Private Jet Charter News

In 2007, thousands of people all over the United States discovered the benefits of air charter. And every day, more travelers are discovering just how smart charter can be. It’s easier than ever to become part of the jet set, but there are a few things you should know:

What is a “chartered flight”?
Chartered flights differ from regular, scheduled flights on major airlines in a number of ways. First of all, charters are “on-demand;” that is, they conform to your schedule and needs, rather than you having to plan your day around theirs. Second, with a chartered flight, you’re actually getting the whole plane rather than buying a ticket for each seat.

Chartered flights on private jets can have a number of advantages. Chartering a flight can save you time and, often, money on your business trips. Charter offers the convenience of traveling on your schedule rather than on the airlines’ schedule, and flying to airports which are closer to your final ground destination. Best of all, charter gives you more control over your travel environment, including the comfort, safety, and security of a private aircraft.

Why is private jet charter so popular?
There are over 5300 airports around the United States that can accommodate a private aircraft. Compare that to the fewer than 500 airports served by commercial airlines and you begin to understand the most obvious of time savings associated with private aircraft travel. According to a recent survey people are 60% more productive on private aircraft over commercial travel.

Should I pay a membership fee?
Absolutely not! That’s the beauty of on-demand jet charter…Fly When You Want. Pay When You Fly. Some jet charter companies have you believe that you need to pay upwards of $100,000 to have “access” to a network of aircraft. That is not necessary. Keep your money. Make them EARN your business one flight at a time.

How do I determine if an aircraft is safe?
Safety should be a top priority when choosing a jet.  All charter aircraft are subject to very strict FAA rules regulating their use and operation. The FAA is specifically stringent when it comes to pilot qualifications and maintenance requirements. Further, all aircraft should be subjected to intense scrutiny and inspection by one of three independent aircraft-auditing firms - ARG/US, FlightSafety, or Wyvern. You should always ask for a safety record.

What should I expect to pay for private jet charter?
Prices vary depending on aircraft type. For instance:

Light jet prices range from $1500 and $2300 per hour. Some of the most popular include the Beech Jet 400A, Citation Bravo, Cessna CJ2, and Lear Jet 31.

Midsized jet prices range from $2400-$3600. Some of the most popular include, the Hawker 700/800, Learjet 55/60, Falcon 20/200 and Gulfstream 200.

Large jet prices range $3800-$8200 per hour. Some of the most popular include, Gulfstream III/IV/V, Challenger 601/604, Falcon 900/2000, and Global Express.

Be sure to ask for aircraft photos and tail numbers for any aircarft you are considering. Don’t fall victim, to the “bait and switch”, if a price is too good to be true…there is typically a catch.

Please let us know if we can answer any specific questions for you.

Safe travels!

[caption id=“attachment_339” align=“alignright” width=“300” caption=“No Dough, No Go”][/caption]JetDirect Aviation, the company that went on a wild acquisition spree in 2007 - snapping up big league companies such as Sentient Jet and Jet Corp - has filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware on Friday 5/8. 

Recently, JetDriect Aviation has sold all of its assets to the JetDirect Aviation Acquisition Company now known as Wayfarer Aviation.  The new company has hired roughly half of the former employees back on, but the remainder of those left jobless are still owed unpaid salaries and benefits.

For many months after the acquisition of Sentient Jet, there were internal industry rumblings from charter operators who had flown charters for Sentient but were having a hard time getting paid.  The problem, as JetDirect/Sentient put it, was in reconciling several accouting systems causing delays in processing payments.  While the era of a JetDirect controlled Sentient Jet has ended, it serves to underscore that explosive growth for its own sake (espeically in a volitile and unsteady economic climate) can often lead to this kind of “house of cards” collapse. 

As an industry veteran and firsthand witness to a similar collapse in 2002 of a substantial charter agent, I am always cautions when dealing with a company that grows very rapidly in compressed period of time.  Flashy marketing and good PR, do not, a solid company, make.  In every industry, but particularly in Aviation, a strong foundation comprised of forward-looking leadership, smart management, loyal employees, and a steady but not-rushed expansion plan is essential to corporate survival.  There is an old phrase about the aviation industry - “If you want to wind up with one million bucks in this job, you’d better start with two.”

