Private jets are decadent and luxuriant, many people assume that they have no role in a world where many companies are having to cut back and global warming is more of an issue than ever: a private jet though either owned or chartered can create value and may not even be that bad for the environment if you consider how much more direct the flights can be thereby cutting down on miles traveled by road and rail just to get to the major airport you need for a commercial flight; the extra emissions caused by having to take indirect flights aren’t even worth considering.

Private jets are rarely used by individuals for pleasure and when they are it is normally rich but in demand individuals who can’t afford to take more time off work than they have to for a weekend break and so the time saved is worth paying the cost of a private jet for.

Charter flights on private jets are also ideal for transporting clients and potentially convincing them to come and see you at your offices by providing the private flight for them: it saves them time, impresses them in the first place and means you can show them your operation and talk to them in person which is often what you need to close a deal when you have stiff competition.

Private jets value usually comes from the time you or employees save and the extra value people can get out of the time spent on board. If your company has a few great men and women who you know are worth a certain amount to your business for every hour they are working due to their ability to increase efficiency, close sales, develop products or any other important jobs: then you don’t want them wasting three hours in airports for every trip they take: two hours checking in and going through security and then waiting at a gate, then an hour or so at the other end getting out of an airport through security, waiting at baggage claim before eventually being able to continue to their destination. So you can put a value on private jets in business, and that hasn’t even considered yet the time saved by being able to take a flight from a local airport to an airport or airfield closest to their destination and the fact that staff can be productive on board the private jet. If there are a few colleagues they can have meetings and plan for the meetings or events they are heading to, otherwise they can simply get on with work on a private jet as if they were in their office; some jets even have internet access on board now. A night flight also means that you can make sure your employee or employees actually get a good nights uninterrupted sleep rather than the type of sleep they will get on a commercial flight, even in business class: the result is they arrive at their destination ready to go having changed into fresh suits, had a wash and being rested and prepared for whatever meeting, event or other work is in store for them: if it is enough to give them that edge to clinch a major contract then you won’t blink an eyelid when your invoice for the charter flight comes through.

In response to the pet jets share-a-flight program created last year and featured in Forbes.com and The Wall Street Journal.com, Pet Jets has created the Pet Jets Travel Club. According to Pet Jets owner, Brian Fiske, “it is clear that that there is a need for alternative air transportation for pet owners worldwide with the concern pet owners have with commercial air carriers. While there has been a great deal of interest in Pet Jets, the costs associated with private aircraft charter is expensive, especially with current fuel prices for many pet owners. Pet Jets Travel Club is an opportunity for a pet owner to share the cost of a charter with other pet owners interested in a similar flight.” Pet owners are able to have their flight requests posted to the members only site and other members are able view the posted requests. If there is a match of pet owners interested in the same flight, Pet Jets works with club members to locate the best aircraft at the best price via its network of FAA approved private aircraft carriers. Pet Jets does not own and operate aircraft, but provides its members with travel consulting and concierge services as part of its annual travel club membership fee. Travel club membership fees are deducted off the first aircraft charter for new members. Other membership benefits are explained on the www.PetJets.Net website. To join our exciting exclusive pet travel club or for more information, you may also email us at info@PetJets.net.

While companies that rely on business aviation represent many different professions and locations, they all have one thing in common: the need for fast, flexible, safe, secure and cost-effective access to destinations across the country and around the world. In many instances, business aviation is the appropriate transportation solution, opening the door to global commerce for small-community and rural populations by linking them directly to population centers and manufacturing facilities. The benefits of business aviation are clear:

•Business aviation allows for efficient, flexible, safe, secure and cost-effective access to destinations across the country and around the world. Because employees can meet, plan and work with each other aboard business aircraft, productivity en route is greatly enhanced.
•In many instances, business aviation is the best or only transportation option available, opening the door to global commerce for small-community and rural populations by linking them directly to population centers and manufacturing facilities. Studies have also shown that business aviation contributes greatly to local economies across the country.
•Business aircraft allow employees to make a trip involving stops at several locations, then return to headquarters the same day. Hundreds or thousands of dollars can be saved on hotel rooms, rental cars, meals and other expenses that would be needed to make the same trip over several days via auto, train or airline transport.

