Category Archives: Private Aviation Industry News

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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2017 Results and 2018 Projections from 15 Air Charter Companies

Photo courtesy New Flight Charters

Air charter activity is up worldwide according to data and anecdotal reports. US and global economies are favorable and consumer sentiment is improving. Recent US tax law changes are providing incentive and resources for business growth in the US and helping fuel the upward trend of business aviation for 2018.

We will let the industry speak for itself; from 15 air charter companies, organizations and individuals- compiled here are their own results, projections and commentary on business now and looking forward.

Jason Middleton, CEO, Silver Air

From January 18 Forbes.com: “For us at Silver Air, the outlook for 2018 is great in pretty much all areas. We are seeing aircraft sales go up, aircraft charter volume is going up, and charter clients are stepping up in the size of aircraft as well. We are seeing a particularly strong upswing in the Super Mid category. Aircraft like the Citation X and Challenger 300 are in high demand for charter.

PrivateFly

From company website and several online articles: (PrivateFly acquired US broker Bird Dog Jet in 2017) “PrivateFly has grown over 50% again in 2017, and we are looking to continue that growth path in 2018, in large part by U.S. expansion. We’ve grown both top line revenue and bottom line EBITDA as a profitable online platform in the digital space proving true viability. After opening our first US office in 2016, we’ve expanded our team with the recent takeover of Bird Dog Jet and received several new awards and accolades. These steps are just the beginning of our American growth, and we have big plans for 2018.”

Jamie Walker, President & CEO, Jet Linx Aviation

From January 18 Forbes.com: “Our Jet Card business is growing at a strong and steady pace as more individuals realize the need for private aviation both in their business and leisure travel. Our average growth rate over the past five years has been 30% or more for both revenue and flight hours. I expect that business growth and utilization will continue to grow at 30% or more in 2018.

Overall, we’re seeing tremendous opportunities for growth in 2018 and beyond and are looking to expand to new markets on the east and west coasts, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City and San Jose.”

New Flight Charters

Leading charter brokerage New Flight Charters announced in a national release about current jet charter trends and results: 12.5% increase in charter business overall lead by growth in midsize, super-midsize and heavy jets (+16%), and also turboprops (+18%) in that growing charter market segment. International charters increased by 40% in 2017, led by flights to the Caribbean and Mexico. Drivers to the growth included improved pricing options with floating fleets, personnel/service level, and increased repeat clients. January 2018, it reports, continued the same trends. The company offers the industry’s only “best price guarantee” for jet charter pricing and quotes.

Sergey Petrossov, CEO, JetSmarter

From January 18 Forbes.com: “Business is great. We grew over 100% in 2017 for revenue and over 150% in passengers flown. We expect to double again in size in 2018. For the market, we believe the sharing economy will consume private aviation all the way from aircraft ownership to single seat bookings, and consumers will use multiple biz jet solutions for their travel needs.”

Monarch Air Group

Monarch Air Group, an aircraft management company, charter operator and charter broker based in Texas and Florida, published predictions for 2018.

5 Biggest Private Jet Predictions for 2018:

New clients will experience flying private
Charters will lead the business aviation growth
Bitcoin as a payment method will be a must
Diversification as the key to withstanding shaky economies
Consolidation of the very light jet segment

ARGUS

ARGUS through AIN Online 2/5/18:
For the first quarter, Argus predicts a 5 percent jump in year-over-year business aircraft traffic. January will lead the gains with a 5.4 percent increase, with February and March up 4.8 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively. Overall, business aircraft flights in the first quarter are expected to number 759,169.

Business aviation flights in the U.S. and Canada topped 3 million last year, reaching that mark for the first time since 2008, according to a 2017 Business Aircraft Activity Review released by Argus International. The 30-page review, which details Argus TraqPak flight activity data in 2017, reports that business aviation flights increased 3.9 percent overall and flight hours jumped 5.5 percent over 2016.

Year-over-year gains were posted in every month of 2017, Argus said, adding that the improvements were fairly consistent throughout the year. Activity in the first half of 2017 was up 3.9 percent over the same period in 2016, while activity in the second half of 2017 was up 3.8 percent.

Part 135 operations enjoyed the greatest gains, rising 9.2 percent last year. This improvement was driven by Part 135 large-cabin jet operations, which led all increases in 2017 with a 14.9 percent jump. Fractional flights ended the year up 4.7 percent, while Part 91 flights inched up 0.1 percent in 2017. Increased Part 91 large-cabin and midsize jet flights—up 2.9 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively—offset a slide in Part 91 light jet flights, down 0.7 percent, and turboprop flights, down 1.3 percent.

Joe Moeggenberg, CEO, ARGUS

From January 18 Forbes.com: “For the first time since 2008, flight activity reached over three million flights in 2017, an upward trend we expect to see into 2018 as our TRAQPak analysis forecasted flight activity for Q1 in 2018 to increase 5% year over year. In 2017, Part 135 activity saw the largest year over year operation category increase of over 9% and large cabin aircraft saw the largest year over year increase across the industry, up almost 15%.

Steve Orfali, CEO, Jetset Group Inc. and Wholesale Jet Club

From January 18 Forbes.com: “We believe 2018 will be another very strong year for our companies. Jetset Group saw a 30% increase in business in 2017, and we project about the same in 2018. The economy continues to flourish, and we are seeing more and more people shift to private jet travel as a result of it. I believe we will see some rising fuel prices in 2018, which could bring up the pricing on charters, but that’s why many people opt for our jet cards. They have guaranteed rates with no fuel surcharges.”

Stratos Jet Charter

Charter broker Stratos Jet Charter is calling for growth in charter, 5 trends for 2018:

New aircraft models hitting the market in 2018
Busy weekends for air traffic
More air travelers become jet card program members
Continued growth in charter market

Gary Hammes, President, Delta Private Jets

From January 18 Forbes.com: “Business is strong, and with current economic conditions and stock market patterns we are anticipating another record year in 2018. We continue to see strong demand for our product, especially in the corporate space. We expect to grow our charter business 15-20% and we expect a 20% increase in Jet Card sales. As 2018 progresses, we will continue to expand our fleet by about 15 aircraft to meet growth targets and demand. We are developing an enhanced jet card product, and we recently launched our Sky Access membership program which offers access to empty legs and fixed hourly rate private jet travel.”

ACI jets

ACI Jet is an FBO, aircraft manager and charter operator based in Southern California with a charter fleet of 11 midsize through ultra long range jets.

From article in Paso Magazine: “Known for its work as a Fixed Base Operator (FBO), ACI Jet has locations at airports in Orange County, Oceano, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles, but the company began when Bill Borgsmiller fueled his Piper Seneca III as the company’s first charter aircraft in 1998.

ACI Jet now employs 190 people, operates a fleet of private jet aircraft, and celebrates a banner year in 2017 with a 20-year anniversary and more growth in 2018.

“In this last year, one of the most exciting things is a new location in Orange County,” Borgsmiller said. “We are adding new aircraft to the fleet. There is big growth.”

