Operator Updates

The following charter aircraft were announced this week; new additions to operator fleets and currently available for charter.

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Discovery Jets continues the growth of its fleet by the introduction of a Hawker 1000A, available for on-demand charter exclusively marketed by AirX America on a floating base model.

The aircraft is manufactured in 1995 and offers a 2020 refurbished interior with complimentary domestic WiFi, hot galley, microwave oven, bluetooth sound system, privacy cabin door and is pet friendly.

In addition to the Hawker 1000A, Discovery Jets also floats a Citation X and Challenger 300 for point to point charters.

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All 511 floating fleet aircraft from 48 operators are in the
Floating Fleet search in FlightList PRO.

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Modesto Jet Center has added a Nextant 400XT to its Part 135 air charter fleet. The light business jet seats eight passengers and is popular for its roomy comfort designed for plenty of head and shoulder room in the cabin.

The aircraft has a 530-mph cruising speed and an IFR range of 2,005 nautical miles with four passengers. With both comfort and performance, this aircraft is an ideal choice for trips up and down the coast, to Mexico and throughout the United States.

Modesto Jet also operates four Pilatus PC-12 and two King Air turboprops based MOD.

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The Colorado based 2007 Pilatus PC-12 executive turboprop is now available for charter and operated by Mayo Aviation from Denver-Centennial Airport. Mayo carries ratings from all four 3rd-party audit organizations; ARGUS, WYVERN, ACSF and IS-BAO.

The PC-12 joins Mayo's colorado-based fleet of 14 turboprops, light, midsize and heavy jets.

There are currently three Pilatus PC-12's for charter based in the Denver-Front Range area, and six in Colorado.

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Sources:  Company news releases, FlightList PRO platform

FlightList PRO; supporting the Air Charter Industry.  Leading air charter brokers, operators and travel professionals take advantage of free and low cost full-market support from FlightList PRO to grow their service level, their business and their bottom line.  More about FlightList PRO here.

A brand new 2020 Phenom 300E has been added to Summit Aviation, Inc's fleet. As part of a floating fleet, it will be available at special point-to-point, one-way pricing.

One of now seven Phenom 300s in Summit's fleet, this aircraft is decked out with a luxurious Bossa Nova interior. The charter company is confident that this stylish and comfortable interior along with their complimentary onboard Wi-Fi makes this Phenom 300E "our most impressive Phenom option yet."

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The FlightList PRO platform includes all 7,598 charter aircraft from 1,633 operators in the U.S., including 435 floating fleet aircraft, and 16,631 aircraft from 3,419 operators worldwide. Announcing 6 recent additions to charter availability in the U.S. nationwide, including light jets through ultra long range jets.

• Challenger 350, super-midsize jet, seats 8, Wi-Fi, based KLBE Latrobe, PA Operated by L.J. Aviation, Wyvern Wingman, ACSF
• Citation CJ1, light jet, seats 5, based KAEX Alexandria, LA Operated by Zepp Air, Inc.
• Citation Bravo, light jet, seats 8, based KTRM Thermal, CA Operated by Desert Jet, LLC, ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman, IS-BAO
• Phenom 100, light jet, seats 4, based KABE Allentown, PA Operated by 26 North Aviation, Inc. dba Skystream Jet, Wyvern Wingman
• Falcon 7X, ultra long range jet, seats 10, based KVNY Van Nuys, CA Operated by Planet Nine Private Air, LLC dba Planet 9, ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman, IS-BAO
• Gulfstream G200, super-midsize jet, seats 9, based KDTO Denton, TX Operated by Scott Aviation, LLC dba Silver Air, ARGUS Platinum

The above are currently available for charter and included in FlightList PRO sourcing, along with every certificated aircraft from every charter operator.  Free platform trials are currently available and regular pricing is just $90/month for 3 users, no contract.

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Sources:  Charter operator fleet updates 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. 

