am proud of what we accomplished in 2015, and we are poised for more growth and innovation in 2016,” Sneed said. “We will continue to look for ways to better serve our customers with unique programs and travel solutions. This includes a focus on an enhanced inflight experience that goes beyond just Wi-Fi. We are committed to being the best at everything we do and the best in the industry.”

Delta Private Jets is a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, and provides aircraft charter, aircraft management and the Delta Private Jets Card. It operates Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Gulfstream and Hawker business jets.

Source:  AviationWeek

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Operators Guide; Flying To Super Bowl 50

Super Bowl 50 will take place on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Game time will be at 3:30 p.m. (PST). Due to the increased air traffic expected at area airports, and at Las Vegas Mc Carran International Airport (LAS), operators are encourgeed to review the following resources.

Courtesy NBAA operations guide for Super Bowl 50.

Ramp Reservations for California Airports

Note that there will not be an FAA slot-based Special Traffic Management Program (E-STMP) implemented for Super Bowl 50, However, ramp reservations will be required for both IFR/VFR arrivals and departures from Thursday, Feb. 4 through Monday, Feb. 8 at all San Francisco Bay, Napa Valley and Monterey Peninsula-area airports. Please note, reservations will also be required for “drop and go” operations. Ramp reservations can be obtained through your FBO.

The following airports will have requirements for ramp arrival and departure reservations.

Airport Location Identifier
San Francisco International San Francisco, CA SFO
Oakland International Oakland, CA OAK
Hayward Executive Hayward, CA HWD
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International San Jose, CA SJC
Livermore Municipal Livermore, CA LVK
Buchanan Field Concord, CA CCR
Napa County Napa, CA APC
Charles M. Schultz – Sonoma County Santa Rosa, CA STS
Monterey Regional Monterey, CA MRY
Watsonville Municipal Watsonville, CA WVI
Salinas Municipal Salinas, CA SNS
Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County San Jose, CA RHV
Moffett Federal Airfield Mountain View, CA NUQ
San Carlos Airport San Carlos, CA SQL
Hollister Municipal Hollister, CA CVH

Ramp Reservations Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)

Ramp reservations will be required through your FBO of choice at LAS. It is highly recommended that you obtain your ramp reservation as soon as possible as parking is limited. When contacting your LAS FBO, provide them with your scheduled arrival and departure time.

In addition, FAA ATC traffic management initiatives might be needed if air traffic demand exceeds the airport capacity. LAS capacity has been decreased due to a runway construction project. If a ground delay program is needed at LAS, an expected departure clearance time (EDCT) will be given to the flight operator by ATC. An ATC issued EDCT will take precedence over a ramp reservation. Please note, however, your ramp reservation will still be honored. Additional traffic management initiatives are possible for the Las Vegas area airports such as miles in trail, flow metering times and/or ground stops.

Ramp reservations are not required at Henderson Executive (HND) and North Las Vegas Airport (VGT), however, it is highly recommended that flight operators contact the FBO at HND or VGT in advance to provide operational details.

Route Requirements

Arrival Route Requirements

Dates and times differ based on destination airport.

Departure Route Requirements

Sunday, Feb. 7, 5 p.m. (PST) (0100z) through Monday, Feb. 8, 8 p.m. (PST) (09/0400z)

Due to the expected heavy volume of departures, users must file specific routes from Feb. 7, 5 p.m. (PST) through Feb. 8, 8 p.m. (PST) (08/0100z to 09/0400z). These routes will be specific to airport of origin and direction of flight and/or destination. These routes can be found in the FAA special traffic management procedures NOTAMs.

Airport Specific NOTAMs

Review the traffic management procedures, including arrival and departure route requirements, for the airports below:

Temporary Flight Restrictions

FDC NOTAM 6/6446 has been released for the San Jose, CA area in relation to Super Bowl 50 on February 07, 2016.

A 10 nautical mile TFR ring centered on Levi’s Stadium (or the SJC306003.0) prohibits GA operations at the following airports from 1400 local (2200z) until 2359 local (08/0759z) on Feb. 7, 2016.

  • Norman Mineta San Jose International (SJC)
  • Moffett Federal Airport (NUQ)
  • Palo Alto Airport (PAO)
  • Reid-Hillview Airport San Jose (RHV)

A 32 nautical mile TFR ring centered on SJC306003.0 has additional restrictions between the 10 nautical mile and 32 nautical mile areas from 1400 local (2200z) until 2359 local (08/0759z) on Feb. 7, 2016.

