Charter Alerts

Air Partner plc, the air charter brokerage and global aviation services group, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Baines Simmons Limited, a world leading Aviation Safety Consultant for a total net cash consideration of up to £6.0 million.

Founded in 2001, Baines Simmons is a trusted consultant and adviser to more than 750 aviation organizations and more than 40 aviation authorities and has helped develop the skills and expertise of more than 120,000 aviation professionals. The business has grown to be recognized as a leading authority in Aviation Safety Consultancy, specializing in aviation regulation, compliance and safety management, advising clients across civil and military markets such as KLM, SAS, Thomas Cook, Thomson, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, The Isle of Man Government, BAE Systems, MoD, Rolls Royce, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Airbus, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA). The reputation of the Baines Simmons brand and the expertise of its employees within the aviation sector are key elements which should enable the business to help shape the evolving safety requirements in the industry and in particular, the sub-sectors of aviation regulation, compliance and safety management performance. Baines Simmons will provide Air Partner with the opportunity to extend the Group's service and product capabilities which will complement and enhance its existing brokering business. The acquisition reiterates Air Partner’s commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards in aviation safety.   Baines Simmons brings with it an unrivaled client list built on a solid foundation of expertise coupled with a strong and credible industry reputation. Mark Briffa, Chief Executive of Air Partner, said: "The acquisition of Baines Simmons is an exciting step for Air Partner. We look forward to working with the team at Baines Simmons on a range of strategic and complimentary growth opportunities from new regulatory changes, busier skies, greater organisational complexities, geographic expansion and new performance products and services." Following acquisition, Baines Simmons will continue to be managed by its current executive team led by Managing Director, Andrew Parker and founders, Keven Baines and Bob Simmons.

One of the world's largest Gulfstream operators, Avjet headquartered in Burbank, CA, recently added a TEB-based G550 to it's charter fleet.  N10MZ features Wi-Fi on board, seating for 14 and is berthable to sleep 5. With Avjet's introduction of another G550 into its charter fleet, it now has further strengthened its "coast to coast" coverage of the United States. "The G550 has proven to be one of our most popular offerings, giving our clientele speed, luxury and sophistication only a Gulfstream product can offer," states Avjet Chairman and CEO Marc Foulkrod. "Teterboro has always been an important exit and entry point in the US and we are very pleased to be able to offer this exquisite G550 for both our local clientele, in and around theNew York metro area, as well as for our international clients," Foulkrod continued. Avjet operates 23 charter aircraft, all but 4 are Gulfstream including two G650's and now four G550's.  The company also operates a Hawker 800XP, 850XP, Falcon 2000 and a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ).  The fleet is based primarily at KBUR Burbank, CA, with the Falcon 2000 at KSJC San Jose, a G650 in Japan, and this G550 at KTEB. FlightList PRO includes Avjet's entire fleet.  7 of its Gulfstreams are only in FlightList PRO.

One of the U.S.'s largest and growing charter operators, Solairus Aviation, has introduced a new 2015 Gulfstream 650, to the U.S. charter market, based at KSFO San Francisco International Airport. Aircraft amenities include Wi-Fi on board, seating for 14, berthing for 6, Blu-ray-DVD-Satellite TV, convection and microwave ovens, two lavatories- passengers and crew, and satellite phone. The Solairus charter fleet has grown to 43 aircraft nationwide from executive turboprop King Air B200 to multiple long range Global Express' and G-650's.  Of Solairus' 43 charter aircraft, 28 are heavy or long range jets. The entire fleet nationwide is available only in FlightList PRO including 17 particular aircraft.

Skyjet, an air charter broker and holding of Directional Aviation, announced the release of the Skyjet app for iPhone. The app is the first of its kind in the private jet charter industry to integrate with Apple Pay, allowing users to book a private jet with a touch of the finger.

“We’re extremely proud to see Apple Pay take flight with the Skyjet mobile app, which creates an unparalleled booking experience for travelers that’s faster, safer and more efficient than traditional charter booking.”