In concert with the expansion at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, ACI Jet is building a 35,000-square-foot office complex, and an adjacent 25,000-square-foot hangar as its corporate headquarters on the grounds.”

Andrew Collins, CEO, Sentient Jet and Skyjet

From January 18 Forbes.com: “We had an incredibly strong year at both Sentient Jet and Skyjet. Each brand saw growth in many of our key-performance measurements. We moved into new headquarters, launched new products, and pushed our brand and partnership visibility up a few notches.

I feel relatively bullish on 2018 within the major client markets that we serve, especially those in the financial sector. We’re projecting significant growth at both brands and seek to continue to push into new product categories and client segments.

Lastly, it feels like a number of upstarts that pursued significant growth models will continue to have industry visibility. However, unlike perhaps the past few years, they will have to mature their models to meet investor requests and demands and provide real insight into how they will scale and how they plan on truly impacting the private aviation buying segment.”

Greg Raiff, CEO, Private Jet Services (PJS) Group

From January 18 Forbes.com: “Our corporate and leisure business was up year over year more than 100% when we compare 2016 to 2017. We expect that dynamic growth to continue in 2018, as the geometric increase in the number of private flyers globally, and the price efficiency of our solution gains broad recognition.”

Kenny Dichter, Founder and CEO, Wheels Up

From January 18 Forbes.com: “Wheels Up is celebrating its 5th anniversary in 2018. We expect another banner year and to exit with 6,000 active members and a $400 million run rate with over 100 aircraft. We took delivery of our first three Citation Xs so we are now a three airplane type fleet. Wheels Up is revenue growing at over 35% per year, and we expect that kind of growth rate moving forward.”

Sources: company announcements, press releases, articles, online media

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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Boeing Business Jet Coming to Unrestricted Charter Availability

Boeing Business Jet for charter with unrestricted availability, operated by Silver Air.

US charter operator Silver Air announces the coming addition of a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) to its charter fleet, creating the nation’s only unrestricted charter availability on a world-class BBJ. Starting spring 2018, the new BBJ based in Southern California will begin serving global executive and entertainment markets.

Silver Air’s Boeing Business Jet has a 16-passenger VVIP cabin configuration. For overnight flights, a 10-passenger sleeping arrangement is available, complete with a master bedroom suite and private bathroom with shower.

The Boeing Business Jet is capable of flying more than 6,000 uninterrupted miles and is equipped with the amenities expected on an aircraft of this caliber including: global Wi-Fi, a VIP private office, lounge area, a full service galley with private chef services, and a high-end assortment of DEAN & DELUCA snacks and a selection of world class wines.

Boeing Business Jet cabin, operated by Silver Air with unrestricted availability.

All 20 Silver Air charter aircraft are included ONLY in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform along with all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 operators worldwide automatically.

“This is an extremely unique opportunity for our charter clients to enjoy the ultimate private jet experience,” said Jason Middleton, Silver Air’s CEO. “Silver Air’s BBJ features the absolute highest level of service, luxury and comfort available in private aviation. There simply isn’t another charter operator in the country that has a BBJ of this caliber available on an unrestricted basis. It’s a game changer for Silver Air and our clients.”

Silver Air manages privately owned aircraft from Southern California to the Bay Area and Dallas. In addition to the newly signed Boeing Business Jet, Silver Air’s fleet includes light to large-cabin jets: Gulfstream GIV-SP, GIV, Dassault Falcon 2000, G200, Challenger 300, Phenom 100, Citation CJ3, Citation CJ2, and Citation X models.

The company’s charter fleet now numbers 20 aircraft, from turboprops to the new Boeing Business Jet. The operator has acquired the ARGUS Platinum and IS-BAO ratings, and is a member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation.

Source: company press release

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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New Private Jet Charter Empty Legs Listing Nationwide Announced by New Flight Charters

Largest Public Listing includes over 150 Jet Charter Empty Legs Nationwide Sourced and Published by Top-Rated Jet Charter Brokerage.

New Flight Charters, a charter aircraft owner and leader in the private jet charter space since 2004, in a news release has announced the largest public listing of empty legs in the jet charter industry. The company now is listing over 150 upcoming and available empty legs from U.S. private charter aircraft.

EMPTY LEGS

Hawker 800XP jet charter with New Flight Charters at Jackson Hole, WY airport.

Also known as dead-heads or ferry flights, empty legs are flights without passengers on board when an aircraft needs to be moved. Often a private charter jet will have empty leg flights associated with an existing flight schedule- when it needs to move to another location to start a charter, or return back to base after completing a charter, or the same situations for its owner flights.

These empty legs, when an aircraft needs to fly a certain direction, can be a unique opportunity for a low-cost jet charter. Aircraft can be re-routed to accommodate a charter flight need. For example, an empty leg from Houston to Denver can be rerouted for a Dallas to Aspen charter at a much lower than normal cost.

RATES

Rates can vary since each empty leg charter is unique, but pricing is typically 30-50% lower than standard charter quotes.

Examples from the current Empty Legs Listing of 150 flights include:·

Jackson Hole, WY – Denver, CO, Hawker 400XT light jet, December 19, $6,800
Boca Raton, FL – Teterboro, NJ, Embraer Legacy 600 large jet, December 21, $15,450
Sun Valley, ID – Los Angeles, CA, Phenom 300 light jet, December 22, $6,900
New York, NY – Palm Beach, FL, Citation CJ3 light jet, December 27, $10,600
Los Angeles, CA – Aspen, CO, Gulfstream IV large jet, December 31, $13,950

“When an empty leg matches up with a flight need, there is no better value in private flying,” commented Rick Colson, New Fight Charters’ president. “Working with the largest charter availability in the industry we use a variety of tools to source ideal aircraft options for any given charter request.”

FLOATING FLEETS

All Floating Fleets are listed only in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform along with all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide.

Floating Fleets are a second attractive and lower cost solution. A fast-growing option in private jet charter is utilizing a non-based Floating Fleet aircraft for better one-way pricing, point-to-point. These can be available in all parts of the U.S., for all types of flying, from shorter one-hour flights to coast-to-coast and international flights. Floating Fleet aircraft do not have to return to a base, and thus can be more cost-effective charter options.

334 floating fleet jets are available nationwide through New Flight Charters; all sizes from light jets to ultra long-range jets such as the Global 5000. Charter quotes for these floating fleet aircraft are typically 15-30% less than traditional based aircraft.

Any requested charter need can be fully customized for aircraft, size, type, and amenities along with desired ratings or registrations from ARGUSÒ, Wyvern Ltd.Ò, IS-BAO or the Air Charter Safety Foundation.

