Tag Archives: Floating Fleet

Third Aircraft Added to All-Falcon 7X Charter Fleet by Planet Nine Private Air

All-Falcon 7X charter fleet operated by Planet Nine Private Air LLC

All-Falcon 7X charter floating fleet operated by Planet Nine Private Air LLC

Planet Nine Private Air, LLC, launched its first Dassault Falcon 7X to the international charter market in June, 2018, and added a second 7X in September.  Now Planet Nine announces the third aircraft to its all-Falcon 7X floating fleet.

The Planet Nine fleet is  available in the Floating Fleet section of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 533 floating fleet aircraft and 37 operators.  

Headquartered out of Los Angeles, California and London, U.K. with a staff of 28 full time employees, co-founders Matt Walter and James Seagrim are positioning Planet Nine to offer a compelling and competitive offering in the premium end of the ultra long-range charter market.

Planet Nine currently carries Wyvern Wingman and ARGUS Gold-provisional ratings.

“Charter broker relationships will be very important to Planet Nine, and we are looking forward to working with all the traditional and disruptive companies.  Our operation will center on a floating fleet model, and the efficiency it brings to our operations we can then pass on to our customers and friends in the form of better pricing.”

From London, Kirti Odedra heads the Sales Department and Bill Wulf, a former Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer of NetJets with a 20-year tenure serving the group in the US and internationally, serves as Chief Financial Officer. Combined, the management team has over 75 years’ experience in business aviation.

Dassault Falcon 7X ultra long range fleet available for international charter operated by Planet Nine Private Air.

Dassault Falcon 7X ultra long range floating fleet available for international charter operated by Planet Nine Private Air.

P9 brings a new offering into the long haul business jet market with the 5,950 nm range Falcon 7X, stylishly configured for 11-16 passengers, with six beds for overnight flying. With operating costs at least 30% lower than equivalent Gulfstream G550 and Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft, the 7X has a distinct advantage over its competition. Its aircraft will all feature sparklingly refurbished cabin interiors, including full Wi-Fi and IFE from Gogo/Swift Broadband. On all domestic charters in the US, Wi-Fi will be complimentary.

“Charter broker relationships will be very important to Planet Nine, and we are looking forward to working with all the traditional and disruptive companies,” said Director of Sales, Kirti Odedra.

Planet 9 private air charter“Our operation will centre on a floating fleet model, and the efficiency it brings to our operations we can then pass on to our customers and friends in the form of better pricing,” said James Seagrim, Director of Operations. “From our previous careers at Advanced Air Management, we built an unbeatable boutique operation, renowned for its service, safety and efficiency.

Obtaining Wyvern Wingman status in October 2018 was a very pleasing endorsement, said P9PA’s CFO, Bill Wulf, who previously spent 23 years at NetJets in various leadership roles. “As a group of dedicated aviation professionals, we are pleased to be accredited so early in our history, fulfilling Wyvern’s rigorous safety and maintenance requirements,” he said.

The Wyvern endorsement recognizes P9PA’s “delivery of consistent and exceptional service and acknowledges the business has the infrastructure to support over 20 aircraft with a best-in-class finance function to deliver a seamless flight experience to their clientele”.

Cabin interior of Falcon 7X long range jet for charter operated by Plane Nine.

Cabin interior of Falcon 7X long range jet for charter operated by Plane Nine.

“Planet Nine has demonstrated a commitment to safety through its established safety management system,” said Sonnie Bates, CEO of Wyvern. “In its quest to successfully achieve Wingman Certified status they have embraced The Wingman Standard, and proven they go above and beyond minimum regulatory requirements, allowing them to become an industry leader in safety culture.”

Sources:  Charter operator press release and article by Izzy Kington in Business Jet Interiors International, 11/27/18.

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.

Leading air charter brokers and travel professionals use FlightList PRO’s full-market resources, economical rates and marketing opportunities to grow their service level, their business and their bottom line. 

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Vista Global Acquires Operator XOJET

Announced today, Thomas Flohr’s Vista Global has acquired XOJET, the third largest US business jet charter operator by flight hours.

Vista Global says that the acquisition of XOJET will allow it to expand further in the US. It launched VistaJet in America in September 2013.