Skyjet brings a seamless booking experience and provides users with an intelligent MPR (Market Price Range) tool for real-time price estimates. Within seconds of entering a user’s desired trip itinerary into the app, price estimates are displayed on-screen based on current market pricing and what other clients recently paid for their trips. Users also have direct access to aircraft specs, a detailed trip itinerary and instant access to a Skyjet dedicated aviation expert.

“The Skyjet mobile app bridges our 18 years of industry experience, smart technology and exceptional service to make the process of booking private jets as smooth as possible,” said Skyjet’s President Greg Richman. “We’re extremely proud to see Apple Pay take flight with the Skyjet mobile app, which creates an unparalleled booking experience for travelers that’s faster, safer and more efficient than traditional charter booking.” Security and privacy is at the core of Apple Pay. When you add a credit or debit card to Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on your iPhone, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your iPhone, and each transaction is authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code. To celebrate the launch of the mobile app, Skyjet is offereing the first 50 new clients to book a trip with the Skyjet app an Apple Watch Sport* or iPad Air.

Charter operator flyADVANCED has added a 2001 Falcon 50EX and a 2013 King Air B350i to its charter fleet.  Both aircraft are based at KILG Wilmington, DE, and the Falcon 50EX includes Wi-Fi on board. “The addition of these two planes brings our charter fleet to a total of 10 aircraft, ranging from single engine piston to heavy jet,” said Regis de Ramel, CEO of flyADVANCED. These aircraft, and all 10 charter aircraft, are available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

flyADVANCED is an integrated aircraft management company operating three locations in the mid-Atlantic United States. It offers worldwide charter, aircraft management and maintenance, FBO, MRO rental and flight training services.

Flexjet is a holding of Directional Aviation, along with Sentient Jet, Flight Options, Nextant Aerospace and several other private aviation holdings.

Flexjet LLC yesterday announced that it has accelerated deliveries of the Gulfstream G450™ business jet in response to heavy market demand. With the accelerated delivery schedule, six G450s will be flying in the Flexjet fleet by the end of this year, bolstering Flexjet’s ability to serve international routes nonstop.

“With the G450, G650 and other advanced new aircraft entering our fleet, we are well-positioned to meet the needs and expectations of today’s fractional fliers.”

According to a release from Flexjet, the G450 is part of an order Flexjet placed in October 2014 for up to 50 aircraft, also including the G500™ and G650™, from Gulfstream’s iconic line of business jets. Through its close partnership with Gulfstream, Flexjet will closely monitor demand and collaborate with the manufacturer to accelerate deliveries and exercise any of the additional 26 options whenever possible. “Since we took delivery of our first Gulfstream G450 aircraft in June, the response to these new long-range aircraft has been so robust that we have asked Gulfstream to move up delivery of our next two G450 aircraft to this fall, rather than mid-2016, as previously agreed to,” said Flexjet Chief Executive Officer Michael Silvestro. “Our sales for the year are up 20 percent and the marketplace clearly is hungry for extended-range products from Gulfstream. Stepping up our delivery schedule will help us to satisfy this appetite.”

The entry into service of Flexjet’s version of the G450 positions Flexjet as the only fractional provider offering the newest and most advanced version of this aircraft, featuring the LXi cabin design and configuration. Capable of being configured to carry up to 16 passengers, the G450 can travel 4,350 nautical miles/8,056 kilometers with eight passengers, easily enabling nonstop trips from the U.S. to European and South American destinations. Fortune 500 corporations and other large business flyers, including flight departments in need of supplemental capacity, have shown the strongest interest in the G450. Editor's note - Currently 43 Gulfstream G450's are available for charter in the US, with 22 different charter operators.  All 43 are available and shown in air charter directory service FlightList PRO. “In the fractional jet industry, you hear a lot about orders for new planes being delayed or cancelled – not accelerated. Not only have we had strong demand for the Gulfstream G450, but we also are seeing tremendous enthusiasm for the G650. We are pleased to be able to take delivery of the G650 early next year, making us the only fractional provider offering this aircraft,” said Chairman Kenn Ricci. “With the G450, G650 and other advanced new aircraft entering our fleet, we are well-positioned to meet the needs and expectations of today’s fractional fliers.”

