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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.

Wheels Up Memberships Available From Costco

Costco Wholesale is now offering annual memberships to private flight membership program Wheels Up on Costco.com. Offered at $17,500.00 for an annual Core membership, the purchaser is awarded a bonus $3,500 Costco Cash Card E-Voucher, and a $4,000 flight credit.

Core Membership regular price for individuals is $17,500 annually and corporations $29,500 annually (annual dues starting second year are then $8,500 for individuals and $14,500 for corporations), plus a fixed hourly price for each hour flown – the cost per hour of getting on the King Air is $4,695 per hour, light jets are $5,795 per hour, midsize jets including the Citation Excel/XLS is $7,695 per hour and Super-midsize jets including their Citation X is $9,295 per hour according to a report from the private aviation industry resource.

By comparison charter rates for the King Air 350 average around $2,000 per hour in the US including fees and surcharges, and charter rates for light jets average around $4,600 per hour, the Citation Excel/XLS average $3,850 per hour round-trip and around $6,000 per hour one-way, according to Rick Colson, president of New Flight Charters, a nationwide leader with a best price guarantee on every flight. The Wheels Up program may be advantageous for those who (1) are frequent users – more than 150 hours per year to bring the total costs per hour down, and who (2) usually fly one-way flights or round trips over many days, according to Colson. “A membership fee does not mean better hourly rates or reliability in the current market. Look at your historical or expected usage and compare costs as a whole or trip by trip,” he says.

FlightList PRO announces the new comprehensive Charter Broker Directory for the US, Europe and Worldwide.

Of note on a comparison basis, the King Air 350i requires 18% more flight time than light jets for the same trip, therefore flight costs increase 18% to $5,068 on trip cost comparison basis to light jets.

Costco is offering the lower-level Wheels Up Connect Membership at $1,994.99. Featured are market rate pay-as-you-go private flight bookings, potential shared flight opportunities and Wheels Up Signature Events.

The Wheels Up fleet includes King Air 350i turboprops, Citation Excel/XLS midsize jets, and Citation X super-midsize jets, plus access to a variety of light, midsize, super-mid and heavy jets, Costco offers the Wheels Up memberships in their section for Holiday, Gifts & Tickets > Hotels & Tourist Attractions.

– First published in 2015, last updated 11/15/20 to reflect Wheels Up price adjustments –

Prior Charter Alerts for Wheels Up
Wheels Up Gets $115 Million Investment From T.Rowe Price, Others
Citation Emergency, Door Opens in Flight – Live ATC recording
Wheels Up Takes Delivery of “Pink Plane In Time for October

5 Replies

March Business Aviation Flight Activity Down 32%, April Forecast Down 67%

ARGUS INTERNATIONAL INC. RELEASES MARCH BUSINESS AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY, AND APRIL FORECAST

AS COVID-19 CASES, AND ASSOCIATED STAY AT HOME ORDERS, INCREASE,
BUSINESS AVIATION SINKS. MARCH 2020 FLIGHT ACTIVITY INCLUDING CHARTER FALLS 31.7% FROM 2019 AS CRISIS WORSENS. ARGUS CEO NOTES “BUSINESS AVIATION’S AGILITY WILL BE CRUCIAL IN RECOVERY FROM HISTORIC DECLINES.”

MARCH FLIGHT ACTIVITY SUMMARY

As COVID-19 cases, and associated stay at home orders increase business aviation sinks. March flight activity saw an overall 31.7% decrease in business aircraft activity data for March 1 – 31, 2020 vs. March 1 – 31, 2019 (YOY).

The tables below reflect business aircraft activity data for March 1-31, 2020 vs. March 1-31 (y/y), 2019 and March 1-31, 2020 vs. February 1-29, 2020 (m/m) respectively.

The March ARGUS TRAQ Pak report is aircraft flight number, specific arrival, and departure information on all IFR flights including jet charter in the US, including Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Canada.

YEAR-OVER-YEAR FLIGHT ACTIVITY
ARGUS TRAQPak’s review of year over year flight activity (March 2020 vs. March 2019) indicates that March 2020 recorded a significant decline of 31.7%. The results by operational category were all red with Part 91 activity posting the largest yearly decrease, down 36.8% from 2019. Fractional activity saw 18 straight months of gains come to halt as the segment recorded an activity drop of 30.2%, while Part 135 flight activity recorded a decline of 25.0%. The aircraft categories were also red for the month, with large jets recording the largest yearly drop, down 37.6%. Mid-size jets and turboprops each recorded a decline of 31.8%, while light jets saw activity losses of 27.4% from March 2019.

Statistics - Business Aviation Flights March Comparison

MONTH-OVER-MONTH FLIGHT ACTIVITY
March business aviation and charter flight activity posted a substantial month over month decrease to finish down 22.4% from February 2020. Results by operational category were all negative for the month, with Part 91 flight activity posting the largest monthly decrease, down 26.3%.
Fractional activity followed with a decrease of 25.6%, while Part 135 activity slid 15.9%. The aircraft categories were also red for the month, with large jets posting the largest monthly decrease, down 31.9% from February. Mid-size jets followed with a decrease of 23.6%, while lights jets fell 19.7%. The turboprop market recorded a monthly decline of 18.1%.

Statistics - Business Aviation Flights Comparison

APRIL FORECAST

Initial predictions by ARGUS analysts for April shows that activity will drop 67.3%, from April 2019, due to the multiple shelter in place orders.

Source: ARGUS International Inc. TRAQPak Aircraft Activity Report for March 2020 released 4/9/2020. FlightList PRO has no affiliation with ARGUS.

FlightList PRO; supporting the Air Charter Industry. Leading air charter brokers, operators and travel professionals take advantage of free and low cost full-market support from FlightList PRO to grow their service level, their business and their bottom line. More about FlightList PRO here.