About New Flight Charters

Since 2004 charter aircraft owner and leading U.S. private jet charter brokerage New Flight Charters has arranged private domestic and international flights with top-rated operator aircraft along with its jet charter pricing Best Price Guarantee, top aircraft availability, industry empty legs list, and a perfect safety history. As a registered U.S. government contractor with an A+ rating by the BBB, and named to the Inc.500 fastest growing list four consecutive years, the jet charter company handles 1,400 flights annually nationwide and serves a wide variety of clientele including Fortune 500 companies, government heads of state, presidential campaigns, entertainment icons, private families and entrepreneurs. Extensive client reviews and industry ratings are available on the New Flight Charters website.

For charter quotes or information nationwide, call (800) 732-1653.

Colorado private charter information and quotes for Denver, Aspen, Vail, Telluride and more can be found at Jet Charter Colorado. For private jet charter information to and from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, see Jackson Hole Jet Charter. The nationwide jet charter aircraft listing can be found at Jet Charter Review.

Source: company press release

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. 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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Global Charter Operator Zetta Jet Calls It Quits

International long range jet operator Zetta Jet ceased operations yesterday, Nov. 30, according to court documents. Zetta Jet owned and operated a fleet of branded Global 6000’s and Challenger 650’s and focused on the Asia-Pacific-US region, and had been embroiled in internal lawsuits and a Chapter 11 filing which is now moving to Chapter 7 proceedings. The operator is turning over it’s air carrier certificate to the U.S. FAA according to reports.

Global air charter operator Zetta Jet ceased operations November 30. A reliable source said the company is leaving its fleet of Bombardier Challengers and Globals parked where they are at the end of the day. (Photo: David McIntosh/AIN)

Aviation International News, by Kerry Lynch, Nov. 30

Just a few weeks after believing that it had lined up $8.5 million in post Chapter 11 petition financing, international air charter operator Zetta Jet is ceasing operations today and turning over its air operator’s certificate to the U.S. FAA. Court documents show that the trustee in the Zetta Jet bankruptcy case, Jonathan King, a partner and co-chair of DLA Piper’s white collar, corporate crime and investigations practice, has asked the court for a change from Chapter 11 proceedings to Chapter 7 proceedings. The change to liquidation came after the U.S. Court apparently denied Zetta Jet’s bid for new financing, a decision that was said to have come as a surprise.

Zetta Jet had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September after ousting managing director Geoffery Cassidy. Zetta Jet in mid-November announced it had arranged financing from existing lessor Scout Aviation II and said it hoped to secure a buyer for the company.

The Zetta Jet brand was launched a little more than two years ago and had become one of the fastest-growing charter operators in the Asia-Pacific region with a fleet of Bombardier Globals and Challengers. Although it was originally a Singapore-based company, the bankruptcy proceedings were filed in U.S. courts. The U.S. branch was built up following a merger less than a year ago with aircraft management specialist Advanced Air Management.

Source: AIN article news article
Copyrights held by Aviation International News (AIN)

The FlightList PRO multi-search platform, the world’s largest, includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. FlightList PRO is used by the most experienced brokers and travel professionals in the industry; 80% of users have arranged charters more than 10 years, 25% more than 20 years. Access to the multi-search platform for 3 users is just $90/month-to-month.

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Charter Ratings for Operators, Brokers, Examined in Industry Article

Aviation International News (AIN) today published an article under their ‘Charter & Fractional’ news category, about the state of third-party charter safety ratings and certifications for operators and brokers in the air charter industry.

The article explores the confusing nature of various ratings by different charter ratings firms, and the “myriad logos, seals and badges received from charter rating firms” displayed by operators and brokers.

The story includes ARGUS, Wyvern and the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) and stems from a November 2017 NTSP report about the fatal crash of a chartered Hawker 700 operated by Execuflight, which held Argus Gold and Wyvern Registered charter ratings.

Are Charter Ratings Worth their Weight in Gold?

by Karen Di Piazza – November 2, 2017

When consumers visit websites of charter operators and brokers to distinguish between top providers and the ordinary, myriad logos, seals and badges received from charter rating firms seem ambiguous at best. This is true for both the general public and even some within the business aviation industry.

Robert Sumwalt—an experienced corporate and airline pilot, aviation safety expert and now chairman of the NTSB—illustrated how confusing and misleading safety logos and registrations can be in a Board member statement contained within a November 2017 NTSB report about a fatal crash of a chartered Hawker 700. At the time of the accident, the operator, Execuflight, held Argus Gold and Wyvern Registered charter ratings, neither of which required an audit of the operator.

“Discriminating customers look to, and trust, such ‘seals of approval’ when selecting their air travel provider,” Sumwalt wrote. “This is not the first time the NTSB has seen an organization pass an industry audit, only to find after an accident that there was an illusion of safety…I am very concerned these industry audits did not detect serious safety deficiencies.”

Since then, Wyvern changed the name of its non-audited rating to “Registered with Wyvern data network.” It has also posted the following disclaimer on its website: “Membership in the Registered with Wyvern data network does not constitute a safety certification nor is it intended to imply an endorsement of an operator’s commitment to best practices in business aviation.”

All 4 industry safety ratings and registries are included ONLY in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform along with all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 operators worldwide.

Wyvern CEO Art Dawley added, “Knowing that the operator has chosen not to be audited and certified in the Wingman program, the data network allows customers to assess alternative criteria that allows them to set their own level of acceptable risk. Wyvern does not rate companies; if operators pass our criteria during an on-site audit, they receive Wingman certification.”

Contrary to Wyvern, Cincinnati, Ohio-based Argus has several operator ratings, and because it does—especially its two programs that allow charter operators to use round-shaped gold seals in their marketing materials and websites—president and CEO Joe Moeggenberg said he understands why some people have been confused. He didn’t argue that the average charter customer might incorrectly assume that a gold rating means its a gold-standard charter operator. The company offers Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum ratings.

To earn the Gold rating, operators volunteer info and Argus does historical safety analysis, pilot background checks and operational control validation. Argus’s Gold Plus is the result of an on-site audit, but the operator doesn’t meet the high standards of its top-tier Platinum rating or chooses not to fix “non-safety” issues within 120 days.

When asked why the company still offers Gold Plus since the Platinum rating far exceeds FAA minimums, Moeggenberg said, “Operators that choose not to have a safety management system [SMS] or an emergency response plan [ERP] can become Gold Plus. It’s not required by the FAA that Part 135 operators have an SMS or an ERP.”

There are also several scenarios where an operator might be downgraded from Platinum to Gold Plus status. One of these is when an operator “has parts of a SMS implemented within its company but chooses not to train employees in the fundamentals of the SMS,” he told AIN.

Moeggenberg also said that if an operator “does not have a hazard reporting system in every area of the company,” then that operator would become Gold Plus rated. He noted, “All industry best practices and regulatory requirements have some degree of safety impact for an operator.”

As of early October, Moeggenberg said Argus has completed its click-through software so consumers of operators or brokers can verify the status of ratings in real time. “We’re in the process of notifying our customers,” he said. Wyvern has already had this verifying process available for several years.

According to Dawley, Wyvern’s database includes approximately 2,026 Part 135 operators, though that number changes daily. He said there are 21,471 commercial and airline transport rated pilots in the Wyvern database. The number of operators that can be referenced in the Wingman Certified Directory was approximately 120 at press time. Moeggenberg reported there are currently 154 audited on-demand charter operators in his company’s system.

