Category Archives: Private Aviation Industry News

Private Jet Services Group Named to 2015 Inc. 5000

Private Jet Services (PJS), a worldwide aviation consulting firm, has been named one of the nation’s fastest growing companies on the Inc. 5000 list for 2015, according to a release by the company.

PJS, now in it’s 12th year, achieved 136% overall revenue growth over the recent 3-year period 2012-2014, and ranks #2,688 of 5,000 on this year’s list. A repeat appearance, PJS achieved #2,410 on the 2014 list.

“It is an honor to be recognized among the fastest-growing companies in the country. This type of recognition really validates our success in meeting the evolving aviation needs of our expanding client base,” said PJS Founder and CEO Greg Raiff in the statement. “To have appeared two years in a row speaks volumes about our exceptional repeat client rate.”

Based in Seabrook, NH, Private Jet Services Group clients include Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, collegiate sports teams, the world’s biggest bands, private fliers and government workers. PJS offers fully tailored, on-demand aviation solutions to its clients. Founded in 2003 by Greg Raiff, PJS procures on behalf of those clients both VIP and standard configured airliners, regional aircraft, as well as light, midsize, and large cabin executive jets.

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Aspen Airport Forgoes Second FBO… For Now

The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is backing away from its plans to add a second FBO (fixed base operator) to the field. Pitkin County announced yesterday it is proceeding with part of the airport’s planned upgrades, and one “environmental assessment” (EA) process laying out plans for a wider reconfigured runway to accommodate jets with wider wingspans, and a new terminal building. The county will forego a second EA and the plans to add a second FBO and taxiway for private planes on the airport’s west side.

Currently Aspen airport has one FBO, operated by the Atlantic Aviation chain. During peak summer and winter holiday seasons Aspen is one of the busier single-runway, single-FBO airports in the country. In addition Aspen valley and its surrounding topography requires most jets to land and take off using the same approach/departure corridor to the east of the airport, requiring more planning and time needed to coordinate inbound and outbound aircraft.

Aspen Airport overhead

Aspen’s airport, from the mountains to the southwest.

Pitkin County was previously planning to put two EAs forward at once containing all elements of the master plan. But after meeting with with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials over the last few months, it has decided to simplify the EA process to focus on upgrades to the airport’s east side, making it less confusing and more cost-effective, according to a Pitkin County press release.

“Safety has always been the top priority at this airport. We will be reconfiguring the runway to meet FAA design standards to accommodate aircraft with wider wingspans that will replace the commercial fleet serving Aspen in the coming years,” noted airport director John Kinney in the statement. “We also need a new terminal to address existing safety and functional issues and to better serve the traveling public.”

Aspen Private Jets

Private jets at Aspen airport. (photo courtesy of Aspen Times)

FAA funding that would contribute to both projects was delayed. Peacock said that FAA funding for the project wouldn’t be available on the timeline the airport had initially anticipated, necessitating a new plan for moving forward. The FAA funding availability had decreased because of demand from other airports around the nation, the statement noted.

The second FBO and west side taxiway still could be relaunched at a future date under a different EA process, but it’s dependent on funding, the statement added.

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Charter Pilot Writes Book, Rare Adventures in Aviation

Charter Pilot Book

Available on Amazon

Anyone interested in general aviation, its history, and the funny and sometimes-scary adventures of a professional pilot will enjoy Mark Burgess’ stories.

With wry humor, he takes us on his journey from an airplane-happy small-town youth, to certified 17-year-old pilot, to instructor and inspector of other pilots.

He has flown donated organs, fire patrol, and the rich and famous, and today is a successful entrepreneur with a rapidly growing company employing nine pilots.

Charter Pilot; Rare Adventures in Aviation is available on Amazon.

Article by Thomas McFarland, KSMU Ozarks Public Radio:

Decades of flight experience throughout southwest Missouri and beyond are on display in a new book by Mark Burgess. The local pilot and businessman recently released his auto-biography “Charter Pilot: Rare Adventures in Aviation,” which discusses an industry that rarely finds itself in the spotlight.

“Well the main purpose is to kind of introduce people to what this is. It’s an area of aviation many don’t understand,” says Burgess.

That area of aviation includes numerous flight jobs such as fire and pipeline patrol, instructor flight, and charter flight. Burgess discusses having flown everything from car parts to donated human organs, getting there via a non-traditional path. The usual gateway into the industry is through the military and major airlines, he says.

“But when I was coming out of high school we were coming out of Vietnam, so politically we didn’t need pilots. They didn’t want anybody, wouldn’t let anybody in, unless you had a college degree, perfect vision, all sort of things. You couldn’t go down the military track,” Burgess says.

So he took the private route, one he says many don’t know exists, and earned his license before the age of 18. From there he began instructing other pilots, including some who were new to the industry in the late 1970s.