Membership-based private flight company Wheels Up announced it was acquiring floating fleet charter operator Travel Management Company (TMC).  Terms of the deal were not released. TMC operates 26 Hawker 400XP and Nextant 400XT light jets across the eastern half of the U.S. on a floating fleet model of one-way priced charters, focusing on the wholesale charter channel consisting mostly of charter brokers. Wheels Up is a membership model with 93 aircraft; 72 King Air 350i executive turboprops, 15 Citation Excel/XLS midsize jets and 6 Citation X super-midsize jets, and will also arrange other ad hoc charters functioning as a charter broker.  Wheels Up program aircraft are managed and operated by Gama Aviation.  Both TMC and Gama Aviation carry ratings of ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman and IS-BAO Registered.

All 39 floating fleet operators with 435 one-way price aircraft are in FlightList PRO, the largest charter sourcing platform database.  Full access is $90 month-to-month.  Learn More.

TMC ranked as the 10^th most active Part 135 operator in the US according to ARGUS International, flying 19,033 hours in 2018.  ARGUS data shows Gama Aviation was the #1 most active Part 135 operator in 2018 flying 91,195 hours. The 26 light jets of TMC compliment Wheels Up's existing fleet which was absent of aircraft in the light jet category.  Wheels Up founder and CEO Kenny Dichter stressed that the acquisition will not alter Gama Aviation’s role in operating Wheels Up’s fleet. “We love our relationship with Gama,” he told AIN. According to Dichter, TMC will operate as a separate subsidiary of Wheels Up and continue to provide the same service to its existing wholesale channel partners.  TMC will also continue to be lead by its existing leadership team, including CEO Phil Dodyk. Private equity company TPG Growth bought TMC from its founder Pete Liegl in 2017. TPG also owned a significant stake in XOJET at the time. It sold XOJET to Vista Global in September 2018. TMC owned 68 aircraft when it was sold in 2017 - 36 Hawker 400XPs, 29 Hawker 800XPs, two Challenger 604s and one King Air 200. The company was launched in 2006. “Wheels Up is officially in deal mode,” said Kenny Dichter, Founder and CEO of Wheels Up to Corporate Jet Investor. “Light jets clearly go together with King Airs for entry level users and we now have 119 aircraft. We also get more than 90 great pilots and 125 employees who will stay with the business and keep all of its relationships with channel partners going.” “This acquisition is a foundational piece in our continued brand evolution and mission to provide our members with a total private aviation solution,” said Dichter. “TMC and its light jet fleet are a perfect complement to our anchor partner, Gama Aviation, which will continue to operate the aircraft in our Wheels Up fleet.” TMC will operate as an independent subsidiary of Wheels Up. It will stay in Elkhart, Indiana with Dodyk staying as CEO. Gama Aviation will continue to operate the Wheels Up fleet. “The team at TMC is world-class, and we’re proud of the reputation we’ve earned for being one of the safest and most reliable operators in private aviation,” said Phil Dodyk, CEO of TMC. “By joining Kenny and the Wheels Up team, we’re excited to become part of such a renowned brand and a larger company that is deep with talented leadership, which shares our collective vision of building an industry leader.”

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Sources:  Wheels Up release, AINonline article, Alasdair Whyte of Corporate Jet Investor 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. 

Announced yesterday, Western Aircraft has added the first Swiss-built Pilatus PC-24 available for charter in the U.S., serial number 102, to the Part 135 certificate of its WestAir charter division, the company said. “This aircraft has superior speed, range, and runway performance,” according to Phil Winters, Western Aircraft's vice president of aircraft sales and charter management. “It is also the first business jet in the world that has a standard pallet-sized cargo door, making the loading of even the bulkiest of items, such as a kayak, easy. It’s a true benefit for our charter customers.”

The Pilatus PC-24 jet and all 9 WestAir charter aircraft are in FlightList PRO's multi-search platform along with all 16,631 charter aircraft worldwide.  