BROKER PROGRAMS

In addition, Argus has two charter broker rating programs—registered and certified, the latter via on-site audit. However, some of its criteria is confusing. For example, Argus’s Gold Plus audited charter operators aren’t required to have an ERP, yet certified charter brokers are expected to have this program.

“To start, a [brokerage] company is required to provide adequate documentation to determine the legitimacy of business, such as articles of incorporation; how that business is conducted, employee and operations manuals; what protections are in place for consumers; contracts; terms and conditions; and insurance,” Moeggenberg said. “They are also required to sign the Baltic Air Charter Association pledge.”

He said if the broker meets the standards of the evaluation, it’s considered Argus Registered. An Argus Certified Broker undergoes an onsite audit after completing the registration process.

“This audit verifies the information gained during the registration process, but also evaluates a broker’s due diligence process, how well its ERP is designed and how knowledgeable the brokers are in their market, among other things,” Moeggenberg explained.

Both Wyvern and the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) mandate that operators have a fully implemented SMS and an ERP. As well, neither has a broker program.

Russ Lawton, ACSF’s director of safety management aviation/safety action program, said, “The ACSF does not conduct the audits. Instead, it trains and accredits audit organizations. There are at present two accredited audit organizations: Argus and R. Dixon Speas Associates. The listing of current [15] audited companies is listed on ACSF’s website.”

Lawton added that the ACSF does not offer any “ratings, certifications or reviews for non-audited companies.”

As for not having a broker program, Dawley said, “It is a non-regulated industry with little oversight and guidance, which makes assessing any individual or company against a globally accepted benchmark challenging. There are no globally accepted benchmarks or requirements of which Wyvern is aware.”

AINonline article here

Source: AIN article news article
Copyrights held by Aviation International News (AIN)

All four main industry safety program ratings and registries are included by operator ONLY in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform, which includes all worldwide 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators. 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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Charter Operator Prime Jet gets Safety Audit Trifecta

U.S. charter operator Prime Jet, announced today the completion of all three leading safety audits and registries in one week, according to a release from the operator.

Prime Jet successfully renewed the Wyvern Wingman and ARG/US Platinum ratings and completed an ISBAO Stage II upgrade. Prime Jet has maintained the Wyvern Wingman rating since 2006 and the ARG/US Platinum rating since 2009. As a result of this audit Prime Jet upgraded from an ISBAO Stage I operator to a Stage II operator.

ISBAO is an International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations is an industry code of best practices, developed by the international business aviation community for the benefit its members. Recognition for implementation of and conformance to the standards is available via an auditing process that results in an International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) certificate of registration.

All 4 industry safety ratings and registries are included ONLY in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform along with all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 operators worldwide.

CEO Cheryl Janke States “We have an incredible team of pilots and cabin hostess operating at a high level of safety and professionalism backed by the pre and post flight analysis procedures of our Safety Management System.”

Prime Jet is a privately held, Part 135 operator of exclusively Gulfstream aircraft, in business since 2001.

The company offers management models from part 91 to fully dedicated charter aircraft. With a fleet size of 15 aircraft Prime Jet maintains a boutique operation, allowing each client access to senior management.

Source: company announcement

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Sunwing Travel Group Adds Private Jet Service

Photo: SunwingJets

The Sunwing Travel Group, based in Toronto, announced yesterday it has added a new line of business to its corporate portfolio with the introduction of “SunwingJets”, a luxury private jet service, according to a company release.

Customers can select from a fleet ranging from economical turboprops to executive class luxury jets comfortably accommodating up to 15 passengers.

According to the company, SunwingJets’ Concierge Service offers 24/7 service and a personalized inflight experience featuring a broad range of amenities and dining options.

The full 9-aircraft fleet of Flightexec is ONLY available in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform along with all 16,631 charter aircraft worldwide. Free 30-day trials are available.

SunwingJets is operated by Toronto-based charter operator, Flightexec, according to the SunwingJets website. Flightexec operates a fleet of 9 charter aircraft including piston, turboprop, light jet, midsize and heavy Jets.

Sunwing Travel Group says it offers a variety of options to suit all budgets. The company has been increasing its luxury product offering with the continued expansion of Royalton All-In Luxury™ resorts and a variety of vacation upgrade options ranging from private transfers to presidential suites.

“We’ve seen an increase in demand for luxury travel products and in particular private jet charter service from our corporate affiliates across the sports, music, and financial sectors, as well as our retail partners specializing in meeting, incentive, and destination weddings”, said Stephen Hunter, CEO & President of Sunwing Travel Group, adding “we are pleased to be able to address this demand and feel this service is a great complement to our existing suite of luxury products”.

Sunwing Travel Group is a privately owned, vertically integrated travel company headquartered in Toronto. The group operates an airline, three tour operators, a retail chain and destination management company.

Source: company press release and website

All 822 Canadian charter aircraft and 197 operators in Canada are available ONLY in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform which includes all worldwide 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators. 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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First Citation Latitude Available for Charter in Europe

Announcing the first Citation Latitude available for charter in Europe. The Cessna Citation Latitude is a 9-passenger mid-size jet. It is the first business jet to combine a wide, flat-floor, stand-up cabin with a midsize price. Derived from Cessna’s Model 680 Sovereign, it was type certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration in June 2015.

French charter operator and aircraft management company, iXAir Business Jets, announces their 2017 Latitude is now available for charter.

The full 7-aircraft fleet of iXAir is available ONLY in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform along with all 16,631 charter aircraft worldwide. Get your free 30-day trial here.

The Citation Latitude is the largest aircraft in its category. Its stand up cabin and large windows provide passengers with a spacious and comfortable feel.

Under French registration, this aircraft is commercially operated by iXAir and has already had great success with numerous flights to Italy, Spain, Montenegro, Greece and Turkey.

The Latitude joins the iXAir existing charter fleet of 6 aircraft including Citation CJ1, two CJ2+, a CJ3, CJ4, and a Global Express XRS.

Citation Latitude 9-passenger midsize jet available for European charter. Photo credit Paul Schaller

Citation Latitude - the only midsize jet with spacious flat floor and 9 seats.

iXAir’s Citation Latitude. The 9-passenger Latitude is the only midsize jet with spacious flat floor.

Source: company announcement and information

All 3,008 European charter aircraft and 699 charter operators in Europe are available ONLY in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform which includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. 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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Popular Phenom 300 Light Jets Added to JetSuite’s Charter-Membership-Management Offerings

Alex Wilcox, the chief executive officer and founder of JetSuite, stands in the doorway of the company’s Phenom 100 jet at John Wayne Airport. Photo credit Mark Rightmire, OC Register.

JetSuite, Inc. announced today at NBAA’s Business Conference & Exhibition that it has expanded its fleet with the first two of several Embraer Phenom 300s.