“Probably one of the first female students that was back in the day that females weren’t flying that much. It was pretty odd to have female students, and I was barely 18 years old, and we had four or five instructors, and I ended up with the female student. She was a good student, she went out and learned it all quick. Her parents owned a 206, which is a pretty beefy single engine airplane. And it was just breaking new ground with her,” says Burgess.

Burgess is now the chief operating officer of Ozair, a Springfield-based charter service that offers cross-country and international flights. And it’s no accident the business is located in the Ozarks.

“Were so centrally located that if you call up and need me I can be on either coast in about three hours. Where if I was New York based I would be no market for California, and if I was California based I would be no market for Miami. But being here in the middle of the US we’re market for everybody, so we’ve got a pretty good range,” Burgess says.

So what is the best way to become a pilot? Burgess says the military is still the best option.

“If you can do the military routine and do the military life for a while, that’s obviously the place you want to go. You can get the most expensive training and the best equipment out there. And they’re going to pay you to do it, and it’s not going to come out of your pocket.”

If you’re interested in entering the field of aviation, or if you would just like to read the stories of a pilot in the Ozarks, you can find Mark Burgess’ book “Charter Pilot: Rare Adventures in Aviation” on Amazon.

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Photos & Specs – New Citation Latitude Midsize Jet Charter

Aircraft Management Group and it’s charter division AMG Jets took delivery of one of the first Citation Latitudes. It is the first Latitude available for charter.

The Citation Latitude jet boasts the most spacious and most refined cabin environment in the midsize jet category. At 77 inches wide, six feet tall and more than 21 feet long with a flat floor, and stand up cabin, the Latitude was built for comfort. The aircraft comfortably seats 9 passengers and features a cruciform tail and all metal fuselage.

Citation Latitude Quick Specs:
Midsize Business Jet, seats 9 max.
Cabin Dimensions; W 6’5″, H 6’0″, L 21’9″
Baggage Capacity; 127 cu.ft.
Range 2,850 NM
Part-135 nonstop coast to coast
Speed 440 KTS

First Citation Latitude available for charter. Operated by AMG Jets.

First Citation Latitude available for charter. Operated by AMG Jets.

Aircraft Management Group took delivery of one of the first Citation Latitudes from Cessna in Wichita, KS.

Aircraft Management Group took delivery of one of the first Citation Latitudes from Cessna in Wichita, KS.

Cabin of Citation Latitude for charter with AMG Jets

Cabin of Citation Latitude for charter with AMG Jets

AMG Jets' new Citation Latitude

AMG Jets’ new Citation Latitude in flight over KICT Wichita Airport as it departed for its new base with AMG at KPIT Pittsburgh, PA.

Citation Latitude cabin configuration

Citation Latitude cabin configuration. Cabin width 6’5″, Height 6’0″, Length 21’9″.

Citation Latitude Jet Charter

John Sieckowski, president of Pittsburgh, Pa.-based aircraft charter and management firm Aircraft Management Group, took the keys to one of the first Cessna Citation Latitudes. Deliveries of the new midsize business jet started on August 27.

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First Citation Latitude for Charter Operated by AMG Jets

Citation Latitude Jet Charter

John Sieckowski, president of Pittsburgh, Pa.-based aircraft charter and management firm Aircraft Management Group, took delivery of the first Citation Latitudes and is first available for charter.

Aircraft Management Group, Inc., a provider of aircraft management and consulting services, as well as private aircraft charter through their AMG Jets division, is eager to announce the addition of a 2015 Citation Latitude to their charter certificate.

Aircraft Management Group, Inc. is the first company in the world to have the Latitude available for charter. The aircraft will spend half of the year based out of KPIT (Pittsburgh International Airport) and the other half based in KPBI (Palm Beach International Airport).

The 9-passenger Citation Latitude jet boasts the most spacious and most refined cabin environment in the midsize jet category. At 77 inches wide, six feet tall and more than 21 feet long with a flat floor, and stand up cabin, the Latitude was built for comfort.

The Latitude is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney PW306D engines that will power it to a projected speed of just over 440 knots. Its range is 2,850 nm, and its runway takeoff distance is a remarkable 3,668 feet.

“What’s appealing is that it’s got the amenities of larger aircraft but the flexibility to fly into short fields with trans-continental range” said John Sieckowski, President and Owner of Aircraft Management Group, Inc. “That appeals to a lot of customers.”

AMG Jets Charter AMG has grown exponentially since they received their Air Carrier Certificate in 2009 with no sign of slowing down. Including the Latitude, AMG has added three aircraft to their Part 135 certificate in 2015. In total, AMG operates six aircraft including two Beechjet 400As, two Hawker 400XP’s, a Citation CJ3 and now the Citation Latitude.