In addition to the Gulfstream G450 and G650, Flexjet will be the North American launch customer, and exclusive fractional provider, for the Gulfstream G500 expected to be delivered in 2018. The G500 will offer the finest in speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency. Outfitted for 12 passengers, the G500 will be capable of flying 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 kilometers. Gulfstream’s G450, G500 and G650 will become part of Flexjet’s LXi Cabin Collection, which also includes the Learjet 75, the Challenger 350, Bombardier’s Global Express aircraft and the Embraer Legacy 450 and Legacy 500.

Today at KVNY Van Nuys Airport a celebration was held for the return of customs service at the airport.  It's been 8 years since customs was removed from local airports and centralized only at LAX. A new US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility opened two months ago as part of the Signature Flight Support west FBO.  Signature paid around $225,000 to build the new customs addition which includes an interview room, inspection room, office space and security features.  The celebration today was attended by many local officials, airport association officials and the President of Signature Flight Support. Local air operators, pilots and aircraft owners are happy to see international clearances return to Van Nuys. "The addition of CBP services at VNY will add significant convenience for travelers entering the United States from abroad," said Curt Castagna, president of the Van Nuys Airport Association, an airport tenant organization that supported the launch of customs service. "Clients will be able to fly directly to VNY without an additional stop at another airport to clear customs." In addition to saving private jet travelers time and money, the service will benefit the environment by reducing emissions from repositioning flights and decreasing overall operations within the Los Angeles basin’s congested airspace.  Although customs service is available at Los Angeles International Airport, regional general aviation airports have been without CBP service since 2007 when support was withdrawn. Gina Marie Lindsey, Executive Director for Los Angeles World Airports said, "Having U.S. Customs and Border Protection Services at Van Nuys Airport is a great example of how local support can produce improved services at airports across the country. Working with our partners, Signature Flight Support and the Van Nuys Airport Association, Los Angeles’ business airport will now be even more appealing and convenient for international travelers."

JetHub, a private jet charter broker based in Scottsdale, AZ, has launched the JetHub Members Only program, according to a JetHub press release.  The program is based on annual dues from its members, and then offers lower hourly rates on private jet charter.  Individuals, families and corporations can join the program without a long-term commitment or a large outlay of cash, according to the release.

Individual and family annual memberships are $10,000 and corporation memberships are $25,000.

The JetHub Members Only program features unlimited flight hours during the term of membership.  Members can also fly on any size aircraft at any time with no black-out dates.  The program is good for any routing or destination in the Continental U.S.

“We wanted to develop a program that provides all of the best features of traditional industry programs,” said Kevin Lippert, President of JetHub, “without the large upfront cash commitment, without flight hour restrictions and without limiting the type of aircraft our members utilize. The JetHub Members Only program has some of the lowest hourly rates and our members find the unlimited flight hours to be invaluable,” concluded Lippert.

Southern California based operator Sun Air Jets has added a second Gulfstream V to their growing charter fleet.  The 2000 12-passenger GIV is based at KCMA Camarillo, CA, easy positioning for Southern California and regional departures, and features a new cabin interior, new paint, high-speed BBML Wi-Fi, and three temperature zones. The Sun Air Jets charter and managed fleet has grown by 30% thus far in 2015.  The charter fleet consists of now 11 midsize through long range jets, including two G-V's and a Global 5000. Sun Air Jets is one of only a handful of operators with all four top safety auditor ratings-  ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman, Air Charter Safety Foundation's Industry Audit Standard, and IS-BAO Registration. Then entire fleet is only available in FlightList PRO.