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!

As reported in CharterX Daily

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen commended Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) for taking to the floor of the Senate late last month to remind his colleagues of the value of business aviation for citizens, communities and companies across the U.S.

“The people of the business aviation community applaud Senator Brownback for explaining what business aviation is all about, and correcting some of the misstatements and mischaracterizations about business aviation that have recently been made,” Bolen said.

In his remarks, Brownback told his colleagues: “Some federal officials have recently been making use of business aviation a matter of derision. Well, there is a lot of good that this business—a U.S.-dominated business—does, and we ought to support it, not hurt it.”

To illustrate his point, Brownback noted the following, among other facts:
• Business aviation employs more than one million people in manufacturing and support services.
• Many companies rely on an airplane to conduct business across a number of different locations, which are often located in areas without robust airline airline service.
• Of the nation’s 5,000 public-use airports, only 500 are served by the commercial airlines, making business aviation the only option for accessing most airports.
• Eighty-six percent of people aboard business aircraft are not a company’s senior officials, but are mid-level employees, including salespeople, engineers, or other technical specialists.
“Whether its a piston or a jet, it [a business jet] is often what ends up connecting a lot of people on a rapid basis throughout the country,” Brownback said. “Without the use of business aircraft, you’re going to have a lot more inefficiencies in companies; you’re going to have a lot more difficulty getting people from point A to point B.”

Bolen agreed, adding: “Business aviation is an essential tool for many companies to be productive and efficient, which is especially critical in this economic climate. But as the senator also pointed out, business aviation means jobs for more than a million people. It provides a critical lifeline for communities across the country, many of which have lost some or all of their airline service in the past year. And, it supports humanitarian initiatives, including medical transport for people in need and delivery of relief and supplies for victims of natural disasters. We thank Senator Brownback for recognizing these facts in highlighting the essential role of business aviation in America today.”