For more information about Business Aviation, visit the professionals at Global Exec Aviation for charter, aircraft sales and aviation consulting services.

California Based Jet Charter Firm Ready For Increase In Demand This Holiday Travel Season

Long Beach, CA based Global Exec Aviation is prepared for an anticipated busy holiday air travel season as demand for charter flights is on the increase. According to Global Exec Aviation President Ramon Manriquez, “Rising airfares and crowded airline flights have led to more people seeking information about aircraft charter. The airlines have cut back routes and the amount of aircraft available for scheduled flights has led to more inquiries and bookings with our aviation firm.” Global Exec Aviation has recently hired additional staff to assist with the increase in charter demand and is recommending that air travelers book their charter trips early this year for the upcoming holiday travel season. Global Exec Aviation is a FAA approved Air Carrier operating a fleet of Cessna, Falcon, and Gulfstream private aircraft worldwide. Air travelers interested in aircraft charter can call Global Exec Aviation at +1.562.424.0663 for a free quote for their holiday travel. More information about aircraft charter can also be found on their website at: www.globalexecaviation.com

In our last article on how to charter a jet, we discussed some of the first steps in chartering an aircraft and why it’s important to find a charter operator or experienced broker to assist you with the many details for private jet travel. Professional operators and brokers that have been in the business for a long period of time will have a check list of items to review with you based on your travel needs and financial requirements. Travel consumers should be aware of the various costs involved with chartering an aircraft and when possible, obtain a quote that includes all possible fees and taxes. Some companies will provide estimated costs to compete with other operators and brokers. Your initial quote may seem like a great deal. After the flight is completed you may receive an updated bill for actual charges and be quite shocked how much more the bill is than what was quoted. Actual charges can be legitimate for many international flight as these flight can only be estimated based on previous flights. International charges can change daily and can include the cost of over flying a country, flying through their airspace, security as well as value added taxes. Most operators will add a conservative estimate for international flights, but estimated quotes  on domestic trips should have you ask a few more questions as to what the additional costs might be.

The final discussion in this article is what type of aircraft should you charter? The advantage of flying charter is that you have a large variety of aircraft to select from based on your travel needs. This again is where your operator or broker should assist you with selecting the correct aircraft and not oversell you into a more expensive aircraft than what is really needed. There has been instances where brokers have placed air travelers in more expensive aircraft because they are more motivated with the commission they are going to earn rather than selecting the right aircraft  for you. For instance, if your flying into a ski-resort at a high altitude airport, you most likely want to stay away from a single-engine aircraft. If your flying a short distance with a few passengers, then chartering a large private jet such as a Gulfstream or Challenger is probably going to be 2-3 times the cost of chartering a small jet unless your looking to really impress someone! In most cases, most operators will not charter long-range large private jets on short distance flights without being a premium charge.

Most popular small and medium size jets seat 6-8 passengers such as the widely used Cessna Citation series of jets. Depending on the length of flight, and yes, the size and weight of your passengers, this might be one of the most important points. While most jets have seating for up to 8 passengers, 2-3 of these seats might be dedicated to a couch instead of a captain chair that will have more room. While a short, hour long flight from LA to Vegas might work for three large people, it will not be a comfortable experience flying on a roadshow business trip or cross-country! Have your operator send pictures of the aircraft as well as the interior to understand how your passengers will be seated and will they be comfortable. Adding catering or cabin baggage can even leave less space as it all must be  secured for takeoff and landing and show also be part of the equation.

No doubt, chartering aircraft is a smart way to fly and save time. Professional operators such as Global Exec Aviation provide aviation consultants that will lead you in the right direction and recommend aircraft based on your travel needs, budget and other safety criteria. In my next article, we will discuss in greater detail the major types and brands of aircraft available for charter.

Author: Brian Fiske, MS