Flight operations on an active IFR flight plan, squawking a discrete transponder code and talking to ATC will be allowed to operate between the 10nm and 32nm rings.

The NOTAM details can be found on the FAA TFR NOTAM web page.

Air Traffic Management Initiatives

FAA ATC Air Traffic Management Initiatives can be expected throughout the week and may include the following:

  • Ground Delay Programs
  • Airspace Flow Programs
  • Collaborative Trajectory Options Program
  • Time Based Metering
  • Miles in Trail
  • Airborne Holding
  • Ground Stops

Filing Flight Plans Early

Operators flying to San Francisco-area airports through Feb. 8 should make sure their flight plans have been submitted through a CDM-participating flight plan service provider or flight planning tool ​​the night before operation. These providers include Fltplan.com​, Rockwell Collins/ARINC Direct, Universal, Jeppesen and others​. ​Doing so will ensure that flight plan information is known to FAA before potential ground delay programs are implemented. This is especially the case for operators flying to SFO, OAK and SJC due to the possibility of programs into those airports. If flight plans are filed after a ground delay program has been implemented, it is likely operators will see excessive delays.

Airfiles and Destination Changes

Traffic management initiatives for this event are designed to provide equitable airspace access. To maintain program integrity and minimize delays, no airborne IFR filing or airborne changes of destination will be allowed within 200nm of Northern California TRACON Terminal airspace, except in emergency situations. Duplicate flight plans (same time/call sign) to multiple airport destinations are subject to removal from the system.

Source:  NBAA National Businesss Aviation Associaion

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New 2015 Phenom 300 Added to Charter Based Baltimore MD

Grandview Aviation charterGrandview Aviation has added a new 2015 Embraer Phenom 300 light jet to its charter fleet based at KMTN Martin State Airport in Baltimore, MD.  The aircraft carries up to 9 passengers 500 mph and has a range of up to 2,000 miles.  Grandview has two Phenom 300’s now and plans to continue growing its fleet with new aircraft.  The Phenom 300’s are operated by fellow Baltimore company Executive Flight Solutions, Inc.

The 2015 Phenom 300 is available for charter only in FlightList PRO.

GrandView Aviation's new 2015 Embraer Phenom 300 for charter

GrandView Aviation’s new 2015 Embraer Phenom 300 for charter

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New Operator And Three Gulfstream Jets In South Florida

Avid AirAvid Air is now operating from KPBI West Palm Beach Airport under Part 135 certificate STZA018I by FS Air Service Inc.   Avid manages and operates – new to charter – three Gulfstream III large cabin jets.  The G-III  aircraft offer ample room for up to 12 passengers, with a spacious interior and berthing/sleeping arrangements for 4. Amenities such as power outlets and an in-flight phone allow for global connectivity while in flight.  This brings the number of Gulfstream III aircraft based in South Florida for charter to 7, according to prominent charter consultant and brokerage New Flight Charters, between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach airports.  Avid Air also offers aircraft management and other aviation services.

Avid Air and full fleet information is available in FlightList PRO.

Avid Air Gulfstream III fleet for charter based KPBI West Palm Beach, Florida

GIII interiorAvid Air Gulfstream III fleet for charter based KPBI West Palm Beach, Florida

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Travel Management CO Acquired by XOJet Stakeholder TPG Growth

Courtesy AIN Online, 1/7/16
San Francisco-based capital equity firm TPG Growth confirmed today that it signed a definitive agreement on December 30 to acquire Travel Management Co. (TMC Jets), an on-demand aircraft charter firm in Elkhart, Ind.TPG Growth, which also owns a stake in private jet membership firm XOJet, is acquiring TMC Jets for an undisclosed amount from founder Pete Liegl, who formed the company in 2006. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter.

In February 2013, XOJet and TMC Jets announced a commercial partnership, though they have remained—and under the new ownership structure will continue to remain—separate entities, according to TMC president Scott Wise. In fact, he stressed TMC will continue to be “neutral” and work with leading broker distribution partners such as Apollo Jets, Sentient Jet, EJM/NetJets and XOJet.

