Tag Archives: Air Charter News

Operator Meridian Names Chris Battaglia Director of Charter Sales

Charter operator and private aviation company Meridian, based at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ, is pleased to announce that Chris Battaglia has been named Director of Charter Sales, according to a release from the company. Mr. Battaglia is a business aviation veteran with thirteen years of charter sales experience, six years of financial management experience, and is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Mr. Battaglia will be responsible for executing the long-term sales strategy of Meridian Air Charter, managing the daily operations of charter sales, and developing the West Coast charter business, which will be based at Hayward Executive Airport (HWD) in Hayward, CA, once the FBO and hangar facilities are completed in 2016.

Chris began his aviation career in 2002 with TAG Aviation starting as a Charter Services Representative. Over the years, he was promoted to roles of increasing responsibility, until he left the company as Director of Charter Services. In 2009, he continued his aviation career at TWC Aviation, where he was eventually promoted to VP of Charter Sales. He was responsible for all charter activities in both the wholesale and retail sales areas, while managing a large team of charter sales directors and representatives.

Dennis O’Connell, President of Meridian Air Charter, had this to say, “Chris brings a wealth of charter experience and knowledge to our company. He is joining us during an exciting period of growth as we continue to expand our fleet and build our operation in California. We are looking forward to him helping us get to the next level, and we are very happy to have him on our team.”

All 22 Meridian charter aircraft are available only in FlightList PRO.

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Texas’ All-you-can-fly Rise Adds More to Fly

Rise, a Dallas-based all-you-can-fly membership charter service, expanded its Beechcraft King Air 350 service to the entire Texas Triangle this week by adding eight more scheduled flights between Houston and Austin. It started service with the eight-passenger turboprop twin last month on the Dallas-Houston and Dallas-Austin routes.

The Rise-branded King Air is operated by Monarch Air, a Part 135 charter operator based at Dallas’ Addison Airport.

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

Rise King Air 200, flight service is operated by FAA Part 135 charter operator Monarch Air

“It’s no coincidence that the ‘Texas Triangle’ is the starting point for Rise to create a new standard for business travel,” said Rise CEO Nick Kennedy. “There’s never been anything quite like Rise in Texas, and we’re seeing in real time what happens when you take the stress out of air travel and give people huge chunks of time back in their lives.”

Rise memberships, which start at $1,650 per month, are available in Houston, Austin, Midland and Dallas. The company offers three levels of individual memberships for its all-you-can fly model. It plans to offer “Rise Fun Flights” to Austin, Texas; Vail, Colo.; and other destinations on weekends.

Rise King Air 200 Cabin for flight service between Dallas, Houston, Austin and Midland Texas

Rise King Air 200 Cabin for flight service between Dallas, Houston, Austin and Midland Texas

Article Courtesy AINOnline.com

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Air Partner Acquires Bains Simmons, Adds Aviation Safety Consulting to Services

Air Partner plc, the air charter brokerage and global aviation services group, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Baines Simmons Limited, a world leading Aviation Safety Consultant for a total net cash consideration of up to £6.0 million.

Founded in 2001, Baines Simmons is a trusted consultant and adviser to more than 750 aviation organizations and more than 40 aviation authorities and has helped develop the skills and expertise of more than 120,000 aviation professionals.

The business has grown to be recognized as a leading authority in Aviation Safety Consultancy, specializing in aviation regulation, compliance and safety management, advising clients across civil and military markets such as KLM, SAS, Thomas Cook, Thomson, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, The Isle of Man Government, BAE Systems, MoD, Rolls Royce, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Airbus, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA).

The reputation of the Baines Simmons brand and the expertise of its employees within the aviation sector are key elements which should enable the business to help shape the evolving safety requirements in the industry and in particular, the sub-sectors of aviation regulation, compliance and safety management performance. Baines Simmons will provide Air Partner with the opportunity to extend the Group’s service and product capabilities which will complement and enhance its existing brokering business.

The acquisition reiterates Air Partner’s commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards in aviation safety. Baines Simmons brings with it an unrivaled client list built on a solid foundation of expertise coupled with a strong and credible industry reputation.

Mark Briffa, Chief Executive of Air Partner, said: “The acquisition of Baines Simmons is an exciting step for Air Partner. We look forward to working with the team at Baines Simmons on a range of strategic and complimentary growth opportunities from new regulatory changes, busier skies, greater organisational complexities, geographic expansion and new performance products and services.”

Following acquisition, Baines Simmons will continue to be managed by its current executive team led by Managing Director, Andrew Parker and founders, Keven Baines and Bob Simmons.

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Flexjet Accelerates Deliveries of Gulfstream G450 to Meet Strong Market Demand

Flexjet is a holding of Directional Aviation, along with Sentient Jet, Flight Options, Nextant Aerospace and several other private aviation holdings.