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New Aircraft to the Charter Market

The following charter aircraft were announced this week; new additions to operator fleets and currently available for charter.

Photo - Hawker 1000A new to floating fleet charter market — *Hawker 1000A new to the floating fleet charter market*

Discovery Jets continues the growth of its fleet by the introduction of a Hawker 1000A, available for on-demand charter exclusively marketed by AirX America on a floating base model.

The aircraft is manufactured in 1995 and offers a 2020 refurbished interior with complimentary domestic WiFi, hot galley, microwave oven, bluetooth sound system, privacy cabin door and is pet friendly.

In addition to the Hawker 1000A, Discovery Jets also floats a Citation X and Challenger 300 for point to point charters.

All 511 floating fleet aircraft from 48 operators are in the
Floating Fleet search in FlightList PRO.

Photo - Nextant 400XT newly available for charter — *Nextant 400XT light jet new to the charter market*

Modesto Jet Center has added a Nextant 400XT to its Part 135 air charter fleet. The light business jet seats eight passengers and is popular for its roomy comfort designed for plenty of head and shoulder room in the cabin.

The aircraft has a 530-mph cruising speed and an IFR range of 2,005 nautical miles with four passengers. With both comfort and performance, this aircraft is an ideal choice for trips up and down the coast, to Mexico and throughout the United States.

Modesto Jet also operates four Pilatus PC-12 and two King Air turboprops based MOD.

Photo - Pilatus PC-12 charter turboprop now available. — *Pilatus PC-12 newly available for charter*

The Colorado based 2007 Pilatus PC-12 executive turboprop is now available for charter and operated by Mayo Aviation from Denver-Centennial Airport. Mayo carries ratings from all four 3rd-party audit organizations; ARGUS, WYVERN, ACSF and IS-BAO.

The PC-12 joins Mayo’s colorado-based fleet of 14 turboprops, light, midsize and heavy jets.

There are currently three Pilatus PC-12’s for charter based in the Denver-Front Range area, and six in Colorado.

Sources: Company news releases, FlightList PRO platform

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Boeing Business Jet New To Charter Market

Boeing Business Jet newly available for charter

New for Spring 2020 to the U.S. charter market, one of only five BBJ’s available for charter in North America and the only one based in Florida.

The newly available BBJ features an 18-passenger configuration with comfortable layout for worldwide travel. The custom interior includes a master bedroom with a large bed, shower with exclusive steam feature, conference group seating, lounge area and three lavatories. It features new custom paint and an updated interior.

Connected, Streaming Worldwide

Currently its the only BBJ with GoGo 2Ku worldwide high-speed internet connectivity. All cabin monitors have Apple TV for streaming and Sling TV for live TV (broadcast channels). The galley is equipped with a wine chiller, two microwaves, oven and a De’Longhi coffee/espresso maker.

18-seat cabin of the Boeing Business Jet new to charter and based in Florida.

With top ratings of WYVERN Wingman, ARGUS Platinum, and IS-BAO Registered, the BBJ is managed by charter operator Silver Air and based at West Palm Beach, FL (PBI). Silver Air manages and operates light to large-cabin jets from Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardier, Embraer, Cessna, and Hawker/Beech.

All 5 BBJ’s for charter in the US along with 12 other VIP airliners are available in FlightList PRO which includes all 7,058 FAA Part-135 aircraft and 1,679 charter operators in a multi-search platform at $99 month to month.

Sources: Company news release, FlightList PRO platform

Air Charter Alerts by FlightList PRO, are the latest announcements in the private air charter industry about operators, brokers and charter aircraft, and geared towards active participants in the industry.

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.

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Announcing Four Heavy/Ultra Long Range Jets Now Available for Charter in the U.S. and Europe

The FlightList PRO platform includes all 7,598 charter aircraft from 1,633 operators in the U.S., including 435 floating fleet aircraft search, and 16,631 aircraft from 3,419 operators worldwide. Free trials are available. More about FlightLIst PRO.

Announcing four heavy and ultra long range jet additions to charter availability in the U.S. and Europe.

Legacy 600

Legacy 600 charter now available based Chicago.

The only Embraer Legacy jet for charter within 250 miles of Chicago. From ARGUS Gold rated operator Planemasters Jet Charter and based out of KDPA DuPage Airport:

Cabin Attendant available upon request
12 passengers plus cabin attendant seat
ARGUS Gold
6.5 hours nonstop range

Gulfstream G500

Gulfstream G500 for charter based in Florida.

Based out of KOPF Miami Executive Airport, this new addition to Florida has a G550 cabin and a G500 range. Operated by Presidential Aviation.

18 passenger cabin
2006 DOM refurbished 2016
ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman

Gulfstream V

Gulfstream V long range jet now for charter.

Refurbished in 2018 this 12-passenger long range ship is based out of KAPF Naples, FL and is operated by Clay Lacy Aviation.

12 passenger cabin
1997 DOM refurbished inside & out 2018
ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman, IS-BAO Registered

Falcon 8X

Falcon 8X now for charter operated by Execujet UK Ltd.

Based out of EGGW London-Luton Airport and new to charter, this flagship of the Dassault Falcon family is operated by ExecuJet UK Ltd.

14 passenger cabin
2016 date of manufacture
IS-BAO Registered, Wyvern Registered

Sources: Charter operator fleet updates

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Announcing Jets New to Charter Availability; Falcon 7X, Challenger 350, Gulfstream G200, Citation Bravo, Citation CJ1, Phenom 100

Image of Challenger 350 jet now available for charter

Challenger 350 super-midsize jet now for charter, available only in the the FlightList PRO sourcing platform.

The FlightList PRO platform includes all 7,598 charter aircraft from 1,633 operators in the U.S., including 435 floating fleet aircraft, and 16,631 aircraft from 3,419 operators worldwide.

Announcing 6 recent additions to charter availability in the U.S. nationwide, including light jets through ultra long range jets.