Accordng to TPG Growth, the investment in TMC Jets as “an opportunity to further broaden its presence in private aviation, an industry that has seen multiple years of growth and improving sector dynamics.” TPGindicated that it plans to provide more capital for further investment in TMC, which could further expand its aircraft fleet.

TMC currently operates 68 wholly owned aircraft, including 36 Hawker 400XPs, 29 Hawker 800XPs, two Challenger 604s and a King Air 200. It also has an outstanding order with Nextant Aerospace to convert its Hawker 400XPs to 400XTis. These conversions are currently on hold, Wise told AIN, but could move forward “at a later date.” He said there is a solid business case to add more Challenger 604s to the fleet.

“TPG is thrilled to partner with Scott Wise, Scott Henely and the entire TMC Jet team,” commented TPG Growth managing partner Bill McGlashan. “TMC Jets has established its reputation and industry-leading position as the light and mid jet operator of choice to its brokering partners. We are excited to support and enable TMC‘s growth and development going forward.”

TMC Jets Hawker 400XP and 800XP
Capital equity firm TPG Growth is acquiring Travel Management Co. (TMC Jets), an Elkhart, Ind.-based on-demand aircraft charter firm that has 65 wholly owned Hawker 400XPs and 800XPs. Its fleet also includes two Challenger 604s and a King Air 200. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter. (Photo: Travel Management Company)
Courtesy Aviation International News, AIN Online
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Operator FlightWorks Adds 4 Mid & Heavy Jets – Only in FlightList PRO

flightworksCharter operator FlightWorks, Inc., based in Kennesaw, Georgia outside Atlanta, and the Southeast’s largest on-demand private air charter operator, has experienced records growth of its charter fleet in 2015.  The recent additions of a Hawker 800XP, Gulfstream 200, Challenger 601 and Falcon top off a great fourth quarter of fleet growth.

Atlanta jet charter flightworksThe new additions are based in strategic locations that will help to broaden our charter services, including the greater Boston area, Atlanta, Washington DC, and Miami.   Selective charter clientele demand modern amenities such as Gogo High Speed Internet and connected cabin entertainment systems, and these aircraft deliver on those needs.

“Our message is resonating with aircraft owners” said Dan Lucey, President of FlightWorks.  Lucey went on to add “transparency, managing the aircraft to preserve long-term value, and delivering on the individual goals of each aircraft owner is the core of our value statement, and the ability to execute on that promise has led to this outstanding growth of our fleet”.

FlightWorks’ full fleet of 16 passenger charter jets are listed only in FlightList PRO, at least 4 jets more than any other service.

The aircraft will be available for on demand charter and as part of FlightPASS®, FlightWorks innovative family of jet card programs.  Business today demands efficiency and private air charter can eliminate long check-in lines, security wait times, mechanical delays and more.  As a result, FlightWorks is seeing increased use of private charter as a way to streamline time-consuming commercial travel.

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Etihad Airways And Private Jet Charter Company Victor Announce Partnership

VictorEtihad Airways has announced a new partnership with private jet charter broker Victor, to complement and promote its exclusive The Residence and First Apartment cabins, both available on the airline’s Airbus A380 fleet. The partnership also allows customers the ultimate convenience of chartering a seamless private aircraft connection to or from their international A380 flights.

Read full article with information and comments from Victor as well as Etihad Airways, online Albawaba Business.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways

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VolJet: Creating An Online Booking System For Private Jet Charters

The idea of creating a technology enabled marketplace is one of the biggest trends among startups today. However, how does that work for something like the highly fragmented, negotiation heavy business of charter jets? Los Angeles-based VolJet (www.voljet.com) is looking to solve that puzzle, with its online system for booking charter jets, just as you would a commercial flight. We caught up with CEO Susan Sloan to learn more.

Story by Benjamin F. Kuo, from Socaltech.com, 12/7/15

What is VolJet?

Susan Sloan: It’s very similar to a commercial, online booking system, like Expedia.com. It’s very user friendly, and will be a familiar experience to users. You go on to the site, put your city paris in, and you get back several results. You can also get commercial results for commercial bookings. We’re the only system for private jets, which also offers up commercial airline operations as well. Once you go in, you have several options, from taking a commercial airline, to chartering your own jet, joining another charter, and even opening up your own charter to share with others, if you don’t mind sharing with one or two other people.

Who are your customers?