The following jets are available as one-way charter flights. Many can be combined to create complete round-trip travel. With over 10 years of experience as a private charter agency, Executive Charter Services has the reputation for excellence and safety that you demand. For pricing and other company information, please visit http://www.execcharter.com or feel free to contact me personally at 866.359.3932.

CLICK HERE FOR ONE-WAY LISTING

Kevin W. Godlewski
President, Executive Charter Services

[caption id=“attachment_378” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“New Terminal, Nantucket Airport”][/caption]Just in time for the summer travel season, Nantucket Memorial Airport (KACK) has opened the newly renovated and expanded passenger terminal. The building includes advanced environmentally responsible, or “Green”, technologies such as a geothermal heating and cooling system, tank-less water heaters, and low-flow fixtures in the lavatories.  Interestingly, the new deck chairs were stored outside for a year to achieve that weathered look so indigenous to Nantucket.

Regardless of whether you arrive by charter jet, or commercial airline, the new terminal at Nantucket Memorial Airport is ready to welcome you to your favorite New England summer escape.

Check out some private jets that are available as one-way charter flights. Many can be combined to create complete round-trip travel.

The following private jets are available as one-way charter flights. Many can be combined to create complete round-trip travel. With over 10 years of experience as a private jet charter agency, Executive Charter Services has the reputation for excellence and safety that you demand. For pricing and other company information, please visit http://www.execcharter.com/ or feel free to contact me personally at 866.359.3932.

- Kevin W. Godlewski. President

* indicates AirPool availability

The glamour has long faded from the job of a flight attendant, but the occupation still captures the imagination of a public fascinated by the constant travel and work above the clouds.

Excerpt from CNN.com

The glamour has long faded from the job of a flight attendant, but the occupation still captures the imagination of a public fascinated by the constant travel and work above the clouds.

“When my mom was a stewardess in the 1950s, they wore white gloves and they learned to serve lobster thermidor table-side,” said Rene Foss, a flight attendant for 25 years and the spokeswoman for the Association of Flight Attendants.

“Instead of wearing white gloves, I’m wearing rubber gloves; and instead of learning to serve lobster thermidor, I’m learning to put handcuffs on passengers.”

—-Thats just about all that needs to be said about today’s “Airline Experience” doesn’t it?

After a months long free fall, it feels like the business jet market is starting to stabilize, said Jack Pelton, head of Cessna Aircraft.

As reported by Molly McMillan for CharterX

After a months long free fall, it feels like the business jet market is starting to stabilize, said Jack Pelton, head of Cessna Aircraft.

“At some point there, we’ll be able to call the bottom,” Pelton, the company’s chairman, president and CEO, said of the drop in the market. “The negatives, like (order) cancellations are slowing down; we’re starting to see orders start to rise again.”

Aircraft deliveries are expected to hit their low next year, which will be followed by a steady climb, he said.

“The slope of that rise will be dependent on what the economy does,” he said.

Pelton’s boss, meanwhile, said Cessna’s parent company is not interested in selling the Wichita company.

“I don’t know where all the rumors come from,” said Scott Donnelly, president and chief operating officer of Textron. “I think I can be clear that no one is interested in any way, shape or form in divesting Cessna out of Textron. It’s a central asset of what Textron is.”

Pelton spoke last week in a broad-ranging interview on the eve of the world’s largest gathering of general aviation airplanes and airplane buffs at AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis.

Cessna has cut half of its work force — about 8,200 people — since November. The company has had to cut production, and employees, as order cancellations and deferrals have stacked up during the economic downturn.

The layoffs include last month’s announcement of 1,300 cuts, including 500 employees who will receive 60-day notices by mid-August. Those cuts, Pelton said, will put Cessna at the right employment level for 2010’s planned lower production rates.