Challenger 350, super-midsize jet, seats 8, Wi-Fi, based KLBE Latrobe, PA
Operated by L.J. Aviation, Wyvern Wingman, ACSF
Citation CJ1, light jet, seats 5, based KAEX Alexandria, LA
Operated by Zepp Air, Inc.
Citation Bravo, light jet, seats 8, based KTRM Thermal, CA
Operated by Desert Jet, LLC, ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman, IS-BAO
Phenom 100, light jet, seats 4, based KABE Allentown, PA
Operated by 26 North Aviation, Inc. dba Skystream Jet, Wyvern Wingman
Falcon 7X, ultra long range jet, seats 10, based KVNY Van Nuys, CA
Operated by Planet Nine Private Air, LLC dba Planet 9, ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman, IS-BAO
Gulfstream G200, super-midsize jet, seats 9, based KDTO Denton, TX
Operated by Scott Aviation, LLC dba Silver Air, ARGUS Platinum

The above are currently available for charter and included in FlightList PRO sourcing, along with every certificated aircraft from every charter operator. Free platform trials are currently available and regular pricing is just $90/month for 3 users, no contract.

Sources: Charter operator fleet updates

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Wheels Up Acquires Charter Operator Travel Management Company/TMC Jets

Floating Fleet charter operator TMC Jets with 26 light jets is acquired by Wheels Up.

Floating Fleet charter operator TMC Jets with 26 Hawker 400XP and Nextant 400XT light jets is acquired by Wheels Up.

Membership-based private flight company Wheels Up announced it was acquiring floating fleet charter operator Travel Management Company (TMC). Terms of the deal were not released.

TMC operates 26 Hawker 400XP and Nextant 400XT light jets across the eastern half of the U.S. on a floating fleet model of one-way priced charters, focusing on the wholesale charter channel consisting mostly of charter brokers.

Wheels Up is a membership model with 93 aircraft; 72 King Air 350i executive turboprops, 15 Citation Excel/XLS midsize jets and 6 Citation X super-midsize jets, and will also arrange other ad hoc charters functioning as a charter broker. Wheels Up program aircraft are managed and operated by Gama Aviation. Both TMC and Gama Aviation carry ratings of ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman and IS-BAO Registered.

All 39 floating fleet operators with 435 one-way price aircraft are in FlightList PRO, the largest charter sourcing platform database. Full access is $90 month-to-month. Learn More.

TMC ranked as the 10^thmost active Part 135 operator in the US according to ARGUS International, flying 19,033 hours in 2018. ARGUS data shows Gama Aviation was the #1 most active Part 135 operator in 2018 flying 91,195 hours.

The 26 light jets of TMC compliment Wheels Up’s existing fleet which was absent of aircraft in the light jet category. Wheels Up founder and CEO Kenny Dichter stressed that the acquisition will not alter Gama Aviation’s role in operating Wheels Up’s fleet. “We love our relationship with Gama,” he told AIN.

According to Dichter, TMC will operate as a separate subsidiary of Wheels Up and continue to provide the same service to its existing wholesale channel partners. TMC will also continue to be lead by its existing leadership team, including CEO Phil Dodyk.

Private equity company TPG Growth bought TMC from its founder Pete Liegl in 2017. TPG also owned a significant stake in XOJET at the time. It sold XOJET to Vista Global in September 2018. TMC owned 68 aircraft when it was sold in 2017 – 36 Hawker 400XPs, 29 Hawker 800XPs, two Challenger 604s and one King Air 200. The company was launched in 2006.

“Wheels Up is officially in deal mode,” said Kenny Dichter, Founder and CEO of Wheels Up to Corporate Jet Investor. “Light jets clearly go together with King Airs for entry level users and we now have 119 aircraft. We also get more than 90 great pilots and 125 employees who will stay with the business and keep all of its relationships with channel partners going.”

“This acquisition is a foundational piece in our continued brand evolution and mission to provide our members with a total private aviation solution,” said Dichter. “TMC and its light jet fleet are a perfect complement to our anchor partner, Gama Aviation, which will continue to operate the aircraft in our Wheels Up fleet.”

TMC will operate as an independent subsidiary of Wheels Up. It will stay in Elkhart, Indiana with Dodyk staying as CEO. Gama Aviation will continue to operate the Wheels Up fleet.

“The team at TMC is world-class, and we’re proud of the reputation we’ve earned for being one of the safest and most reliable operators in private aviation,” said Phil Dodyk, CEO of TMC. “By joining Kenny and the Wheels Up team, we’re excited to become part of such a renowned brand and a larger company that is deep with talented leadership, which shares our collective vision of building an industry leader.”

Sources: Wheels Up release, AINonline article, Alasdair Whyte of Corporate Jet Investor

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Pilatus PC-24 Jet Enters The U.S. Air Charter Market

Pilatus PC-24 jet for charter in the U.S.

The first Pilatus PC-24 jet available for charter in the U.S., and the second one delivered to a U.S. customer.

Announced yesterday, Western Aircraft has added the first Swiss-built Pilatus PC-24 available for charter in the U.S., serial number 102, to the Part 135 certificate of its WestAir charter division, the company said. “This aircraft has superior speed, range, and runway performance,” according to Phil Winters, Western Aircraft’s vice president of aircraft sales and charter management. “It is also the first business jet in the world that has a standard pallet-sized cargo door, making the loading of even the bulkiest of items, such as a kayak, easy. It’s a true benefit for our charter customers.”

The Pilatus PC-24 jet and all 9 WestAir charter aircraft are in FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 16,631 charter aircraft worldwide.

It is the second PC-24 delivered in the U.S., the first, serial number 101 went to fractional ownership company, PlaneSense.