Susan Sloan: The market segment that we are going after, is the market that pays full fare first class, but has never chartered a jet before. If you have ever tried to charter a jet, it’s a real hassle, and it’s very negotiation intensive. You never get a “buy now” price. All of our pricing is buy now, and the price you see is the price you pay, versus many of the extras you have to pay for when you charter your own jet normally. There’s no negotiation, no haggling, no back and forth. The current system is very labor intensive, in that you’ll call someone for a quote, and they call you back maybe 24 hours later, and you have to go back and forth several times. With our service, it’s very simple, you don’t have to self identify until you book a flight. You can go onto our site, cruise around the site, and only when you decide to book a trip do you have to put in your credit card information and name. It’s also non-membership, so you don’t have to pay thousands of dollars to get access to information on the site or to book a flight.

What’s your background?

Susan Sloan: I’m a mechanical engineer, and have been in aerospace for 35 years as an executive. I’m also a private pilot. My other founder also is a private pilot. I had been flying private jets, and I realized they were going one leg of the flight back empty. That’s not good for the environment, it’s not goo for the jet, and it’s not good for the customer, or the industry. There are three of us, and my co-founder, Rabe, and I decide there has to be a business here. Plus, we thought it shouldn’t be so hard to charter a jet. That’s how we created this thing.

What areas can people book flights to?

Susan Sloan: It’s all of the U.S. We have our own database we’ve created of 921 airports, and we have created algorithms to make sure the right aircraft is being used for the right city pair and distance. Also, each of the airports have different runway lengths, and offer different services at those airports. Right now, we’re in the U.S. Only, but we’re looking at Europe for our next launch, probably by the end of next year.

The market for charter flights is very fragmented, and there are a lot of charter operators – how have they reacted to your service?

Susan Sloan: It’s been a great benefit to charter operators. Our idea is to be a win-win-win for all around. It’s got to be a win for the customer in terms of ease of booking and saving time, and we want to be a win for operators, by bringing them more revenue and filling more planes. It’s also a win for the industry. The aviation industry is a great industry, and we want to make sure it has a good growth trajectory. On our site, operators have their own portal. There’s both a customer portal, and an operator portal, where they can sign up. They don’t have to pay a membership. Those operators can see all of the groups requesting flights, and where they want to go, what their revenue will be with taxes and everything split out, and they can select a group and assign a plane. That approach is 180 degrees from everyone else. It’s on our tagline, we are bringing people to planes, rather than planes to people. We’re trying to get those empty legs filled. We have a patent pending on our system and methodology, which is definitely unique.

What’s the hardest part of making this business work?

Susan Sloan: It takes time. It takes time to actually get the system perfect and right, with all of that programming. We have several programmers on board who are working on that. It takes a lot of tenacity, you can’t give up. Obviously, we love this business, we love aviation, we love traveling, and we love flying. If we didn’t have that, we would have given up. It’s been a long road, but it’s pretty exciting as we’ve launched and are now getting good feedback.

Finally, what are the next steps for you?

Susan Sloan: Our next step, is to really ramp up the number of flights, and get the word out about VolJet.

Full article and interview in SoCalTech.com here.

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Regal Wings Announces New Private Jet Charter Division

Regal WingsRegal Wings Press Release 12/3/15
SOURCE Regal Wings

Since its inception over ten years ago, Regal Wings has earned a well-deserved reputation as an award winning luxury travel firm which specializes in first and business class ticketing, one satisfied client at a time. With our over the top customer service and the ability to access unpublished fares at the lowest possible prices, we have caught attention from A-list companies and high profile celebrities alike, as well as accolades from Inc. Magazine, Frommers, and Crain’s New York Business.

In our never ending quest to provide the highest possible level of service, we have launched an elite Private Jet Charter division which takes our legendary personal attention and unbeatable fares to new heights. As private aviation specialists we have secured relationships with major private jet operators in the United States, and our strong buying power gives us access to the quality fares that are not available anywhere else.

Regal Wings is proud to announce that we have joined forces for this launch with Steven Kramer who is the founder and CEO of Oceans Capital. Steven brings his boundless expertise of the private jet industry to our new business jets division, and under his watch we will bring an unparalleled experience. Our talented team will serve each client to ensure that every aspect of their journey whether it is domestic or international will meet the unsurpassed Regal standards, and that every jet carries the highest of safety ratings.

