Private Jet Charter News

Within the past 8 months, the US Air Charter Market has suffered from the perfect storm of exceptionally high fuel prices, a sagging economy, and bad press.  Fuel prices reached their highest in mid-July 2008 and have since retreated significantly, but at that time, a gallon of Jet-A fuel was going for about $7.50 in New York and California.  The economy has been a wreck for several months now with story after story of corporate greed and monumentally bad leadership leading up to a major credit crisis followed by drastically decreased consumer spending.  Additionally, the federal government is attempting to depict anyone using a private jet as an evil corporate fat cat.  What does all of this mean for you?

The net result of this trifecta is that charter companies are becoming increasingly willing to negotiate prices on private jet charters.  With a surplus of charter agents and companies in the industry coupled with a diminished market, the pressure to locate and secure charter business is leading to a buyers market.  Many companies are also offering extras such as complimentary catering, ground transportation, and even spa certificates.  Here are some sample prices of current one-way charters being offered:

Expect these prices to hover right around this mark for as long as the market continues to be bogged down. 

Even taking a Private Jet to Super Bowl XLIII can present travel challenges.  With over 1000 Gulfstreams, Hawkers, and Beechjets expected to descend upon the Tampa area parking and ramp space at Tampa International Airport will go fast.  Luckily, there are other options.  Within a 40 mile radius, there are 4 other airports with runways suitable for private aircraft. Airports such as St Petersburg/Clearwater Airport, Vandenberg Aiport, Hernando County Airport, or even Lakeland Linder Airport will help alleviate some of the traffic and congestion.

By using the smaller feeder airports, you can eliminate most of the delays associated with the massive amounts of aircraft all trying to depart TIA at the same time. With departure delays of up to 6hrs after Super Bowl XLII, the 45 minute drive to Lakeland might not seem so bad, after all.