Western Aircraft, the Boise, Idaho-based FBO and MRO provider said the PC-24 is in it’s WestAir’s aircraft management program. Western Aircraft noted WestAir’s experience operating Pilatus’ legacy and NG PC-12 turboprops, as well as its role as a Pilatus dealer and authorized service center.

WestAir has aircraft based in California, Idaho, and Washington, and provides service to more than 5,000 airports in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Pilatus PC-24 jet cabin, the first available for charter in the U.S.

Western Aircraft, based in Boise, Idaho, is described by Pilatus as “its most successful dealership”, having sold more than 230 PC-12 single-engined turboprops since it joined the Swiss airframer’s network in 1996.

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The business aviation services company says it has seen strong demand for the PC-24, “with more than a dozen offers to buy the first aircraft”.

Despite this demand Western has added aircraft #102 to its inventory, where it will be used for ad hoc charter and, for the coming year, as a company demonstrator. “This gives us the ability to show the PC-24 to existing order holders, and also to prospective customers who want to get in on the next block of aircraft when Pilatus re-opens the orderbook,” says Phil Winters.

Sources: Charter operator press release and articles by FlightGlobal and Aviation International News.

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Third Aircraft Added to All-Falcon 7X Charter Fleet by Planet Nine Private Air

All-Falcon 7X charter fleet operated by Planet Nine Private Air LLC

All-Falcon 7X charter floating fleet operated by Planet Nine Private Air LLC

Planet Nine Private Air, LLC, launched its first Dassault Falcon 7X to the international charter market in June, 2018, and added a second 7X in September. Now Planet Nine announces the third aircraft to its all-Falcon 7X floating fleet.

The Planet Nine fleet is available in the Floating Fleet section of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 533 floating fleet aircraft and 37 operators.

Headquartered out of Los Angeles, California and London, U.K. with a staff of 28 full time employees, co-founders Matt Walter and James Seagrim are positioning Planet Nine to offer a compelling and competitive offering in the premium end of the ultra long-range charter market.

Planet Nine currently carries Wyvern Wingman and ARGUS Gold-provisional ratings.

“Charter broker relationships will be very important to Planet Nine, and we are looking forward to working with all the traditional and disruptive companies. Our operation will center on a floating fleet model, and the efficiency it brings to our operations we can then pass on to our customers and friends in the form of better pricing.”

From London, Kirti Odedra heads the Sales Department and Bill Wulf, a former Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer of NetJets with a 20-year tenure serving the group in the US and internationally, serves as Chief Financial Officer. Combined, the management team has over 75 years’ experience in business aviation.

Dassault Falcon 7X ultra long range fleet available for international charter operated by Planet Nine Private Air.

Dassault Falcon 7X ultra long range floating fleet available for international charter operated by Planet Nine Private Air.

P9 brings a new offering into the long haul business jet market with the 5,950 nm range Falcon 7X, stylishly configured for 11-16 passengers, with six beds for overnight flying. With operating costs at least 30% lower than equivalent Gulfstream G550 and Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft, the 7X has a distinct advantage over its competition. Its aircraft will all feature sparklingly refurbished cabin interiors, including full Wi-Fi and IFE from Gogo/Swift Broadband. On all domestic charters in the US, Wi-Fi will be complimentary.

“Charter broker relationships will be very important to Planet Nine, and we are looking forward to working with all the traditional and disruptive companies,” said Director of Sales, Kirti Odedra.

“Our operation will centre on a floating fleet model, and the efficiency it brings to our operations we can then pass on to our customers and friends in the form of better pricing,” said James Seagrim, Director of Operations. “From our previous careers at Advanced Air Management, we built an unbeatable boutique operation, renowned for its service, safety and efficiency.

Obtaining Wyvern Wingman status in October 2018 was a very pleasing endorsement, said P9PA’s CFO, Bill Wulf, who previously spent 23 years at NetJets in various leadership roles. “As a group of dedicated aviation professionals, we are pleased to be accredited so early in our history, fulfilling Wyvern’s rigorous safety and maintenance requirements,” he said.

The Wyvern endorsement recognizes P9PA’s “delivery of consistent and exceptional service and acknowledges the business has the infrastructure to support over 20 aircraft with a best-in-class finance function to deliver a seamless flight experience to their clientele”.

Cabin interior of Falcon 7X long range jet for charter operated by Plane Nine.

“Planet Nine has demonstrated a commitment to safety through its established safety management system,” said Sonnie Bates, CEO of Wyvern. “In its quest to successfully achieve Wingman Certified status they have embraced The Wingman Standard, and proven they go above and beyond minimum regulatory requirements, allowing them to become an industry leader in safety culture.”

Sources: Charter operator press release and article by Izzy Kington in Business Jet Interiors International, 11/27/18.

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Announcing New to Charter in the U.S.; Falcon 7X, Hawker 800XP, Learjet 60XR, King Air 350

Announcing four new aircraft to the charter market in the U.S. Popular models for charter, the Falcon 7X, Hawker 800XP, Learjet 60XR and King Air 350 are based in favored charter locations for their type aircraft, and are currently available for charter. Operators include Gama Aviation, Cirrus Aviation Services, Elevate Jet and Jet Access Aviation. The below new additions all are ARGUS-rated Gold or Platinum.

All are available through the FlightList PRO aircraft sourcing platform, which includes all 16,631 aircraft and 3,419 charter operators, the world’s largest.

Falcon 7X, based PSM Portsmouth, NH

Operated by Elevate Jet, LLC
ARGUS Gold
4G Wi-Fi complimentary
2012 aircraft, new paint and interior December, 2017
14 passenger interior

Falcon 7X long range jet new to charter, operated by Elevate Jet, LLC

Hawker 800XP, based LAS Las Vegas, NV

Operated by CIrrus Aviation Services
ARGUS Platinum
Wi-Fi complimentary
2017 Interior refurbish
2018 Exterior refurbish

Hawker 800XP new to the charter market operated by Cirrus Aviation Services, Las Vegas.