VISTA GLOBAL

Nine days ago, on September 11, 2018, Thomas Flohr announced the launch of Vista Global Holding (“Vista Global”), headquartered at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) which “will spearhead the consolidation of the fragmented and expanding business aviation market.”

Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman of Vista Global Holding

Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman of Vista Global Holding

The group owns VistaJet, Vista Lease, TechX and at the closing of this newly announced transaction, XOJET’s fleet and commercial operations.

According to the Vista Global Holding press release, “Vista Global’s fleets will provide every customer with asset-lite solutions to fly point to point anytime, anywhere at a moment’s notice – either with guaranteed aircraft availability or On Demand. In addition, Vista Global will offer the very first worldwide leasing and financing service for customer looking to purchase a dedicated aircraft. Complementing its consumer and trade offer, Vista Global will also support aviation companies looking to improve services to their clients through the most advanced technology, providing an end to end platform in a very fragmented global operator marketplace.”

XOJET

Regarding the XOJET acquisition, “The journey started when I first saw an opportunity in the fragmented and inconsistent offering across the industry. Vista Global’s mission is to provide customer-centric solutions for every segment of business aviation and today’s announcement is a major step in that direction,” said Thomas Flohr, Vista Global founder and chairman. “This acquisition is the perfect addition to our global business. XOJET’s strength in North America and its reputation for offering great value perfectly complement VistaJet and the other businesses in the group.”

Bradley Stewart, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of XOJET, said: “I am incredibly proud to be making today’s announcement, which will see our company become part of a fantastic family of brands. Becoming part of Vista Global will enable XOJET to achieve our dream of becoming a truly global business, providing us with the very best technology and infrastructure. I believe that Vista Global and XOJET are fundamentally aligned in our commitment to serving clients. I am looking forward to working with the Vista Global team and its companies in the future.”

XOJET and VistaJet’s full fleets are available in the Floating Fleet section  of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 533 floating fleet aircraft and 37 operators.  

XOJET will continue to operate independently, under a new joint venture company, with control and leadership remaining in US hands to meet airline ownership regulations. The carrier has a fleet of 44 business jets, which includes 27 Cessna Citation Xs.

The acquisition is a major step forward for Vista Global, allowing the group to build on its existing global offering and to reinforce its existing position in North America, the largest business aviation market in the world. Following today’s announcement and upon closing of the acquisition, Vista Global will have 1,500 employees in 20 offices worldwide according to its press release.

Corporate Jet Investor reports that 10 companies were originally interested in acquiring the company, with a final round of bidding including three companies. Shareholders first held talks during the 2017 NBAA convention.

XOJET’s largest shareholders were TPG, one of the world’s most-successful aviation investors, and Mubadalla, the sovereign wealth fund of Abu Dhabi. Although TPG was the largest shareholder, Mubadalla financed the fleet and held significant amounts of XOJET debt.

The acquisition price or other conditions has not been announced.

ARGUS says that XOJET flew 46,739 flight hours in the first six months of 2018. GAMA Aviation (which operates for itself and for membership provider Wheels Up) flew 72,885 hours followed by Executive Jet Management with 58,305 hours.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. There is no financing condition to the transaction. The transaction is currently expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018. XOJET’s regulated air carrier will be operated in a joint venture under U.S. control and leadership, in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation criteria.

Sources:  Company Press Release and Corporate Jet Investor’s 9/20/18 article by Alud Davies.

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, at $90 for 3 users no contract, is a favorite of the most experienced charter brokers and travel professionals; 80% of FlightList PRO users have been arranging charters more than 10 years, 25% more than 20 years.  Free trials available.

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Charter Operator JetReady Adds Challenger to Floating Fleet Availability

Photo of Challenger new to charter floating fleet

Challenger 601 new to charter floating fleet availability by operator JetReady.

Private jet charter operator JetReady continues to grow its existing charter fleet and has announced their newest charter aircraft addition, available for domestic and international charter flights.

The new-to-charter aircraft is a Challenger 601-3A joining JetReady’s charter floating fleet  currently comprised of 5 heavy jets with the addition.

Cabin photo of Challenger 601 new-to-charter, refurbished 2018.