The company took delivery of its first Phenom 300s in late September and early October, and expects to begin flying this popular light jet as part of its charter service later in October.

“We began a remarkably successful relationship with Embraer products years ago when we were a launch partner for the Phenom 100, we’ve since added Embraer 135s and a Legacy 650, and now we’re excited to continue adding Embraer products by adding the first Phenom 300s to our fleet,” said Alex Wilcox, CEO of JetSuite. “We will continue adding Phenom 300s to our portfolio, both on our own and through our Aircraft Management program, which we debuted earlier this year.”

JetSuite’s 20-aircraft fleet of Wi-Fi equipped light jets are included in the Floating Fleets section of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 335 floating fleet aircraft and 25 operators. Free 30-day trials are now available here.

The Phenom 300 has been the world’s best-selling business jet for the last four years running. It features enhanced cabin space, speed and range, as compared to JetSuite’s current light jet fleet of Phenom 100s and Citation Jet 3s.

The aircraft will debut as part of the company’s SuiteKey Membership program flights, for those traveling with parties of up to seven, and will initially be priced and offered interchangeably with the CJ3s.

The debut of the P300 in the JetSuite fleet comes soon after the company announcing its Aircraft Management program, to help answer demand for its charter flights and growth in the SuiteKey membership program. This management offering features several options that can offer aircraft owners reductions in the operating cost their planes.

Sources: company press release

All 20 JetSuite charter light jets are available in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform which includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. 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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Charter Floating Fleet Operator flyExclusive Plans Rapid Growth

After Delta acquisition, aviation entrepreneur charts growth with new airline

By Lauren K. Ohnesorge, Staff Writer- Triangle Business Journal

Seven years after selling his private jet service to Delta Air Lines, aviation entrepreneur Jim Segrave is “getting the band back together” in Kinston.

His new charter company, LGM Enterprises, is doing business as flyExclusive at Global Transpark. And it involves many of the same employees that helped him build Segrave Aviation, purchased by Delta subsidiary Delta AirElite in 2010 for an undisclosed sum.

This time, however, Segrave is doing things a bit differently. “We own all our own planes, for one,” he says.

To cover the costs, LGM has closed on $315,000 in debt capital, part of an offering capped at $2.5 million, according to a securities filing disclosed May 3rd.

flyExclusive and its 20-aircraft fleet are included in the Floating Fleets section of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 232 floating fleet aircraft and 14 operators. Get your free 30-day trial here.

The 2-year-old firm already has a fleet of more than 20 airplanes, according to Segrave. He says flyExclusive adds a plane every two to three weeks.

While the first company had 17 different types of jets in its fleet, the new firm has just two. He says standardization means all of his pilots can fly all of his planes – giving him scheduling flexibility.

Editor note: The fleet currently includes 7 Citation CJ2 light jets, and 13 Citation Excel/XLS aircraft, all model year 2000-2008. flyExclusive was recently highlighted in a previous charter alert as now being approved for the ARGUS Platinum rating.

Segrave says the business model is working. FlyExclusive targets high net-worth individuals, business executives and families. Already, the company averages about 1,500 hours per month in the air, with about a $60 million annual run rate, he adds. The goal is to increase the fleet to 50 airplanes “as fast as I can do it,” he explains. “It will probably take me two years.”

The firm has 110 employees.

Article in Triangle Business Journal here

Previous Charter Alert about flyExclusive, 7/14/17

Sources: Article in Triangle Business Journal, public information

All 20 flyExclusive charter aircraft are available in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform which includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. 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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VistaJet Launches Membership for Empty-leg Flights

VistaJet officially launched VistaJet Direct, its new digital membership offering priority access to one-way and empty-leg flights at preferential rates.

For a $10,000 annual fee, VistaJet Direct members can request bookings on all available VistaJet aircraft before they are offered to the charter market, according to a release from the company.

Bookings via the VistaJet Direct smartphone app are guaranteed and come with all of the company’s typical services. Through the app’s geo-location feature, members can receive a push notification when a flight near them or from their favorite cities is available.

According to VistaJet, the app offers real-time fixed pricing and the entire booking process can be completed “in minutes.” Members can also request flights through the app, as well as order catering and arrange other ground services.

VistaJet released this statement from company Chairman and Founder, Thomas Flohr:

“This launch is all about giving our customers, and all business travelers, as much flexibility and choice as possible. With the addition of VistaJet Direct, flying with us is easier than ever. We’re always looking for new opportunities to make travel as memorable as possible, and make our customers’ flight an experience they will never forget. VistaJet Direct is the fastest and most convenient way to fly VistaJet. Customers can now book a flight and access the full array of our services no matter where in the world they are, at a time that suits them.”

Source: Company press release

Past Charter Alerts about VistaJet:

VistaJet US Flight and Pax Traffic Grows Triple Digits, Worldwide Double Digits

VistaJet Adds Jet Charter Service in China

The FlightList PRO multi-search platform which includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. FlightList PRO is used by the most successful and experienced brokers and travel professionals in the industry; 80% of those using FlightList PRO have been arranging charters more than 10 years, and a full 1/4 – more than 20 years. Currently 30-day free trials are available.

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Announcing Jet Charter Floating Fleets Update; Now 23 Operators, 332 Aircraft

FlightList PRO, the largest resource for the air charter professional, announces a major update and recent additions to its Floating Fleets resource.

Floating fleet aircraft with one-way pricing are perhaps the fastest growing business segment in private jet charter. Ten years ago a handful of operators and their dedicated fleets were pricing and flying point-to-point charters in the U.S. Worldwide Jet, Segrave Aviation and Red Wing Aeroplane had been operating, and XOJET and Travel Management Company were just getting started. Today the air charter industry has 23 operators with 332 dedicated floating aircraft; 14 with dedicated floating fleets, and 9 more operators with a number of jets floating and dedicated to point-to-point pricing.

The fast growing one-way-pricing segment of the air charter industry is captured in FlightList PRO’s Floating Fleet section, which is newly updated and includes all 23 operators and 332 aircraft with one-way pricing.

Recent additions are 8 operators and 61 floating fleet aircraft to the resource, a 53% growth in floating aircraft operators and 23% growth in floating aircraft availability. The resource is constantly updated.

A special user feature is the ability to select a number of floating fleet operators, and with one click request a flight quote or information.

Sizes and types of one-way priced jets available in the U.S. run the gamut from very light jets to long range intercontinental jets. The Floating Fleet resource includes 12 VLJ’s, 44 light jets, 81 midsize jets, 51 super-midsize and 65 heavy and long range jets.

Aircraft, operator, fleet and certificate information is constantly updated in the FlightList PRO resource, which leads the ever-changing air charter industry.

The FlightList PRO platform features every charter aircraft and operator automatically; over 1,600 operators and 7,500 aircraft in the U.S. alone, and 3,400 operators and 16,600 aircraft worldwide. Air cargo and air ambulance segments are included as well.