“We invite you to fly with our new private aviation team to have us take you to the loftiest of heights,” said Regal Wings CEO Eli Ostreicher. “We are completely confident that with our world class customer service and industry leading rates, that once you embark with us you will never journey with anybody else.”

SOURCE Regal Wings

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Charter Operator Re-Launches With Two King Air 350i Turboprops

King Air 350i charter with Francis Aviation, El Paso Texas

King Air 350i charter with Francis Aviation, El Paso Texas

Francis Aviation announces the re-launch of its charter flight service with two new King Air 35i 9-passenger turboprops.   Francis also operates a King Air 200.

Francis Aviation charter fleet found only in FlightList PRO“Francis Aviation is proud to announce the re-launch of our charter services.  We recently purchased two new King Air 350i aircraft,” said Andre.  “These are the latest state-of-the-art aircraft, and we are offering on-demand services for the most reliable option in business, individual and group travel.”

A fixed-base operator (FBO) service in New Mexico with locations at both the Las Cruces International Airport and near El Paso, TX at the Santa Teresa International Jetport.  Francis Aviation is headed by Scott Andre, who was named President of the company in March of this year.  The charter flight service is located in Santa Teresa, a suburb of El Paso.
Francis-AviationThe new aircraft comfortably hold nine people and can travel distances up to 1,800 miles without refueling.  Luxurious leather seats and both in-cabin and personal in-flight entertainment systems are standard, and passengers have full control of lighting and climate.

Prior to departure, passengers have the option of pre-ordering from an extensive catering menu and loading up on refreshments provided by the staff at the Francis Aviation terminal in Santa Teresa.

Francis Aviation hosted a grand opening event inside the airport’s hanger in Santa Teresa.  Guests toured the facilities and learned more about the aircraft and the benefits of charter services.

“There is a long list of advantages to flying charter versus commercial.  Most importantly, the client is the decision-maker,” explains Andre.  “They get to decide where to go, when to go, and who they want to take with them.”

FAIR_067

King Air 350i cabin features double-club seating for 8.

 

 

 

 

 

Article in El Paso Herald-Post

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Announcing Mid & Heavy Jet Charter Operator In Northeast

Dumont Aviation logoAnnouncing charter operator Dumont Aircraft Charter and it’s fleet of 4 midsize and heavy jets based in the Northeast US.  It’s parent, Dumont Aviation was founded in January 2013, however its predecessor companies Elcorta and MX Jet Services have a history at the New Castle Airport in Delaware (KILG) going back to 1974.

Challenger Hawker ChartersThe company now serves customers worldwide from six facilities, offering a growing suite of aviation products and services.   The comany specializes in aircraft sales, aircraft charter, aircraft management, aircraft maintenance and aircraft part sales.

Now available for charter Dumont Aircraft Charter operates two Challenger 601 and two Hawker 800A aircraft.

Dumont is also the owner and marketing agent of seven aircraft currently on the Lyon Aviation certificate where they plan to remain.  These include four Falcon 50 super-midsize jets and three Hawker 800A midsize jets.

Witha refurbished interior and fresh paint in 2015 this Challenger 601 is now operated for charter by Dumont Aircraft Charter

With a refurbished interior and fresh paint in 2015 this Challenger 601 is now for charter by Dumont Aircraft Charter

Dumont Aircraft Charter Challenger 601 exterior

Dumont Aircraft Charter Challenger 601 exterior

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Click2Jet Launches Site for Booking Private Jet Charters

Click2Jet.com Platform Streamlines Operator Quoting Process, Eliminates Broker Mark-up; Gives Charter Users Direct Access to Best Priced Jet Charters

Click2Jet, a California web start-up that connects charter users directly with charter operators in the fast growing on-demand jet charter market segment, announced November 6 the rollout of service in its Los Angeles and San Francisco launch markets via this company press release.

Click2Jet contracts with charter operators to offer a lower-priced, real time search and booking alternative to quote-based broker mark-up models that have historically driven the charter market.

click2jet charter california“We believe that Click2Jet represents a truly unique market offering in that we have eliminated the traditional middleman to the advantage of both charter users and charter operators,” said John Andruilli, Jr., Click2Jet Founder and Managing Partner. “We contract directly with premier charter operators, like Clay Lacy Aviation & Dreamline Aviation, to offer their aircraft at predetermined prices on the highest demand charter routes from our hub cities. Our operators upload pricing, inventory, and fleet information directly to our platform.”