Flexjet LLC yesterday announced that it has accelerated deliveries of the Gulfstream G450™ business jet in response to heavy market demand. With the accelerated delivery schedule, six G450s will be flying in the Flexjet fleet by the end of this year, bolstering Flexjet’s ability to serve international routes nonstop.

“With the G450, G650 and other advanced new aircraft entering our fleet, we are well-positioned to meet the needs and expectations of today’s fractional fliers.”

Fexjet According to a release from Flexjet, the G450 is part of an order Flexjet placed in October 2014 for up to 50 aircraft, also including the G500™ and G650™, from Gulfstream’s iconic line of business jets. Through its close partnership with Gulfstream, Flexjet will closely monitor demand and collaborate with the manufacturer to accelerate deliveries and exercise any of the additional 26 options whenever possible.

“Since we took delivery of our first Gulfstream G450 aircraft in June, the response to these new long-range aircraft has been so robust that we have asked Gulfstream to move up delivery of our next two G450 aircraft to this fall, rather than mid-2016, as previously agreed to,” said Flexjet Chief Executive Officer Michael Silvestro. “Our sales for the year are up 20 percent and the marketplace clearly is hungry for extended-range products from Gulfstream. Stepping up our delivery schedule will help us to satisfy this appetite.”

Gulfstream G450

Flexjet Gulfstream G450

The entry into service of Flexjet’s version of the G450 positions Flexjet as the only fractional provider offering the newest and most advanced version of this aircraft, featuring the LXi cabin design and configuration. Capable of being configured to carry up to 16 passengers, the G450 can travel 4,350 nautical miles/8,056 kilometers with eight passengers, easily enabling nonstop trips from the U.S. to European and South American destinations. Fortune 500 corporations and other large business flyers, including flight departments in need of supplemental capacity, have shown the strongest interest in the G450.

Editor’s note – Currently 43 Gulfstream G450’s are available for charter in the US, with 22 different charter operators. All 43 are available and shown in air charter directory service FlightList PRO.

“In the fractional jet industry, you hear a lot about orders for new planes being delayed or cancelled – not accelerated. Not only have we had strong demand for the Gulfstream G450, but we also are seeing tremendous enthusiasm for the G650. We are pleased to be able to take delivery of the G650 early next year, making us the only fractional provider offering this aircraft,” said Chairman Kenn Ricci. “With the G450, G650 and other advanced new aircraft entering our fleet, we are well-positioned to meet the needs and expectations of today’s fractional fliers.”

Flexjet Gulfstream G450 Cabin

Flexjet Gulfstream G450 Cabin

In addition to the Gulfstream G450 and G650, Flexjet will be the North American launch customer, and exclusive fractional provider, for the Gulfstream G500 expected to be delivered in 2018. The G500 will offer the finest in speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency. Outfitted for 12 passengers, the G500 will be capable of flying 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 kilometers.

Gulfstream’s G450, G500 and G650 will become part of Flexjet’s LXi Cabin Collection, which also includes the Learjet 75, the Challenger 350, Bombardier’s Global Express aircraft and the Embraer Legacy 450 and Legacy 500.

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All Hail New Customs Office at VNY

Today at KVNY Van Nuys Airport a celebration was held for the return of customs service at the airport. It’s been 8 years since customs was removed from local airports and centralized only at LAX.

A new US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility opened two months ago as part of the Signature Flight Support west FBO. Signature paid around $225,000 to build the new customs addition which includes an interview room, inspection room, office space and security features. The celebration today was attended by many local officials, airport association officials and the President of Signature Flight Support.

Local air operators, pilots and aircraft owners are happy to see international clearances return to Van Nuys.

“The addition of CBP services at VNY will add significant convenience for travelers entering the United States from abroad,” said Curt Castagna, president of the Van Nuys Airport Association, an airport tenant organization that supported the launch of customs service. “Clients will be able to fly directly to VNY without an additional stop at another airport to clear customs.”

In addition to saving private jet travelers time and money, the service will benefit the environment by reducing emissions from repositioning flights and decreasing overall operations within the Los Angeles basin’s congested airspace. Although customs service is available at Los Angeles International Airport, regional general aviation airports have been without CBP service since 2007 when support was withdrawn.

Gina Marie Lindsey, Executive Director for Los Angeles World Airports said, “Having U.S. Customs and Border Protection Services at Van Nuys Airport is a great example of how local support can produce improved services at airports across the country. Working with our partners, Signature Flight Support and the Van Nuys Airport Association, Los Angeles’ business airport will now be even more appealing and convenient for international travelers.”

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2014 Accident Rates: Charter Decreased While Overall GA Increased

The National Transportation Safety Board released preliminary aviation accident statistics for 2014 showing a slight increase in fatal general aviation accidents, which increased from 222 in 2013 to 253 in 2014.