2018-refurbished cabin interior of the new-to-charter Challenger 601 operated by JetReady

The aircraft floor plan is a 12 passenger executive configuration and new 2018 renovated modern interior, with a layout of four forward individual captains chairs, an aft 4-place divan opposing a 4-place conference group. The aircraft is equipped with a full-sized forward galley, microwave, complimentary WiFi, display monitors, HD Inflight Entertainment and Airshow 400.

JetReady’s floating fleet is included in the Floating Fleets section of FlightList PRO‘s multi-search platform along with all 326 floating fleet aircraft and 29 operators.  

JetReady’s Chief Executive Officer, Nigel England stated, “We are thrilled to announce the newest Challenger addition to our charter certificate and look forward to the continued growth of our company.”

The Challenger joins JetReady’s charter floating fleet of now 5 heavy jets; 3 Challenger 601’s and 2 Gulfstream IV-SP’s.  The operator reports more aircraft of these same types, plus Hawker 800XP models in the pipeline for Part-135 charter.

 

Source:  Company press release

FlightList PRO, at $90 for 3 users no contract, is a favorite of the most experienced charter brokers and travel professionals; 80% of FlightList PRO users have been arranging charters more than 10 years, 25% more than 20 years.  Free trials available.

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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Gulfstreams V and IV-SP New to Charter, Prime Jet Fleet Grows to 12

U.S. charter operator Prime Jet has announced two Gulfstream additions to its charter fleet; a 14-passenger Gulfstream IV-SP newly available based at SDL Scottsdale, AZ, and a 16-passenger Gulfstream V available beginning this summer and based from PBI West Palm Beach, FL, according to the operator.

The pictured Gulfstreams join Prime Jet’s charter fleet which now grows to 12 aircraft- all Gulfstream jets, based across the U.S. and internationally.  The operator floats 8 of them with one-way pricing, and are included in FlightLIst PRO’s Floating Fleets section.

Large cabin jet charters are on the rise, and the category leads the increase in charter flying last month.  Large cabin jet charters were up a significant 15.1% year-over-year in March, despite a 20.4% decline in fractional ownership large cabin jet flying, according to data released by ARGUS.  Part 135 charter flying increased 7.7% overall for March year-over-year.

Charter Gufstream IV-SP based SDL Scottsdale AZ and operated by Prime Jet

Charter Gulfstream IV-SP based SDL Scottsdale AZ and operated by Prime Jet

According to the operator, features of the new GIV-SP include:

PHOTO, Gulfstream IV-SP cabin, new to charter and based at SDL Scottsdale AZ with operator Prime Jet

Gulfstream IV-SP cabin, new to charter and based at SDL Scottsdale AZ with operator Prime Jet

  • 14 Passenger Configuration
    • Berths 5-6
  • 2018 Full Interior Refurb 
  • Free Domestic Wi-Fi 
  • Soft Divided Cabin
  • Entertainment System
  • Full Service Aft Galley
  • Wyvern Wingman | AR/GUS Platinum
  • Charter Friendly
PHOTO Gulfstream V new to charter with operator Prime Jet

Gulfstream V new to charter with operator Prime Jet

PHOTO 16-passenger Gulfstream V cabin, new to charter with operator Prime Jet.

16-passenger Gulfstream V cabin, new to charter with operator Prime Jet.

According to the operator, features of the new G-V include:

  • 2018 Full Refurbishment
  • 16 Passenger Configuration
  • Wi-Fi Equipped
    • Free Domestic (GoGo Inflight)
  • Entertainment System
  • Full Service Galley
  • Separate Crew Rest Area
  • Charter Friendly

The Gulfstream V and IV-SP with Prime Jet carry ratings of ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman and ISBAO-registered.  FlightList PRO is the only charter platform that includes operator’s safety ratings from all four organizations; ARGUS, Wyvern, ISBAO and ACSF.

Source:  Company announcements

FlightList PRO, at $90 for 3 users no contract, is a favorite of the most experienced charter brokers and travel professionals; 80% of FlightList PRO users have been arranging charters more than 10 years, 25% more than 20 years.  Free trials available.

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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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.

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:

Jet charter directory listings

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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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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.

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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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.

Private jet charter listings, floating fleet one way pricingRecent 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.

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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