Operator details are displayed such as auditor safety ratings, year of make, Wi-Fi enabled and more. Aircraft can be searched and displayed to meet any number of parameters.

The most knowledgeable charter brokers in the industry are using FlightList PRO; 80% of its users have arranged charter more than 10 years, 25% more than 20 years. Rates are just $90/month for 3 users. Free 30-day trials are currently available.

Source: FlightList PRO release.

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New Long Range Intl Jet Charter Operator W/Fleet G650s, Global 6000s, Falcon 7X

Enter Phenix Jet International, LLC, and it’s charter fleet of – currently 5 – long range jets. With ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern Wingman ratings backing up it’s intercontinental aircraft capabilities.

2014 Gulfstream 650ER
2011 Gulfstream G650
2012 Global 6000
2011 Global 6000
2014 Falcon 7X

Editor’s note: Along with many other U.S. operators, Phenix Jet International aircraft are available only in the FlightList PRO platform, with all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. $90/mo., free trials here.

U.S.-registered and operated, the long range jets are based between Tokyo, Japan and Kong Kong, positioned for Asian transport as well as U.S./Asia nonstop luxury transports.

Asian based aircraft with U.S. operators, and holding ARGUS and Wyvern ratings are a rare availability in the far East. Just 10 other operators out of 51 with aircraft in China, Hong Kong or Japan hold ARGUS or Wyvern ratings. 4 of the 10 are U.S. operators Avjet Corporation, Executive Jet Management, Jet Aviation and Zetta Jet. Source- FlightList PRO

By TAMIYUKI KIHARA/ Staff Writer, The Asahi Shimbun Aug. 5, 2017

Gulfstream G650 jet operated by Phenix Jet. Photo: Sojitz Corp.

Major trading house Sojitz Corp. has set up a company to operate jet planes for wealthy individuals and corporate customers outside Japan in the rest of Asia.

Sojitz set up the subsidiary firm Phenix Jet International LLC in the United States, and has opened an office in Hong Kong, with the aim of offering “business jets” that can accommodate between four and 20 passengers.

The company is hoping to tap into demand for similar aircraft, which is expected to grow among wealthy people in China and Southeast Asia.

In operating the business, Sojitz will keep the jet planes on behalf of their owners and undertake centralized management of their maintenance, arrangement of pilots and operation of flights.

The company has already invested several hundred million yen (several million dollars) in the firm, which will be operated under the “Phenix Jet” brand.

Sojitz is not new to the business sector. It has been operating business jets, mostly in Japan, since 2003, and currently has about 10 jet planes available for the business.

The operation of business jets is flourishing in Western countries. Japan Airlines Co. began operating similar aircraft in France in May.

Demand for the mode of transport is also rising in Asia, partly because they allow efficient mobility in areas that are not served by regular flights. Sojitz expects there will be new demand for 1,000 more business jets in Asia alone over the next 10 years.

Source: Public news article / The Asahi Shimbun / company materials

Phenix Jet charter aircraft are available only in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform which includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. 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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How To Make Money With Airplanes- Management, Jet Cards, Charter: Operator Jet Linx Reaches 100 Aircraft at 14 Bases, 38 Added in 2016

Jet management company and charter operator Jet Linx reaches 100-aircraft milestone

By Steve Jordon / World-Herald staff writer

Jet Linx charter operator management company

“A hundred airplanes is a phenomenal benchmark,” said Jet Linx President and CEO Jamie Walker. Photo: Matt Miller/The World-Herald

The trick to making money with airplanes is to not own them.

Jet Linx learned that lesson four years after the Omaha company started in 1999, giving up ownership of its jets and shifting to aircraft management and a private jet travel card service.

Now, Jet Linx is celebrating its 100th managed jet — actually, the fleet stands at 101 today — and ranks No. 3 in the highly fragmented industry of managing and renting out expensive air vehicles as a service to their owners.

“A hundred airplanes is a phenomenal benchmark,” said Jet Linx President and CEO Jamie Walker.

He hosted about 400 clients, staff members, vendors and others for supper at downtown Omaha’s Blatt Beer & Table restaurant, followed by a private concert by the band Smash Mouth at Slowdown.

No. 1 in managed fleet size is Executive Jet Management, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway’s NetJets. No. 2 is Gama Aviation, based in Hampshire, England.

Jet Linx added 38 aircraft last year and is headed for 110 by the end of 2017. Walker attributed that growth, about 30 percent a year in revenue, to the people running its network of 14 local private airport terminals, alongside the 95-member staff at its operational headquarters in Omaha.

From pilots to airplane polishers, Jet Linx has 485 employees.

Members of the Jet Linx local Omaha FBO team, with their Hawker 800XP midsize jet and crew. Photo: Jet Linx

Joe Moeggenberg, president and CEO of air travel data company ARGUS International of Cincinnati, said Jet Linx’s local network is a unique structure in private jet management, an industry with 2,300 businesses, nearly all of them tiny, that manage private jet airplanes.

Jet Linx — an ARGUS customer — has a cost advantage because most of its flights start or end at its network cities, Moeggenberg said, meaning fewer expensive empty-cabin flights.

Aside from a few jets managed exclusively for their owners, Jet Linx’s card customers can book any of the airplanes made available at the owners’ discretion.

Jet Linx handles fueling, maintenance, safety checks, hangar storage and other services, including employing pilots, as well as scheduling and tracking flights for Jet Linx’s card members, more than 200 in Omaha and 1,300 total.

All 79 Jet Linx charter aircraft nationwide are included in FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. Free 30-day trials available here.

Card members are guaranteed hourly rates — $3,500 to $8,500, depending on the size of the plane — as well as flight access and safety standards, Walker said. Their travel fees cover Jet Linx’s costs and supply revenue for the aircraft owners, often cutting net operating costs by 50 percent.

But no matter how well you manage costs, Walker said, there’s an industry truism: “You cannot make money owning an airplane.”

Besides operating expenses, aircraft prices are high, especially for long-range aircraft.

Jet Linx’s fleet includes seven-passenger Beechjet 400s that can travel 1,400 miles on a tank of fuel, often priced around $700,000, and 14-passenger, $20 million-plus Gulfstream 450s with a 5,000-mile range.

Walker said some businesses would end their company flight operations if they had to absorb all the costs. By bringing in revenue from travel card customers they can keep the convenience and time savings that jets offer.

Besides Omaha, Jet Linx’s local offices are in Atlanta; Dallas; Denver; Detroit; Forth Worth, Texas; Houston; Indianapolis; Nashville, Tennessee; St. Louis; San Antonio; Scottsdale, Arizona; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C.

Jet Linx is majority owner of each location, with a local partner as minority owner.

“We need somebody locally who gives us that credibility and trust and support in that community,” Walker said, plus contacts to recruit as travel card members.

Besides reduced “dead-head” flight costs, he said, the terminals provide local-style, personalized service for card members and aircraft owners. The local Jet Linx partner typically becomes “the jet guy” in each city, he said.