It is the second PC-24 delivered in the U.S., the first, serial number 101 went to fractional ownership company, PlaneSense. Western Aircraft, the Boise, Idaho-based FBO and MRO provider said the PC-24 is in it's WestAir’s aircraft management program.  Western Aircraft noted WestAir’s experience operating Pilatus’ legacy and NG PC-12 turboprops, as well as its role as a Pilatus dealer and authorized service center. WestAir has aircraft based in California, Idaho, and Washington, and provides service to more than 5,000 airports in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Western Aircraft, based in Boise, Idaho, is described by Pilatus as “its most successful dealership”, having sold more than 230 PC-12 single-engined turboprops since it joined the Swiss airframer’s network in 1996.

Looking for better charter sourcing options with less expense?  The most-experienced charter brokers use FlightLIst PRO.  See About FlightList PRO.

The business aviation services company says it has seen strong demand for the PC-24, “with more than a dozen offers to buy the first aircraft”. Despite this demand Western has added aircraft #102 to its inventory, where it will be used for ad hoc charter and, for the coming year, as a company demonstrator. “This gives us the ability to show the PC-24 to existing order holders, and also to prospective customers who want to get in on the next block of aircraft when Pilatus re-opens the orderbook,” says Phil Winters.

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Sources:  Charter operator press release and articles by FlightGlobal and Aviation International News. 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. 

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.

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. “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”.

“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.”

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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. 

Announcing four new aircraft to the charter market in the U.S.  Popular models for charter, the Falcon 7X, Hawker 800XP, Learjet 60XR and King Air 350 are based in favored charter locations for their type aircraft, and are currently available for charter.  Operators include Gama Aviation, Cirrus Aviation Services, Elevate Jet and Jet Access Aviation.  The below new additions all are ARGUS-rated Gold or Platinum. All are available through the FlightList PRO aircraft sourcing platform, which includes all 16,631 aircraft and 3,419 charter operators, the world's largest. Falcon 7X, based PSM Portsmouth, NH

• Operated by Elevate Jet, LLC
• ARGUS Gold
• 4G Wi-Fi complimentary
• 2012 aircraft, new paint and interior December, 2017
• 14 passenger interior

Hawker 800XP, based LAS Las Vegas, NV

• Operated by CIrrus Aviation Services
• ARGUS Platinum
• Wi-Fi complimentary
• 2017 Interior refurbish
• 2018 Exterior refurbish

Learjet 60XR, based HVN New Haven, CT

• Operated by Gama Aviation
• ARGUS Platinum
• Wi-Fi complimentary
• 7 passenger interior
• Microwave, Airshow, 2 LCD monitors

King Air 350, based PBI West Palm Beach, FL

• Operated by Jet Access Aviation
• ARGUS Platinum
• 8 passengers in double-club seating
• 2004 aircraft, refurbished 2016

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Sources:  Charter operator announcements 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. 

Announcing heavy, super-midsize and light jets new to charter in Florida, the Northeast and the West.  Popular charter aircraft models in popular locations from operators Jet Edge, Elite Air, Latitude 33 and Custom Jet Charters, they have added the following jets to their charter certificates and are currently available.  The below new additions all are ARGUS-rated Gold or Platinum.

All are available through the FlightList PRO sourcing platform, which includes all 16,631 aircraft and 3,419 charter operators, the world's largest.

Legacy 600, based TEB Teterboro, NJ

• Operated by Jet Edge
• ARGUS Platinum
• Wyvern Wingman
• 4G Wi-Fi complimentary
• 2015 Interior

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  Challenger 650, based ORL Orlando, FL
  • Operated by Elite Air
  • 11 passenger
  • ARGUS Platinum
  • Wi-Fi complimentary
  • 2018 Aircraft

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Challenger 350, based SNA Santa Ana, CA

• Operated by Latitude 33
• ARGUS Platinum
• Wi-Fi complimentary
• 2018 Aircraft

  

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  Legacy 600, based BDL Windsor Locks, CT
  • Operated by Latitude 33
  • ARGUS Gold
  • 13 passengers
  • 2004 aircraft, 2014 interior

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  Nextant 400XTI, based PIE Clearwater, FL
  • Operated by Elite Air
  • ARGUS Gold

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  Hawker 400XP, based PIE Clearwater, FL
  • • Operated by Elite Air
    • ARGUS Gold

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  Sources:  Charter operator announcements 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. 

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."

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.

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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.