Launched in May 2015, Horizon Air Charter rolls out what it calls the industry’s first monthly Flight Equity pay-as-you-go jet card program.

According to a company release, Horizon’s “flyNEXT” program allows retail clients pay a nominal monthly fee from which they accrue “Flight Equity” (usable flight hours), and pay for flight or consulting services as they require them.

Horizon’s “flyCORP” program allows corporate travel clients to earn unlimited cash back through their bookings much like a mileage-rewards or cash back credit card.

Horizon Air Charter CEO Luis Barros and Managing Partner Robert Rosenberg, both have histories at charter operator Starbase Aviation.  Beginning with a small but expert set of charter brokers, a marketing support team and a few dedicated investors, Barros says: “Horizon Air Charter is determined to become the varsity level purveyor of charter aviation for knowledgeable flyers.”

Luis Barros, Horizon Air Charter CEO

Mr. Barros devoted his early career to true operational, first-hand working knowledge within the aircraft industry. He spent many years on the operational side of the industry before moving to sales, which is a unique trait among professionals on the brokerage side of the industry. It has provided him valuable insight that helps to set Horizon’s vision and service apart from almost all other private charter companies.

“I have built my foundation upon delivering the finest quality service by focusing on the operational aspect of air charter,” Luis Barros said. “Many other brokers focus on sales as their first priority but my goal has been to ensure that each and every trip runs smoothly and delivers the highest level of service and safety for every client.”

Rob Rosenberg began his aviation career after years helping build his family’s business, where he developed exceptional sales and management skills. Upon entering the private aviation industry Rosenberg quickly became one of the top charter sales executives in the central U.S. Rob and Luis met during Rob’s early years in private aviation and formed a partnership that is set to establish a new framework for the private charter industry.

“Every client deserves the utmost respect, quality, safety, and comfort with their private charter experience,” Rob Rosenberg says. “Understanding FAA safety standards, industry best practices, and general trip practicality is what sets Horizon apart and I’m proud to be part of this team.”

http://www.horizonaircharter.com

Announced today, European based charter brokerage Victor, acquires U.S. broker YoungJets to lead expansion in North America.  YoungJets founder and CEO David Young will also join to serve as Victor’s senior vice president of the U.S. market.

In addition, according to Victor the company has secured $5M in funding from investor customer.  This second closing round augments a previously announced $8M, making a total of $13M invested in private equity from its own clientele during the last 90 days.  The funds will be used for customer acquisition and scaling of the technology to meet growing demand.  As the company continues to expand it will be pursuing institutional funding later this year.

Veteran aviation executive Levent Edepli, formerly of Sentient Jet, Jet Edge and more recently Jet Linx, has also joined Victor to oversee logistics and operations for North America.  Edepli, as Victor’s vice president of operations and customer service for North America, will focus on developing and managing supplier relationships and operational excellence.  He spent 10 years at Sentient Jet co-managing the sourcing department for member flights and establishing a large, customized vendor network.

“Victor is focused on expanding its global business in a manner that maximizes operations efficiency and customer service expertise at market entry; and the addition of our funding, the YoungJets team and Levent does just that,” said Victor CEO Clive Jackson.  “David Young has an incredible reputation in the entertainment industry and brings a specialized team that expertly handles complex travel for high-profile jet charter clients.  Bringing both David and Levent into the executive ranks further rounds out our management team with world-class talent in the aviation market.”

Unity Jets Emphasizes The Privacy of Private Aviation

By Molly Duffy, Miami Herald, July 5, 2015:

Kevin Diemar is the president and CEO of Unity Jets, a small but successful boutique private jet brokerage firm that is based in west Kendall. | PATRICK FARRELL MIAMI HERALD STAFF

Kevin Diemar’s cellphone rang one recent evening. It was 9:30 p.m.; Pamela Rodriguez was frantic. Her boss, a Miami philanthropist, wanted catering service on his 7:30 a.m. flight from Miami to Anguilla the next morning.

“No problem,” said Diemar, CEO and president of Unity Jets. “I’ll take care of it.”

The next morning, the philanthropist and his two traveling companions were eating bagels and yogurt as their plane left the tarmac.

Diemar founded Unity Jets, a boutique private jet brokerage firm headquartered in west Kendall, with a plan to simplify private aviation and eliminate upfront and membership costs associated with fractional ownership and jet card programs.

“You see hundreds of ads for luxury watch companies, and I always think to myself, ‘I’m the only one who can give these people what they’re really looking for — which is time,’” Diemar said. “It really is like a time machine.”

The trip-by-trip charter and payment model has paid off… [continued – Miami Herald online]

Private Jet Charter Broker Aura Jets has partnered with two of Ocean Properties resorts to offer jet setters a unique experience of sunrise on Cadillac Mountain in Maine followed by sunset in Key West, Florida – all in one day.

Travelers will spend the first night at the boutique West Street Hotel on the water front in downtown Bar Harbor, minutes from Acadia National Park.  Guests will rise early for a short ride to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard, then return to town for a custom breakfast.  Then 3-1/2 hours later after a private flight down the coast, travelers arrive in Key West.  A boat ride to Sunset Key, a secluded 27 acre island oasis in Key West, transports everyone to ‘island time’ and a later famous Key West sunset.

The Sunrise to Sunset Private Jet Escape is completely customizable with Aura Jets and travelers can choose their length of stay in each destination. The private jet escape is available June 1 – October 18, 2015. Rates start at $36,000 for a same day transfer and includes:

• One night accommodation at West Street Hotel, Bar Harbor
• One night accommodation at Sunset Key Cottages, a Luxury Collection Resort, Key West
• Private Aura Jets charter flight from Bar Harbor, Maine to Key West, Florida (jet can seat up to six passengers)
• All transfers to and from private airports
• Transfer to and from Acadia National Park
• Private ferry transfer to Sunset Key

Full news article, details & links here.