Learjet 60XR, based HVN New Haven, CT

Operated by Gama Aviation
ARGUS Platinum
Wi-Fi complimentary
7 passenger interior
Microwave, Airshow, 2 LCD monitors

Learjet 60XR new to charter, based New Haven, CT and operated by Gama Aviation.

King Air 350, based PBI West Palm Beach, FL

Operated by Jet Access Aviation
ARGUS Platinum
8 passengers in double-club seating
2004 aircraft, refurbished 2016

King Air 350 new to charter, based PBI West Palm Beach, FL and operated by Jet Access Aviation.

Sources: Charter operator announcements

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Announcing New to Charter in the U.S.; Challenger 650, Legacy 600, Challenger 350 and others

Announcing heavy, super-midsize and light jets new to charter in Florida, the Northeast and the West. Popular charter aircraft models in popular locations from operators Jet Edge, Elite Air, Latitude 33 and Custom Jet Charters, they have added the following jets to their charter certificates and are currently available. The below new additions all are ARGUS-rated Gold or Platinum.

All are available through the FlightList PRO sourcing platform, which includes all 16,631 aircraft and 3,419 charter operators, the world’s largest.

Legacy 600, based TEB Teterboro, NJ

Operated by Jet Edge
ARGUS Platinum
Wyvern Wingman
4G Wi-Fi complimentary
2015 Interior

New to charter, Legacy 600 based KTEB operated by Jet Edge

Challenger 650, based ORL Orlando, FL
- Operated by Elite Air
- 11 passenger
- ARGUS Platinum
- Wi-Fi complimentary
- 2018 Aircraft

New to charter, 2018 Challenger 650 based KORL Orlando, FL operated by Elite Air

Challenger 350, based SNA Santa Ana, CA

Operated by Latitude 33
ARGUS Platinum
Wi-Fi complimentary
2018 Aircraft
New to charter, 2018 Challenger 350 based KSNA Santa Ana, CA operated by Latitude 33.

Legacy 600, based BDL Windsor Locks, CT
- Operated by Latitude 33
- ARGUS Gold
- 13 passengers
- 2004 aircraft, 2014 interior

New to charter, Legacy 600 based KBDL Windsor Locks, CT operated by Custom Jet Charters.

Nextant 400XTI, based PIE Clearwater, FL
- Operated by Elite Air
- ARGUS Gold

Hawker 400XP, based PIE Clearwater, FL
- - Operated by Elite Air
  - ARGUS Gold
Sources: Charter operator announcements

Air Charter Alerts by FlightList PRO, are the latest announcements in the private air charter industry about operators, brokers and charter aircraft, and geared towards active participants in the industry.

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.

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Vista Global Acquires Operator XOJET

Announced today, Thomas Flohr’s Vista Global has acquired XOJET, the third largest US business jet charter operator by flight hours.

Vista Global says that the acquisition of XOJET will allow it to expand further in the US. It launched VistaJet in America in September 2013.

VISTA GLOBAL

Nine days ago, on September 11, 2018, Thomas Flohr announced the launch of Vista Global Holding (“Vista Global”), headquartered at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) which “will spearhead the consolidation of the fragmented and expanding business aviation market.”

Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman of Vista Global Holding

The group owns VistaJet, Vista Lease, TechX and at the closing of this newly announced transaction, XOJET’s fleet and commercial operations.

According to the Vista Global Holding press release, “Vista Global’s fleets will provide every customer with asset-lite solutions to fly point to point anytime, anywhere at a moment’s notice – either with guaranteed aircraft availability or On Demand. In addition, Vista Global will offer the very first worldwide leasing and financing service for customer looking to purchase a dedicated aircraft. Complementing its consumer and trade offer, Vista Global will also support aviation companies looking to improve services to their clients through the most advanced technology, providing an end to end platform in a very fragmented global operator marketplace.”

XOJET

Regarding the XOJET acquisition, “The journey started when I first saw an opportunity in the fragmented and inconsistent offering across the industry. Vista Global’s mission is to provide customer-centric solutions for every segment of business aviation and today’s announcement is a major step in that direction,” said Thomas Flohr, Vista Global founder and chairman. “This acquisition is the perfect addition to our global business. XOJET’s strength in North America and its reputation for offering great value perfectly complement VistaJet and the other businesses in the group.”

Bradley Stewart, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of XOJET, said: “I am incredibly proud to be making today’s announcement, which will see our company become part of a fantastic family of brands. Becoming part of Vista Global will enable XOJET to achieve our dream of becoming a truly global business, providing us with the very best technology and infrastructure. I believe that Vista Global and XOJET are fundamentally aligned in our commitment to serving clients. I am looking forward to working with the Vista Global team and its companies in the future.”

XOJET and VistaJet’s full fleets are available in the Floating Fleet section of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 533 floating fleet aircraft and 37 operators.

XOJET will continue to operate independently, under a new joint venture company, with control and leadership remaining in US hands to meet airline ownership regulations. The carrier has a fleet of 44 business jets, which includes 27 Cessna Citation Xs.

The acquisition is a major step forward for Vista Global, allowing the group to build on its existing global offering and to reinforce its existing position in North America, the largest business aviation market in the world. Following today’s announcement and upon closing of the acquisition, Vista Global will have 1,500 employees in 20 offices worldwide according to its press release.

Corporate Jet Investor reports that 10 companies were originally interested in acquiring the company, with a final round of bidding including three companies. Shareholders first held talks during the 2017 NBAA convention.

XOJET’s largest shareholders were TPG, one of the world’s most-successful aviation investors, and Mubadalla, the sovereign wealth fund of Abu Dhabi. Although TPG was the largest shareholder, Mubadalla financed the fleet and held significant amounts of XOJET debt.

The acquisition price or other conditions has not been announced.