Headquartered in Carpinteria, California. Click2Jet operator partners include Clay Lacy Aviation, Dreamline Aviation, Sun Air Jets, Global Exec Aviation, Paragon Airways, and MACAIR

Click2Jet.com provides immediate search results similar to traditional online travel sites, but in a departure from other web and app-based private charter companies, Click2Jet’s optimized search results represent the actual price for a specific aircraft flying a specific route from one of Click2Jet’s operator partners. Andruilli noted that many competitors generate quotes based on aggregated marketplace data as the basis for their search function. “The Click2Jet model is direct and transparent. We’re not accessing general data about the 7,000 jets parked around the world, creating quotes and then going back and forth trying to meet a members’ search request.”

Lower charter prices are the result of a more efficient operator quoting process and the absence of a broker mark up, said Andruilli. “At Click2Jet, we’ve developed the platform and partnerships to create a sustainable business that will help grow the on-demand segment with a direct, streamlined booking process providing charter users with more transparency and less frustration in their efforts to book private air charter.”

About Click2Jet

Headquartered in Carpinteria, California. Click2Jet operator partners include Clay Lacy Aviation, Dreamline Aviation, Sun Air Jets, Global Exec Aviation, Paragon Airways, and MACAIR. Expansion to charter hubs across the U.S. will follow the west coast rollout. Operator and investor inquiries are welcome. Please visit www.click2jet.com.

Press Release Nov. 6 2015, CARPINTERIA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)

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Charter Jet App Launches Houston-Dallas Flights

By , Reporter- Houston Business Journal, 11/3/15

A new private jet service based out of Florida is expanding its operations to Houston with a regular flight to and from Dallas.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based JetSmarter Inc. operates a global network of 3,200 aircraft in 170 countries. The company is focusing on the Dallas-to-Houston route because of the high volume of daily travelers between the cities, said CEO Sergey Petrossov.

Jetsmarter

Sergey Petrossov, CEO of JetSmarter Inc., which just launched a regular flight to and from Dallas.

JetSmarter charges an annual fee of $9,000 to be a member. From there, members get access to regularly scheduled shuttle flights from market to market, like the one from Houston to Dallas. In addition, if the regularly scheduled flights don’t work, members are able to create an entirely new flight — for the up-front cost of $1,900, which includes access to four guaranteed seats. Members do have the ability to charter an entire jet for themselves, as well.

The flight to Dallas departs from Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport on Tuesdays at 7 a.m., with a return flight to Houston at 8:30 a.m. On Thursdays, JetSmarter flies out of Hobby at 6 p.m., with a return flight at 7:30 p.m.

The service works through a smartphone app, where members can look at flight availability and create a new flight, entirely from their smartphone.

For now, the JetShuttle flights from Houston only fly to Dallas, but sometime in 2016, the company expects to have more flights to and from other Texas destinations as well as outside the state, Petrossov said.

“Consumers hate travel because of the airport experience. It’s not fun like the golden age,” Petrossov said. “What we’re trying to do is bring aviation back to the elevated experience where it’s fun and exciting.”

In July, Dallas-based Rise announced daily flights to and from Dallas, as well.

Article at Houston Business Journal

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Blue Star Jets Enters Partnership with Luxury New York Development

By Kristin Tablang , Forbes staff

111 Murray Street is now on the rise in Manhattan’s Tribeca.

111 Murray Street is now on the rise in Manhattan’s Tribeca.

The sculptural tower now underway at 111 Murray Street might be planned to top off at 792 feet—but for the high-end building’s soon-to-be residents, the sky’s the limit.

Pioneering the next generation of luxury living, the project’s developers—Fisher Brothers, Witkoff, and New Valley—have entered a first-of-its-kind partnership with Blue Star Jets, offering tenants of the up-and-coming development exclusive access to private aircraft, car services, and hotels across the globe courtesy of Blue Star’s 25 Hour Sky Card program.

Residents of the development will receive 10-20% discounts on jet memberships

The newfangled amenity will allow residents to book custom travel arrangements within as few as four hours no matter the reason or desired destination—whether it be a spontaneous holiday in the Hamptons, or business trip to Shanghai. A single call to the building’s concierge will put residents in direct contact with a personal flight director, to whom they may relay bespoke travel plans (including any personal food, beverage, and in-flight entertainment requests).