Pelton said he also has heard the rumors about Textron looking for buyers for Cessna.

“I work closely with the Textron board of directors,” he said. “I’ve never felt better than knowing in this difficult time, they are really committed to Cessna.”

Donnelly said there is no question Cessna and the entire general aviation industry are going through a tough time.

“We’ll come out of this an even stronger company,” he said. “We have a great brand, a great franchise and one, I know, will drive a lot of value going forward.”

Even in a business that is as cyclical as general aviation, Pelton said watching the business jet market continue to deteriorate has been difficult.

“When we saw the indicators continue to deteriorate past what we saw in the last recessionary period ... it became very clear we were in uncharted territory with circumstances that we’ve never seen in the past,” Pelton said. “That was very startling.”

Pelton said downturn has been a personally distressing time, forcing the company to dismantle what employees have built over the past five years. 

“Every time we have to reduce production and lay people off, it is a recurring nightmare,” he said. “I’ve had more of those days than I would ever like to relieve in my life again.”

Pelton also touched on a variety of other topics:

He said the biggest surprise of the downturn has been the amount of negativity and stigma surrounding the use of business jets.

Leaders of the Big Three automakers were criticized by members of Congress when they arrived on private jets to ask for a federal bailout. Early legislation, later changed, would have required companies receiving federal bailout funds to divest their corporate aircraft fleet or their jet leases.

It’s been a “constant haranguing — almost as if you’re involved in something that’s evil,’’ Pelton said. “It hasn’t stopped.”

Earlier this year, Cessna Aircraft unveiled an ad campaign to showcase the value of business aviation.

The company may have canceled the long-range, large Citation Columbus program, but long-term, the fundamentals for the aircraft remain.

Last year, the state, county and city approved more than $70 million in cash assistance and tax breaks to entice Cessna to develop the new jet in Wichita. The project was to have created 1,000 jobs with an annual payroll of $74 million. Cessna returned $10 million to the city and Sedgwick County earlier this month.

As reported by Molly McMillan for CharterX “We have an enormously faithful group of installed customers that are flying everything from 172s to Citation Xs,” Pelton said. “Long term, we’ll need to have products that will satisfy their needs as they grow and expand.”

Cessna continues to make significant investments in new product development in the light and medium planes, he said.

None will be announced, though, until the market improves, Pelton said. 

“If we were to go out today and hold a major press conference… everybody would say, ‘That’s great! I’ll call you when things get better.”

NHL Impacted by Fight Between USDOT and CTA

The punches are flying already and the season hasn’t even started yet.  Last week Air Canada Jetz charter service, which has contracts. with 7 pro sports teams, filed a lawsuit to block enforcement of a USDOT order that Air Canada cancel its season-long contract.

The underlying problem is that Air Canada has been contracted to fly Canadian sports teams between cities in the United States without first returning to Canada.  This would be a violation of Cabotage, the commonly used moniker defining the law and treaty that prohibits foreign airlines from picking up passengers in the U.S. and flying them between U.S. destinations.  An example would be Air Canada flying their jet to Boston to pick up the Red Sox then flying to New York for series against the Yankees, then flying the Sox back to Boston.  Similarly, U.S. airlines are banned from doing the same in foreign countries.  The rules are designed to ensure that U.S. flights are flown by U.S. carriers.  So, the USDOT issued an order for Air Canada to cancel some of its contracts.

The Canadian Transportation Agency retaliated by banning flights by U.S. carriers that require multiple stops within Canada forcing a U.S. charter carrier, owning contracts with 10 NHL teams this season, to arrange for a Canadian charter to make intra-Canada flights last weekend for the Florida Panthers, rather than carry the NHL team itself.

The interesting thing about this fracas is that for years, the USDOT has allowed Canadian carriers to fly sports teams on intra-U.S. flights if the teams ultimately would return to Canada. The entire season of flights was considered one charter with the final destination being a city in Canada.  And, U.S. airlines ferrying American teams were permitted to fly within Canada.  So, everyone was happy.
 