ARGUS says that XOJET flew 46,739 flight hours in the first six months of 2018. GAMA Aviation (which operates for itself and for membership provider Wheels Up) flew 72,885 hours followed by Executive Jet Management with 58,305 hours.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. There is no financing condition to the transaction. The transaction is currently expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018. XOJET’s regulated air carrier will be operated in a joint venture under U.S. control and leadership, in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation criteria.

Sources: Company Press Release and Corporate Jet Investor’s 9/20/18 article by Alud Davies.

FlightList PRO, at $90 for 3 users no contract, is a favorite of the most experienced charter brokers and travel professionals; 80% of FlightList PRO users have been arranging charters more than 10 years, 25% more than 20 years. Free trials available.

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DOT Issuing Final Rule on Air Charter Brokers, Air Charter Industry

The U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is issuing a Final Rule on the role of Air Charter Brokers and consumer disclosures applying to Air Charter Brokers, air taxis and commuter air carriers, and unfair or deceptive practices or unfair methods of competition.

Timeline; in 2007 the DOT published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), took public comments, and in 2013 issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and took public comments.

Published by document in the Federal Register Sept. 17, the DOT is issuing a Final Rule “to facilitate innovation and growth in the air charter industry while strengthening the legal protections provided to consumers of charter air transportation.”

The rule has a publish date of 09/17/2018 and becomes effective 02/14/2019.

DOT Final Rule Main Points

According to the document, the final rule:

Codifies and allows ‘‘air charter brokers’’ as principals or bona fide agents to provide single entity charter air transportation of passengers.
Requires air charter brokers to make certain disclosures including those responsive to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendation and to make other disclosures upon request.
Enumerates certain practices by air charter brokers as prohibited unfair or deceptive practices or unfair methods of competition.
Requires air taxis and commuter air carriers that sell charter air transportation to make certain disclosures including those responsive to an NTSB recommendation and other disclosures upon request.
enumerates certain practices by an air taxi or commuter air carrier as prohibited unfair or deceptive practices or unfair methods of competition.

According to the document, The DOT is not adopting a proposal to codify exemption authority allowing indirect air carriers to engage in the sale of air transportation related to air ambulance services. Nor is it adopting a proposal to codify certain air transportation services performed under contract with the Federal Government.

The DOT’s final rule document includes each DOT-proposed rule, summary of comments on the rule, and the final DOT Response. It is published here in the Federal Register with a date of 09/17/2018. The pdf “official electronic format” is published here.

Source: Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 180 / Monday, September 17, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

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Five Air Charter Brokers and Operators Named to 2018 Inc. 5000

Each year Inc. Magazine names the fastest-growing privately held small companies in the U.S., called the “Inc. 5000”. The companies are ranked by overall revenue growth over the prior three-year period. All 5,000 honoree companies are individually profiled on Inc.com.

Inc. also ranks the companies into sub-categories by industry, state, metro, city and others.

Five private air charter operator and broker companies were named to the 2018 Inc. 5000. The below information is from the Inc. 5000, and shown in order of ranking, 3-year growth rate:

Luxury Aircraft Solutions
(charter broker) Provides private jet charter services, specializing in challenging itineraries at the industry’s lowest pricing.

2018 Rank #2143
Leadership: Daniel Hirschhorn
2017 Revenue $6.1M
3-Year Growth 207%
Founded 2011 Employees 6

Premier Private Jets
(charter operator) Specializes in chartered private aircraft, aircraft management, and pilot training.

2018 Rank #2262
Leadership: Josh Birmingham
2017 Revenue $6.3M
3-Year Growth 195%
Founded 2003 Employees 20
A two-time Inc. 5000 honoree, 2017 – 2018

Paramount Business Jets
(charter broker) Offers private flights to and from any city in the world with as little as four hours of notice.

2018 Rank #2550
Leadership: Richard Zaher
2017 Revenue $15.4M
3-Year Growth 168%
Founded 2005 Employees 20
A three-time Inc. 5000 honoree, 2013, 2014, 2018

Private Jets
(charter operator) Provides customer service worldwide in the aircraft charter industry. Serves as an aircraft charter operator for individuals as well as businesses nationwide.

2018 Rank #2776
Leadership: Happy Wells
2017 Revenue $17.4M
3-Year Growth 149%
Founded 1987 Employees 50

Magellan Jets
(charter broker) Provides national and international charter jet flights. Offers private jet membership programs and other services for those who require a private jet when they are traveling. One of its perks is the low 10-hour notice that is required before a flight is booked.

2018 Rank #3737
Leadership: Joshua Hebert
2017 Revenue $38M
3-Year Growth 98%
Founded 2008 Employees 35
A six-time Inc. 5000 honoree, 2013 – 2018

Sources: Inc. 5000, Inc.com

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Jet Charter Broker PrivateFly Acquired by Directional Aviation

Directional Aviation, parent to subsidiary OneSky LLC – which holds fractional provider Flexjet and charter brokers Skyjet and Sentient Jet – announced yesterday the acquisition of U.K.-based online charter broker PrivateFly.

Launched in 2008, PrivateFly will combine with charter broker Skyjet, “to create one of the world’s largest online booking platforms for private jet charter, one with a robust digital platform and a physical geography and assets tailored for countries on four continents,” according to Directional’s press release. No purchase price was disclosed.

The combined PrivateFly/Skyjet entity will have a presence in both the U.S. and Europe and will leverage OneSky’s existing assets and infrastructure.

OneSky’s Flexjet provides fractional jet ownership, leases and jet cards. Sentient Jet sells jet cards exclusively. Skyjet sells on-demand charter and a membership program.

Charter Alerts – current news about charter operators, brokers and aircraft – are posted by FlightList PRO, serving charter brokers and operators with the largest platform of aircraft in the U.S., Europe and worldwide.