Private Jet Charter New York

111 Murray Street residents will be able to book travel arrangements at the touch of a button, courtesy of Blue Star Jets.

“We have made it our mission to provide the residents of 111 Murray Street with thoughtful, meaningful, and one-of-a-kind amenities, and our strategic partnership is the result of a very deep understanding of our clients’ personal and professional needs,” says Fisher Brothers partner Winston Fisher, who notes that buyers—many of whom own second and third homes all over the world—frequently depend on air travel for both business and pleasure.

Sky Card holders will benefit from lower rates at resorts and villas all over the globe

“Blue Star Jets offers a truly unique and comprehensive menu of services that cater to our very discerning buyers,” says Steve Witkoff, chairman and CEO of Witkoff. “Its worldwide access to fleets of private jets and helicopters is on-par with the level of luxury we are providing at 111 Murray Street.” Indeed, the New York-based company boasts access to over 5,000 aircraft worldwide, from a Eurocopter capable of transporting up to six passengers, to an A380 jumbo jet fit to accommodate over 50.

Residents of the development will receive a 10% discount on Blue Star’s light and medium jet memberships (which normally cost $125,000 and $188,000, respectively), and 20% off super-medium and heavy jet memberships (which typically cost $300,000). Astar helicopter memberships will also be available for $30,000.

Gulfstream 550 charter

For 25 hours, 111 Murray Street residents can charter the Gulfstream 550, one of Blue Star’s heavy jets, for $250,000.

In addition, denizen Sky Card holders will benefit from lower rates at resorts and villas all over the globe, including the Fisher Island Club, One&Only Resorts, and Quasar Expeditions. Preferred pricing will also apply to auto and yacht services via Denison Yacht Sales, Gotham Dream Cars, Northrop & Johnson, and International Yachtsman (to name a few).

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Fisher family, Steve Witkoff, and Howard Lorber, whose commitment to building the best in luxury residential development is unparalleled,” says Todd Rome, founder and CEO of Blue Star Jets. “111 Murray Street will be the premier downtown address, and we are honored to be part of this exciting new project.”

Nestled in Manhattan’s Tribeca, the pending residential skyscraper—which broke ground in July—is the joint masterpiece of four of the most renowned names in the architectural realm: Kohn Pedersen Fox, who drafted the 64-floor structure’s distinct flared physique; MR Architecture + Decor founder David Mann, who designed the residences’ modern interiors; Edmund Hollander, who developed the landscape plaza and resident garden; and David Rockwell, who conceptualized the building’s 20,000 square feet of luxury amenity spaces (which include a tearoom, patisserie, Turkish bath, and fitness center with a 75-foot lap pool).

Since sales launched last June, over 50% of the building’s 157 condominiums—spanning one- to five-bedrooms—have already been sold, with the 10 units presently available for purchase ranging from a 791-square-foot one-bedroom home on the eighth floor asking $2.025 million, to a 3,366-square-foot four-bedroom spread on the 54th floor listed at $15.15 million. Yet to be offered are the tower’s two full-floor penthouses, which will each be priced north of $17.5 million.

View article at Forbes.com

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17-Passenger Gulfstream-V New to Charter, Based TEB

Now available for charter and based at TEB Teterboro, NJ, operator Talon Air has added a 17-passenger Guflstream V to their charter certificate.

Gulfstream V cabin layout seating up to 17 passengers, operated by Talon Air and based at TEB Teterboro, NJ.

Gulfstream V cabin layout seating up to 17 passengers, operated by Talon Air and based at TEB Teterboro, NJ.

Listed only in FlightList PRO, Talon’s G-V boasts one of the largest cabins in its class allowing up to seventeen passengers to work productively and up to seven passengers to stretch out and sleep comfortably.  Talon’s Gulfstream V is equipped with high speed Go-Go Internet connectivity, Apple airPlay with two oversize LCD monitors, a full serivce galley with oven and jet charter new yorkmicrowave, enclosed lavatory, divan and conference table.

Talon Air boasts a charter fleet of 18 aircraft, all based in the New York and Boston metro areas.  With over a decade of operational experience and one of the largest charter fleets on the east coast, Talon touts the top auditor safety ratings; ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman and IS-BAO Certified.

With the addition of Talon’s G-V based Teterboro, there are now 9 Gulfstream V or 550’s from 8 different operators available for charter in the greater New York City area.

 

 

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