The overall number of general aviation accidents decreased slightly from 1,224 in 2013 to 1,221 in 2014. Despite reporting fewer accidents, the accident rate for general aviation aircraft increased from 6.26 per 100,000 flight hours in the previous year to 6.74 in 2014.

There were 28 accidents involving Part 121 operations (commercial air transport).

The number of accidents involving scheduled Part 135 (commuter) operations decreased from seven in 2013 to four in 2014.

“The On-demand Part 135 accident rate decreased from 1.30 per 100,000 flight hours in 2013 to 1.02 in 2014.”

On-demand Part 135 operations, which include charter, air taxi, air tour, and air medical flights, reported 35 accidents in 2014, down from 44 in 2013. The accident rate decreased from 1.30 per 100,000 flight hours in 2013 to 1.02 in 2014.

The 2014 statistical tables showing accidents, fatalities and accident rates for major segments of U.S. civil aviation can be found at: http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/data/Pages/Accident-data-review.aspx

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Allegiant Execs at Controls of Jet that Ran Low on Fuel

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

Photo: Eric Salard via Creative Commons

Photo: Eric Salard via Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flying Magazine Online Article

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Airnet Acquired by Kalitta Charters

Columbus Business First
By Evan Weese, August 4, 2015

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

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Columbus Business First

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Donald Trump’s Aircraft – Meet The Fleet

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump also owns a Cessna Citation X corporate jet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Operator Neptune Aviation Starts Scheduled Flights On Membership Basis

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

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

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

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

King Air B100 Charter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charter Flight Service Montana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Air charter broker Horizon

Luis Barros, Horizon Air Charter CEO

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

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

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

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

http://www.horizonaircharter.com

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Cessna/Beechcraft Moving Forward With New Single-Engine Turboprop

Textron Aviation which owns Cessna and Beechcraft among others announced last week it is moving forward on a new single-engine turboprop which appears to be aimed squarely at the Pilatus PC-12 market.

The goal is to have a range of 1,500 NM and fly at 280 kts with the ability to operate out of rough fields according to the Textron spokesperson. Before it’s acquisition by Textron, Beechcraft had plans in 2012 for a single-engine turboprop based on the composite Premier jet fuselage but ultimately did not have the funding at that time to pursue it.

Textron has resurrected those plans and is moving forward with a development team to bring it to market. A spokesperson at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, WI last week said they were planning to have something to show next year at this time.

Textron Beechcraft single engine turboprop

Beechcraft mock-up image of the proposed single-engine turboprop in 2012 based on the Premier jet fuselage. Image courtesy of AOPA News

“As a pilot and aircraft owner, and also as someone involved in the air charter market, this is exciting,” remarked Rick Colson, founder and president of New Flight Charters, a large nationwide leader with a wealth of experience in the charter market over the past 12 years. “The diminishing demand and market of piston twins is largely a result of the introduction and growth of more capable and reliable single-engine turboprops, albeit more costly as well. With a family of 5+ for example, the step up from single and twin engine pistons is steep but also are the gains in reliability, comfort and safety, not to mention performance.”

These gains combined with attractive costs comparative to other turboprops and light jets provide for a popular private charter aircraft choice as well.

Textron’s Cessna track record of speedy new product development and launches, along with the Beechcraft legacy King Air line up and support, clear the skies for a successful new aircraft and perhaps a new category leader.

The Pilatus PC-12 has climbed in popularity over the past 10 years and has taken considerable share of, and expanded, the turboprop market as one of the most popular turbine powered business aircraft. Having arguably the most reliable aircraft engine in the world in the Pratt & Whitney PT-6 lends confidence and supports the category-leading performance, capability and operating cost of the PC-12.

It was only a matter of time before a rival product joined the market. And the Textron/Cessna/Beechcraft family is perfectly positioned. Bring on the new addition, it’s exciting news on many fronts.

Source: New Flight Charters

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Charter Operator ExcelAire adds Joe Horowitz, VP Business Development

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

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

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

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

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

News Source: Hawthorne Global Aviation Services

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Delta To Offer Passenger Upgrades to Private Jet Fleet

From Bloomberg Business and Delta Airlines Press Release:

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

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

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

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

Delta Airlines Private Jets

Source: Delta Private Jets via Bloomberg

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

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

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

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

Read the full article in Bloomberg Business…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Announcing New Charter Operator Directory – Capabilities & Results

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

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

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

Air Charter Operator Directory

Air Charter Operator Directory & Sort Functions

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

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

Use the new charter operator directory here.

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

NBA Players Get Roomier Chartered Jets as Delta Air Adds Teams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See full article here…

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Charter Broker Unity Jets Article in Miami Herald

Unity Jets Emphasizes The Privacy of Private Aviation

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

Unity Jets Charter Broker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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JETdebit.com Launches New On-line Digital Jet Card

– Press Release –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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