For its part, PrivateFly acquired U.S.-based broker Bird Dog Jet last November bringing with it a preferred supplier relationship to the $23.7 billion Virtuoso network of luxury travel agencies.

PrivateFly co-founders Adam Twidell and Carol Cork will lead Skyjet/PrivateFly as CEO and chief marketing officer, respectively, a OneSky spokesman told Aviation International News. They will both report to Andrew Collins, who is now the global brand manager for Skyjet, PrivateFly, and Sentient Jet, and also retains his title as president and CEO of Sentient Jet.

Directional Aviation also holds aircraft remanufacturer Nextant Aerospace as well as various parts, services, leasing, and aircraft finance businesses and was estimated to have $2.5 billion in revenues and 3,000 employees in 2017.

Directional has been growing through acquisitions domestically and abroad. It acquired Sentient Jet in 2012 and then Flexjet and Skyjet in 2013. In 2016, it acquired U.K. charter operator FlairJet. Directional principal Ken Ricci last year told Forbes.com, “What I see happening is opportunities overseas more – we are starting to see a shift to more opportunities outside the U.S. than within it.”

Sources: Company press release, AIN, Forbes.com

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Charter Operator JetReady Adds Challenger to Floating Fleet Availability

Photo of Challenger new to charter floating fleet

Challenger 601 new to charter floating fleet availability by operator JetReady.

Private jet charter operator JetReady continues to grow its existing charter fleet and has announced their newest charter aircraft addition, available for domestic and international charter flights.

The new-to-charter aircraft is a Challenger 601-3A joining JetReady’s charter floating fleet currently comprised of 5 heavy jets with the addition.

Cabin photo of Challenger 601 new-to-charter, refurbished 2018.

2018-refurbished cabin interior of the new-to-charter Challenger 601 operated by JetReady

The aircraft floor plan is a 12 passenger executive configuration and new 2018 renovated modern interior, with a layout of four forward individual captains chairs, an aft 4-place divan opposing a 4-place conference group. The aircraft is equipped with a full-sized forward galley, microwave, complimentary WiFi, display monitors, HD Inflight Entertainment and Airshow 400.

JetReady’s floating fleet is included in the Floating Fleets section of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 326 floating fleet aircraft and 29 operators.

JetReady’s Chief Executive Officer, Nigel England stated, “We are thrilled to announce the newest Challenger addition to our charter certificate and look forward to the continued growth of our company.”

The Challenger joins JetReady’s charter floating fleet of now 5 heavy jets; 3 Challenger 601’s and 2 Gulfstream IV-SP’s. The operator reports more aircraft of these same types, plus Hawker 800XP models in the pipeline for Part-135 charter.

Source: Company press release

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U.S. Charter Activity ‘Marches’ 7.7 Percent while Fractional Remains Anemic

Photo: charter jets on ramp with large cabin charter flight departing

Large cabin jet charters climbed 15% in March, year-over-year. Photo courtesy New Flight Charters.

Part 135 flying led business aviation last month with a 15 percent climb in large cabin jet charters.

From Aviation International News 4/9/18:

Business aircraft flying in the U.S. and Canada continued its ascent last month, but the 2.6 percent year-over-year increase was once again almost solely due to rising Part 135 activity, according to TraqPak data released by Argus International. Weaker flying at the fractional providers and especially at Part 91 operators caused activity to miss the company’s estimate for a 4.2 percent increase in March; this month, it is expecting a 2.8 percent rise.

By operator category, Part 135 flying led the pack last month, climbing 7.7 percent year-over-year, while fractional activity ventured back into positive territory, with a 0.6 percent gain over March 2017. Part 91 activity also remained anemic, once again recording a slight loss, falling 0.4 percent from a year ago.

All aircraft categories saw increases last month, with large-cabin jets coming out ahead with a 4.7-percent year-over-year increase, despite a 20.4 percent erosion in fractional large-cabin jet flying. This was followed by midsize jets, up 4.4 percent; turboprops, 1.8 percent; and light jets, 0.2 percent.

The only double-digit gain in individual categories last month belonged to Part 135 large-cabin jets, which rose 15.1 percent from a year ago. All individual categories under Part 91 suffered losses, with the exception of large-cabin jets, which rose 4.5 percent.

Source: AINalerts, Aviation International News announcement

FlightList PRO, at $90 for 3 users no contract, is a favorite of the most experienced charter brokers and travel professionals; 80% of FlightList PRO users have arranged charters more than 10 years, 25% more than 20 years. Free trials available.

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Gulfstreams V and IV-SP New to Charter, Prime Jet Fleet Grows to 12

U.S. charter operator Prime Jet has announced two Gulfstream additions to its charter fleet; a 14-passenger Gulfstream IV-SP newly available based at SDL Scottsdale, AZ, and a 16-passenger Gulfstream V available beginning this summer and based from PBI West Palm Beach, FL, according to the operator.

The pictured Gulfstreams join Prime Jet’s charter fleet which now grows to 12 aircraft- all Gulfstream jets, based across the U.S. and internationally. The operator floats 8 of them with one-way pricing, and are included in FlightLIst PRO’s Floating Fleets section.

Large cabin jet charters are on the rise, and the category leads the increase in charter flying last month. Large cabin jet charters were up a significant 15.1% year-over-year in March, despite a 20.4% decline in fractional ownership large cabin jet flying, according to data released by ARGUS. Part 135 charter flying increased 7.7% overall for March year-over-year.

Charter Gufstream IV-SP based SDL Scottsdale AZ and operated by Prime Jet

Charter Gulfstream IV-SP based SDL Scottsdale AZ and operated by Prime Jet

According to the operator, features of the new GIV-SP include:

Gulfstream IV-SP cabin, new to charter and based at SDL Scottsdale AZ with operator Prime Jet

14 Passenger Configuration
- Berths 5-6
2018 Full Interior Refurb
Free Domestic Wi-Fi
Soft Divided Cabin
Entertainment System
Full Service Aft Galley
Wyvern Wingman | AR/GUS Platinum
Charter Friendly

Gulfstream V new to charter with operator Prime Jet

16-passenger Gulfstream V cabin, new to charter with operator Prime Jet.