Later this year Jet Linx’s local offices will celebrate the 100-aircraft landmark. Jet Linx was founded by Denny Walker, Jamie’s father and now chairman. He is former head of MemberWorks Inc., an Omaha-based card membership company. Jamie Walker said Jet Linx has room to grow, with plans to open about two locations a year. He said another dozen or so U.S. cities meet Jet Linx’s requirements for airport services and other standards.

The Omaha World-Herald is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

By: Steve Jordon / Omaha World-Herald, 6/26/17. Article in the Omaha World-Herald here.

All 79 Jet Linx charter aircraft are available in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform which includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. 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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Two Popular US Charter Operators Now ARGUS Platinum

Two popular US charter operators now carry the ARGUS Platinum rating, the highest designation available from the aviation services and safety organization, ARGUS. With this, 31 more aircraft spanning both US coasts, have the Platinum designation.

The two-year-old operator flyExclusive with its fast growing floating fleet has become a major player in the one-way pricing charter market nationwide.

Operating a defined fleet of seventeen jets, consisting of eleven midsize Citation Excels and six Citation CJ2 light jets, flyExclusive is included in both the Aircraft Search and the Floating Fleets sections of FlightList PRO’s multi-search platform, along with all 14 floating fleet operators and 232 aircraft.

Founded in 2006, Latitude 33 Aviation manages the largest and newest fleet of light jets in the United States according to a company press release. Headquartered at KCRQ McClellan-Palomar Airport in Southern California, Latitude 33 Aviation is convenient to San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

Operating a total of fourteen aircraft for charter, Latitude 33 offers seven Citation CJ3 and CJ3+, and four other Citations; M2, CJ4, XLS and Sovereign. Rounding out the current fleet are a Phenom 100 and two Phenom 300’s. All are manufacturing dates of 2005 or newer.

The fleet is based in Southern and Central California, the majority in the Los Angeles and San Diego area, including 9 at KCRQ Palomar Airport, Carlsbad, CA, a northern Suburb of San Diego.

The full fleets of flyExclusive and Latitude 33 are only available in FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform, the only source including all Part-135 certified charter aircraft and operators in the US and worldwide. Free 30-day access is available here.

Currently worldwide, 1,698 charter, cargo and ambulance aircraft with 134 operators carry the ARGUS Platinum rating, 1,372 aircraft and 109 operators are in the United States.

ARGUS International, Inc. is one of four main aircraft operations safety services and registration organizations, and has the largest number of operators subscribing.

Other major safety services organizations include Wyvern Ltd., Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF), and the International Business Aircraft Council (IBAC).

flyExclusive and Latitude 33 both also carry the Wyvern Registered designation.

Other Charter Alert about Latitude 33, 9/29/16

Source: Company press releases, news and public information

All 4 major safety standard organizations and 6 operator ratings are included by operators in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform which includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. 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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Charter Broker Horizon Air Group Acquires Operator Starbase Jet

Horizon Air Group, a charter broker and aircraft sales/acquisition broker based in Dallas, TX, has announced the acquisition of World Class Jet dba Starbase Jet for undisclosed terms, including the air carrier certificate to be rebranded Horizon Jet Management.

Starbase Jet/World Class Jet was a holding of the Randall Reed Family of Companies headquartered in Addison, TX.

Horizon Air Group launched in May 2015 as Horizon Air Charter, with what it called the industry’s first monthly Flight Equity pay-as-you-go jet card program. The founders of Horizon Air Group, Luis Barros and Robert Rosenberg, both have employment histories with Starbase Jet. More in 2015’s Air Charter Alert, New Broker Offers Pay-As-You-Go Card And Consulting Services

The acquisition allows Horizon Air Group to not only assist clients with charter services and aircraft sales, but also FAA licensed aircraft operation through the Part 135 air carrier certificate, which is ARGUS Platinum rated, Wyvern Registered, IS-BAO Registered, and has worldwide operating authority.

Starbase Jet’s full charter fleet is available only in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform along with all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. Free 30-day trials available here.

Houston-based Starbase Jet (World Class Jet) with its Part-135 certificate was established in 2000, and currently operates a fleet of 8 aircraft on certificate, based between Houston, Dallas and Santa Ana, CA. Light through heavy jets, the types include Embraer Legacy 600, Citation X, Citation Sovereign, Learjet 60, Citation XLS and Citation CJ2.

“In a time when people feel like they only have two choices, to either stick with the classic charter models that have been around for some time or buy into the trendy memberships programs that have been popular lately, it’s important to us to really forge ahead with an alternative that combines the best of both worlds,” said Horizon Air Group CEO Luis Barros. “We’ve advanced the technology and approach of the classic models along with bringing more of a practical and aviation-based offering to the membership app crowd.”

This acquisition also makes Horizon Air Group one of the largest air charter organizations throughout the south central United States, now offering three major sales functions within the private aviation industry: Aircraft Management, Charter Brokerage, and Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions.

Source: company press release, company public information

All Starbase Jet charter aircraft are only available in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform which includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. 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.

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.

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The Future For Charter – XOJET, Part 3

By Alasdair Whyte, June 16, 2017, Corporate Jet Investor

Part 1 – An overview and brief history of XOJet touching on its strategic goals and fleet
Part 2 – The Six Principals of Owned Charter

Part 3

The future for charter

With XOJET, his consultancy background and a place on the JetSmarter board, CEO Brad Stewart has a wide view of the US business aviation market. He also spends a lot of time thinking about it.

“There are three key themes at the moment,” says Stewart. “Private airlines like Surf Air or JetSuiteX offering fixed schedules; digital brokerage like JetSmarter, Victor and others; and plane sharing.”

He is not convinced all of them will necessarily succeed. “As a former consultant to United I know how tough the airline market is. Airlines have trouble making money when they cannot fill aircraft. It is much harder with five or six passengers and smaller aircraft,” says Stewart. “But we are not in this market so I don’t know how big it can become.”

Stewart is also unsure if selling individual seats on other routes will work.

“Plane sharing is still unknown.”

“Plane sharing is still unknown. It seems to work on some fixed routes but I am not sure how big this,” says Stewart. “But we are seeing JetSmarter and Wheels Up try it.”

Although he is watching new business models closely he does not see any direct competitors. “We operate in a very different market. Our customers are prepared to pay more for a whole aircraft and have customers with very different requirements,” says Stewart.

XOJet and its 41-aircraft fleet are included in both the Aircraft Search and the Floating Fleets sections of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 232 floating fleet aircraft and 14 operators. Free 30-day trials available here.

But he is convinced that digital brokers will shape the industry. “Digital brokerage is the idea that customers can push a button and get a jet. This is happening. This is a real thing. You have to have an app and online offering.”

JetSmarter announced what it called a strategic partnership with XOJET in 2016. JetSmarter favours XOJET aircraft when its customers charter mid-size aircraft and JetSmarter is developing an app for XOJET customers. Significant XOJET customers – ones spending more than $200,000 a year – also get free membership of JetSmarter.