But then the Air Line Pilots Association union, two U.S. aviation trade groups and a U.S. charter carrier began calling for a penalty last year because Air Canada won DOT-approved contracts to fly two American sports teams - the NHL’s Bruins and the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. The pilots want to ensure that U.S. flights are operated by U.S. pilots. In an order to Air Canada’s Washington lawyer, the USDOT said it had discovered that the airline previously carried individuals on Bruins and Bucks charters who were transported solely within the U.S. and never carried across the border during the season, contrary to the DOT’s agreement with the airline and issued the stop order.

As a fan of NHL Hockey (and my Philadelphia Flyers!), and having been in the position of having to deal with Cabotage regularly for the charters we arrange, I am disappointed that this argument has gotten this far.  Many NHL teams are struggling financially.  Small market cites, small fan base, poor TV ratings and revenues all conspire to place financial handcuffs on teams.  Having to now deal with a major travel disruption on the eve of the season will most likely cause irreparable damage to at least one team.  We’ll keep an eye on this and update as things develop.

NHL Season Suffers No Disruptions

US and Canada Settle Air Dispute

Following a meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced an agreement in principal that would allow Air Canada Jetz to honor its contracts.  Until this meeting it looked as though 6 major sports teams in Canada would have to find alternative transportation while in the states as the USDOT was preventing them from flying to consecutive cites in the US without first returning to Canada.  While few details have been made public, the airline is now allowed to fly teams to their scheduled cities, and vice-versa for U.S. based operators flying team within Canada. 

I guess each government got five for fighting and then went back to business.

Airline Creates All-Business London/New York Service

BA1 lifted off from London City Airport today beginning that airline’s attempt to create a successful all-luxury airline service between London and New York.  Sounds vaguely familiar?  That’s because several other airlines have tried, and failed, to create the same service.  Eos, MAXjet, and Silverjet all served the luxury market for a short time during great economic prosperity before ultimately failing. Why does BA think it will be any more successful now when the world economy is sputtering and they themselves are planning to cut routes and ground 9% of their fleet this winter due to “declining advanced bookings”?
 
I see several shortcomings with their service.  First, choosing the Airbus A318, an aircraft that does not possess the range for transoceanic flights (East to West, against the prevailing headwinds) seems a dubious way to start off.  BA sugarcoats this by departing from London City Airport, which will allow very short check-in and boarding times, but has a short runway “forcing a stop in Shannon, Ireland for fuel and to clear customs.”  To be clear, it is not just the short runway at London City causing a needed stop - the A318 simply cannot fly the distance without refueling.  Next, and to me, the elephant in the room is the fact that BA is attempting to supply a private aviation product aboard a commercial airliner, flown by a commercial airline, along commercial routes, and into commercial hub airports. 

Ultimately, no matter how flat, wide, or comfy the seats are, despite the nearly endless on-board entertainment options, and the ability to connect to the internet, BA’s luxury service is still airline travel.  Travel that is subject to adverse weather, airport congestion, equipment malfunctions, and delayed departure/arrival times.  Does it matter how quickly and painlessly London City Airport makes the check-in process if the aircraft has not yet arrived from New York on the East-bound leg?
 
BA should know better and leave the luxury private aviation segment to private aviation.  You just can’t put a shine on a sneaker.

Surface/Extension Enhances Performance & Safety

Well-heeled skiers take note, the $40M runway resurfacing and extension project has been completed, just in time for the 2010 ski season.  Beaver Creek chefs brought freshly-baked cookies to welcome the first flights touching down after the summer-long closure.  The new runway will allow most midsized charter jets such as the Hawker 800/1000, Lear 60, and Citation Excel to now travel non-stop back to New York and South Florida.  So, when arranging your private jet to Aspen this year, remember to ask about all of your aircraft options.  Unfortunately though, you’ve already missed out on the cookies.