According to the operator, features of the new G-V include:

2018 Full Refurbishment
16 Passenger Configuration
Wi-Fi Equipped
- Free Domestic (GoGo Inflight)
Entertainment System
Full Service Galley
Separate Crew Rest Area
Charter Friendly

The Gulfstream V and IV-SP with Prime Jet carry ratings of ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman and ISBAO-registered. FlightList PRO is the only charter platform that includes operator’s safety ratings from all four organizations; ARGUS, Wyvern, ISBAO and ACSF.

Source: Company announcements

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Introducing New Charter Operator OJets With Global, Challenger and Growth Plans

Charter Global 6000 newly operated by OJets based Signapore.

Charter Global 6000 newly operated by OJets and based Signapore.

Announced last week, OJets, a new provider of business aviation services, launched charter service with a Bombardier Global 6000 and a Bombardier Challenger 650, newly purchased from Minsheng Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., and reported bold plans for growth.

OJets charter aircraft are available only in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform, the only source with all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 operators worldwide.

“We are honored to have closed with Minsheng Finance Leasing Co. of China as our finance partner and look forward to building our relationship as we expand OJets,” said Michael Ta, CFO, OJets. “We have implemented a growth objective to quadruple the size of OJets’ current fleet by the end of Q2. This growth is underpinned by $350M in equity and debt; and will establish OJets as a global operator with one of the newest fleets of long range business aircraft in service.”

OJets services include:

On-Demand Charter. A flexible pay-as-you-fly service, including: one-way trips, choice of aircraft and no hidden fees.
Block Hour Program, for frequent travelers. Highly-personalized service with 48-hour guaranteed aircraft availability at a fixed hourly rate, including: global coverage without ferry fees within service area, no initiation fee and no monthly management fees.

Headquartered in Singapore, OJets’ world-class team is guided by a commitment to delivering industry-defining service – tailored to the most discerning Asian and international business travelers.

Including OJets aircraft, heavy and ultra long range jets based in the Singapore area now number 10 with 7 different charter operators; 2 Challengers, 2 Gulfstream 450, 2 Gulfstream 550, 1 Global 5000 and 3 Global 6000 aircraft. FlightList PRO is the only source with all charter aircraft in Singapore and worldwide.

OJets 14-passenger Challenger 650 for charter based Singapore.

The OJets brand features the signature “O”, inspired the Asian symbol “enso”, which represents strength, elegance and infinity. Enso is the embodiment of OJets’ vision of connecting East and West with a global reach at the pinnacle of luxury business aviation.

“We are delighted to collaborate with OJets, a new integrated provider of comprehensive business aviation services, to bring a Global 6000 and a Challenger 650 into its fleet,” said Mr. Wang Fuhou, President, Business and Commercial Aviation Leasing Division, Minsheng Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. “Both parties are confident in our partnership and in the business aviation market. We look forward to the success of this cooperation.”

About OJets
Headquartered in Singapore, OJets is an integrated provider of comprehensive business aviation services, including owning and operating a private fleet. For more information see http://www.ojets.com.

Source: OJets press release

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New Floating Fleet Operator and Gulfstreams Join One-Way Charter Pricing Availability

Growing charter operator Global Air Charter based at STP St. Paul, MN has become the latest of a growing number of floating fleet operators, chartering the below 16-passenger Gulfstream IV-SP and 12-passenger Gulfstream IV with one-way pricing. Global’s charter fleet also includes a 12-seat Gulfstream III and a Citation Mustang. Floating fleets are a prominent and growing segment in private jet charter, noted below.

Global Air Charter’s 16-passenger G-IV SP, YOM 1993, YOR 2014, free domestic WiFi:

Floating Gulfstream IV-SP operated by Global Air Charter with one-way pricing. Now part of the FlightLIst PRO floating fleet resource.

16-passenger cabin of the floating fleet Gulfstream IV-SP operated by Global Air Charter.

16-passenger cabin of the floating fleet charter Gulfstream IV-SP operated by Global Air Charter.

With the update, the FlightList PRO Floating Fleets resource now includes 27 charter operators with 316 jets dedicated to point-to-point pricing, with the ability to request quotes from multiple selected operators at once. Aircraft types run the gamut of business jets, from light jet to heavy and long range jets. With the update, below are the totals by category of charter jets available in the U.S. for point-to-point pricing:

FlightList PRO Air Charter Search Results

90 light jets
77 midsize jets
76 super midsize jets
73 Heavy and long range jets

Charter pricing with floating fleets can be quite advantageous for one way needs or round trips over many days. Cancellation terms can vary and be stricter with the pricing advantage and the logistics of point-to-point charter flying. Most operators are non-cancelable inside 72 hours from scheduled departure while some are shorter or even immediately upon booking. With this typical business model, most floating fleets are owned by the operator or are under management agreements whereby separate ‘owner approval’ is not required. Ages of floating fleet aircraft, much like traditional charter fleets, vary from brand new production line aircraft to manufacture dates in the 70’s or 80’s. All listed operators have at least one independent auditor safety rating, and more than half have 2 or more of the top ratings; ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman and ISBAO Registered.

Global Air Charter 12-passenger G-IV, YOM 1989, YOR 2014, free domestic WiFi:

Gulfstream IV charter jet operated by Global Air Charter and included in the FlightList PRO floating fleet resource.

12-passenger cabin of Global Air Charter’s Gulfstream IV, now floating with one-way charter pricing.

Source: company announcement

FlightList PRO is used by the most successful and experienced brokers and travel professionals in the industry; 80% of users have arranged charters more than 10 years, 25% more than 20 years.

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