Stewart is a member of JetSmarter’s board and believes that tech company is not understood by many in the market. “JetSmarter is first and foremost a digital story and secondly a plane story,’ he says. “JetSmarter is the undisputed leader in business aviation.

Private equity typically does not hold on for 10 years but Stewart says that XOJET’s investors and co-owners TPG and Mubadala are prepared to wait. “TPG is a wonderful investor,” he says. “We are responsible for getting a great return but there is no pressure for us to sell.” He is an adviser to TPG on aviation and points to its investment in TMC as its support for the sector.

“I am not the sort of person who is jealous of someone with a washboard stomach.

He laughs when asked if he is jealous of JetSmarter’s valuation. “I am not the sort of person who is jealous of someone with a washboard stomach. My parents taught me to be happy with what I have and I am very proud of XOJET.”

He adds: “It is fantastic being responsible for a whole enterprise. I wake up in the morning and go to run a $500 million business with thousands of clients who are interesting people. It is also satisfying seeing how the business has changed,” says Stewart, “and we have not reached our full potential yet.”

By Alasdair Whyte, Corporate Jet Investor

Part 3 of 3

Source: Ala sdair Whyte, Corporate Jet Investor, 6/16/17

All 41 XOJet charter aircraft are available in the FlightList PRO multi-search platform which includes all 16,631 charter aircraft and 3,419 charter operators worldwide. 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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The Six Principals of Owned Charter – XOJET, Part 2

By Alasdair Whyte, June 16, 2017, Corporate Jet Investor

Part 1 was an overview and brief history of XOJet touching on its strategic goals and fleet.

Part 2

The six principles of owned charter

The majority of aircraft that are used for charter in the US are owned by individuals or companies that make them available when they do not need them. This means that most charter companies do not worry about ownership costs. XOJET is one of a relatively small number of charter operators that own aircraft.

Despite ownership costs, XOJET CEO Brad Stewart believes that there are benefits from an owned fleet. As a former management consultant, he has identified six principles that an owner-operator needs to be profitable. These are: a closed loop network; a floating fleet; high utilization; direct distribution to customers; dynamic pricing; and scale advantages. Although he highlights that these principles may not work for new aircraft.

XOJET meets all of these tests.

More than 80% of passengers on XOJET aircraft come from its own sales team, including its programs. The company says that it sold more than 950 programs in 2016. This program includes Preferred Access (for a refundable $100,000 deposit); Elite Access (guaranteeing availability at 12 hour notice for $200,000 deposit and $8,500 hourly fee including fees and surcharges); and an Enterprise Access for corporates.

In the last few years, XOJET has also added sales offices in New York and Los Angeles to boost its direct sales. It is also about to open a new office in Palm Beach, Florida. This is on top of its headquarters in San Francisco and an operations centre in Sacramento.

XOJet and its 41-aircraft fleet are included in the Floating Fleets section of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 232 floating fleet aircraft and 14 operators. Free 30-day trials available here.

Most of the 20% of passengers that it does not sell directly come from charter bookings made from broker Sentient Jet (part of Directional Capital) and JetSmarter – both XOJET preferred partners.

XOJET boosts its utilization by not basing aircraft at one airport and having just two types (this also saves on crew and maintenance costs).

He believes any owner-operator needs a minimum of 15 aircraft. XOJET now has a fleet of 41 super midsize aircraft (GMJ has another six). In January 2017 TPG also acquired TMC, which had been XOJET’s preferred travel provider for a number of years. TMC has another 55 aircraft. He does not plan to order any more aircraft for XOJET soon.

He has no plans to launch XOJET outside the US but he is keen to add aircraft management – something the company stopped focusing on in 2006.

“We have clients who are flying a lot and we can help advise them on the pros and cons of owning an aircraft versus program,” says Stewart. “We have a fantastic platform and can offer owners great service. And it fits into our advisory strength.”

He says that the company can launch management itself but is also interested in acquiring significant management companies.

By Alasdair Whyte, Corporate Jet Investor

Part 2 of 3

Source: Ala sdair Whyte, Corporate Jet Investor, 6/16/17

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Brad Stewart’s Next Plan for XOJET, Part 1 – Overview

By Alasdair Whyte, June 16, 2017, Corporate Jet Investor

Brad Stewart, CEO and Chairman of XOJet.

Photo: Corporate Jet Investor

Brad Stewart’s business card simply says CEO and chairman, XOJET.

But he actually runs three different companies. There is XOJET, the fleet operator; the company’s Aviation Advisors, XOJET Private Client Services – the charter brokerage; and GMJ Shuttle, which operates corporate shuttles for Fortune 100 companies. He is now looking at adding aircraft management.

“These are all very different businesses but they are connected and stronger together,” says Stewart. “At one level the brokerage and XOJET’s fleet operations are both about advising and serving customers. There is a real synergy there. XOJET and GMJ – no one ever focuses on GMJ – are also the best operators of aircraft in the world – with the highest return on capital in the industry. They do not have to be under the same brand to benefit from synergies.

Stewart says that the three companies also benefit from scale including sharing a management team.

XOJet and its 41-aircraft fleet are included in the Floating Fleets section of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 232 floating fleet aircraft and 14 operators. Get your free 30-day trial here.

He says that he wants XOJET to be seen as a trusted adviser for individuals and companies looking to fly. This can include using XOJET aircraft or a fleet of 1,087 aircraft that have been vetted by his team. In 2016 much of the charter brokerage was focused on smaller or larger aircraft than XOJET operates. The company says that light jet and heavy jet charter was up 22%.

The three different businesses also give the company diversity. GMJ Shuttle runs corporate flights for large Fortune 100 businesses – a stable, profitable but slow growing division. Charter broking is profitable, relatively low-risk but low margin. XOJET – which owns its aircraft – is a riskier business with potentially higher rewards.

The company was founded in 2002 as PCMT by tech entrepreneur Paul Touw (now launching charter market Stellar). In 2006 it was renamed XOJET and ordered 12 new Cessna Citation X aircraft. In 2007 it raised finance from TPG – one of the greatest aviation investors ever – and Abu Dhabi fund Tasameem. It used this cash to placed orders for new aircraft including one for 20 Bombardier Challenger 300 jets worth $450 million. By 2012 it planned to be operating a fleet of 127 aircraft worth $3.1 billion. In April 2008 XOJET announced its international plans.

But then the global financial crisis hit. Demand for business jet charter fell sharply. The company was forced to change its business plan. Touw left (he has since launched Stellar a business jet charter marketplace). Stewart came in as adviser in 2010 and was promoted to president in 2013. “XOJET was effectively bankrupt in 2009 and 2010,” says Stewart. “The business model was not capable of surviving a terrible market so the company restructured in 2011 and 2012. It is much stronger now.”

The company had sales of more than $300 million in 2016 and Stewart says that it has been profitable for three years.

Part 1 of 3

By Alasdair Whyte, Corporate Jet Investor

Source: Ala sdair Whyte, Corporate Jet Investor, 6/16/17

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