Manufacturer of new anti-jet-lag drug sponsors private jet trip

Pharmaceutical companies are always looking for two things - people to participate in their clinical trials and new ways to market their products. It appears as though the manufacturers of a new medication to treat jet-lag may have accomplished both by treating participants to a free Gulfstream private jet ride to Paris. Cephalon, an international biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of many unique products including central nervous system disorders makes a drug called Nuvigil. Ads started appearing over the summer in New York newspapers with the following question: Want to fly to France and get paid $2,500 for your trouble? The testing included 3 days in Paris for a study on the effects of jet lag. The only catch was that you don’t get to see the sights of Paris. Recently, a dozen strangers were jetted to Paris in a private Gulfstream jet. Once at a Paris testing facility participants were given Armodafinil. Their alertness and other functions were measured repeatedly during the three-day stay. Participants had a great time and enjoyed their cross-continental jet travel.  I’d have to think that a free, pampered flight in a luxurious Gulfstream Jet might tend to skew the results a bit, though.

Another Online Charter Agency Fails

In a classic example of the failure of the “One Size Fits All” philosophy, Virgin Charter has ceased active operations.  According to a company statement, “…due to the severe decline in corporate travel, Virgin Charter was unable to generate sufficient sales to underpin its business plan and has taken the difficult decision to close its doors.”

Richard Branson’s Virgin USA launched Virgin Charter in mid-2007.  Their model allowed charter users to make all arrangements via Virgins Web Site.  The business model was to charter aircraft owners/operators a fee based on a percentage of sales, but the buyer did not pay to use Virgin Charter
. 
We’ve recently seen the demise of two of the larger names in the charter business, Jets.com (formerly Charter Auction) and now Virgin.  Market conditions are certainly a major factor in the nationwide slowdown for charter agents and operators; however the business model that loudly proclaims to allow users to book charter jet solely online misses the point of private aviation.
 
Anyone can cruise the web to find accurate pricing for a private jet charter from New York to Aspen or Menlo Park to Las Vegas, but few will ultimately click to purchase an item with a $20,000 ticket price. The consumer wants to know details and speak to someone knowledgeable that can act as a consultant for him.  The online booking model works great for the airlines, because it’s all about filling seats, flying profitable routes at maximum capacity, rigid timelines and schedules, and keeping costs at an absolute minimum, while minimizing consumer flexibility.

Private aviation is different, and we should embrace that difference, not try to turn flying by chartered jet into a JetBlue experience.  This business is about providing personal relationships, flexibility, safety, security, and industry knowledge to those fortunate individuals who are in a position to consider a private jet alternative for their travel.  As the owner of a boutique private jet charter agency, I am saddened to learn of the demise of Virgin Charter, but at the same time – you can’t make consumers conform to your business model.  After all, if anyone could have made online private jet charter successful, Virgin’s and Branson’s reputation and brand-name recognition should have made them the one.

1968 to The Donald: “We want the jet back!”

Recently, Donald Trump has placed his private jet for sale.  Until now, he has been winging his way around the world in a vintage Boeing 727-100. Circa 1968!  He has decided that an upgrade is in order, and who can blame him?  With the pool of gently used corporate jets growing with each bank failure and fractional sell-off, now is the right time to pick up a good deal.  The jet, registered abroad, is expected to fetch between, ahem,  $4M and $8M.  As shown below, the rich velvet and mint condition Naugahyde ought to be worth that much alone.  Yes, Mr. Trump, time for a new ride.

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2010 Shines Hope On Private Jet Travel

The holidays are over, and 2010 has arrived. With the coming of the New Year optimism and cheerful outlooks abound.  While the charter jet industry is still smarting from the PR punishment it took in 2009, some significant signs point to a much better 2010 and 2011.

The economy seems to be stabilizing after a very tumultuous year of highs and lows.  While it is not back to pre-2008-burst levels, at the moment it appears to have settled down quite a bit.  Travel budgets can be planned, staffing levels have stabilized, and corporate travel is increasing again.  Let’s face it, sales still have to be made, and clients still need to be visited – and there is no more efficient way to do that than aboard a private jet.CASE STUDY

Private air travel has been on the uptick month over month since June 2009 and all indications point to a continuance of that trend in 2010.  As we move further into the year some in the industry project flight levels and private jet demand to rebound significantly.

Let’s not forget the leisure factor as record cold temperatures settle in across most of the US.  Many clients prefer the ease and simplicity of travel via private jet charter as opposed to the odious and often delayed/cancelled commercial flights during the winter travel season.  There are few security hassles simply because you know everyone on your plane.  Imagine how easy and pleasant flying would be when you are able to pull up next to your plane, flash a photo ID, board and depart within 5 minutes.  Certainly, taking a private jet on the family trip to Disney, Aspen, The Superbowl, or the Olympic Winter Games is going to be more expensive that commercial travel, but sometime you just can’t put a price on quality time with your family.
 
And that is precisely what private aviation is all about – diminishing unproductive and wasteful time at commercial airports and aboard airliners, while increasing productivity and quality time in the air. 

Special Rates on Popular Destinations

The following jets are available as one-way charter flights. Many can be combined to create complete round-trip travel. With over 10 years of experience as a private charter agency, Executive Charter Services has the reputation for excellence and safety that you demand. For pricing and other company information, please visit our website or feel free to contact me personally at 866.359.3932.
Kevin W. Godlewski, President

Superbowl, Olympics, and more

The following jets are available as one-way charter flights. Many can be combined to create complete round-trip travel. With over 10 years of experience as a private charter agency, Executive Charter Services has the reputation for excellence and safety that you demand. For pricing and other company information, please visit our website or feel free to contact me personally at 866.359.3932.
Kevin W. Godlewski, President

Thousands of airline flights cancelled due to dangerous ash plume

Earlier this week a volcano under an Icelandic Glacier erupted and spewed thousands of tons of ash into the atmosphere causing the cancellations of thousands of flights across the globe.  Currently all airspace in Great Britain Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, and the Netherlands, is completely closed to all aircraft while airspace was partially closed in France, Germany, Poland, Sweden, Norway, and Ireland.  US airlines are cancelling flights to/from Europe stranding thousands of passengers. It is simply too dangerous to fly.

Volcanic ash clouds are a serious hazard to aviation, reducing visibility, damaging flight controls and ultimately causing jet engines to fail.  Encounters between aircraft and volcanic ash can happen because ash clouds are difficult to distinguish from ordinary clouds, both visually and on radar, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  Ash clouds can also drift great distances from their source. The eruption in Iceland sent a huge plume of ash moving across the Atlantic, disrupting air traffic across Western Europe.

According to Boeing, flying through an ash cloud should be avoided by all means. The aircraft manufacturer says experience has shown costly damage can occur to aircraft surfaces, windshields and power plants, while ventilation, hydraulic, electronic and air data systems can also be contaminated. Critically, it says the ingestion of volcanic ash by engines may cause serious deterioration of engine performance due to erosion of moving parts and partial or complete blocking of fuel nozzles.  One former pilot said, “it’s like throwing a bucket of beach sand into the engine”.  But it is actually much worse, while the sand would pit and gouge the critically balanced surfaces of a high performance jet engine, eventually the sand would work its way through the system.  But the ash is much more insidious.  Volcanic ash contains particles, whose melting point is below that of an engine’s internal temperature. During flight these particles will immediately melt if they go through an engine. Going through the turbine, the melted materials rapidly cool down, stick on the turbine vanes, and disturb the flow of high-pressure combustion gases.  In the worst case this disorder of the flow may completely stall the engine, causing a complete shutdown of not only the propulsion systems, but electrical, environmental, and oxygen/pressurization systems.

New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Bahamas, London, & More One-Way Destinations

The following jets are available as one-way charter flights. Many can be combined to create complete round-trip travel. With over 10 years of experience as a private charter agency, Executive Charter Services has the reputation for excellence and safety that you demand.  For pricing and other company information, please visit our website or feel free to contact me personally at 866.359.3932.
Kevin W. Godlewski, President