“With the addition of the Latitude, we expect to expand our customer base by being able to offer flights to the west coast and Europe” said Shannon Pennypacker, Director of Charter Sales and Marketing.

All 6 of AMG’s charter jets are available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

Cabin of Citation Latitude for charter with AMG Jets

Cabin of Citation Latitude for charter with AMG Jets

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New Company Private Air Offers All-You-Can-Fly Memberships

Update: Private Air is no longer operating – has ceased business. Suggested is the 14-year charter powerhouse New Flight Charters with their best-price-guarantee for any flight, and largest aircraft selection and pricing options.

All-you-can-fly between Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa/Clearwater/St Petersburg for a monthly fee of $950 is now offered by new Miami, FL-based company Private Air. According to a company press release, flights will start in October and Private Air is accepting membership applications from those in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa/Clearwater/St Petersburg areas.

Private Air is also launching a Florida-New York all-you-can-fly membership program for $9,900/month, between Miami/Ft Lauderdale and Teterboro NJ, using Hawker 400XP aircraft according to the company website.[website is down]

Stephane Hoinville, President of Private Air, is a 25-year aviation veteran with experience as an executive jet and commercial jet pilot for South Florida executive and airline operators until he co-founded a successful Miami based aviation company 19 years ago as part-owner and president.

“We are truly excited to bring to South Florida a really unique experience which is going to revolutionize air travel in our state. We are pleased to offer our members access to the world of executive aviation with its efficiency and convenience at a fraction of its normal cost and for a cost much lower than using airlines,” said Hoinville. “Members can fly as much as they can between the areas of Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa/Clearwater/St Petersburg and will also be able to fly unlimited to other areas in Florida once they are added for the same low monthly fee covering all areas. Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Palm Beach are some of the areas we plan to add in the near future.”

Florida and New York flights are provided by FAA Part 135 certified Air Carriers selected by Private Air.

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JFI Jets Begins Service to Cuba

JFI Jets, a global leader in private jet charter, aircraft management and maintenance, has begun providing on-demand charter service to Cuba from its aircraft bases in Southern, and Northern California, the New York metropolitan area Wilmington, Delaware and throughout the United States.

“Few private charter carriers have the necessary certifications to fly to Cuba presently and even fewer have the local knowledge and contacts on the ground that are key to executing a flawless trip,” says David J. Rimmer, president of JFI Jets, adding, “at JFI we have both. We can provide a level of convenience, customer service and expertise that is unparalleled in the private jet charter industry.”

While JFI Jets has all of the necessary clearances to land in Cuba, at the present time U.S. citizens are required to comply with U.S. Government restrictions for Cuban travel, which are outlined on the U.S. Treasury Fact Sheet. Flights to Cuba must also originate from U.S. Government-designated gateway cities.

Rimmer encouraged booking as early as possible to ensure availability, saying. “Our first flight on the heels of Secretary of State Kerry raising the flag at the U.S. Embassy in Havana recently was perfect.”

Courtesy Luxury Travel Magazine

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Wheels Up Takes Delivery of “Pink Plane” In Time for October

Wheels Up King Air Charter

Wheels Up took delivery of a pink Beechcraft King Air 350i from Textron Aviation on August 28. It will serve as the flagship of the company’s Breast Cancer Awareness initiative. The Pink Plane is the 45th aircraft in the Wheels Up fleet and will enter revenue service beginning October 1, just in time for the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month. (Photo: Textron Aviation)

Charter membership firm Wheels Up took delivery of one-of-a-kind, pink Beechcraft King Air 350i from Textron Aviation on Friday that will serve as the flagship of the company’s Breast Cancer Awareness initiative. Dubbed the Pink Plane, it is the 45th aircraft in the Wheels Up fleet and will enter revenue service beginning October 1, just in time for the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The aircraft will support Wheel Up’s commitment to raising awareness and funds for the Dubin Breast Center at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Wheels Up will donate a portion of the fees for each new membership in October to the Dubin Breast Center. In addition, the company will have a fly-a-thon to encourage current Wheels Up Members to donate to the Dubin Breast Center for every revenue hour flown by the Pink Plane. Wheels Up Members will also be able to make a one-time donation or pledge a dollar amount of their choice for every revenue hour they fly in October.

Courtesy AIN and Wichita Eagle.

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OneJet Expands to Nashville, More Cities Coming

OneJet is taking the next step in building its scheduled charter network with the addition of a route between its Indianapolis International Airport base and Nashville International Airport in Tennessee. OneJet, which offers service under Part 135 with DOT Part 380 economic authority, plans to add the new route beginning September 8 with flights from Indianapolis to Nashville in the morning and returning to Indianapolis in the late afternoon.

Pentastar Aviation Charter, Inc. earlier this year was named the direct air carrier for OneJet, a provider of regional scheduled nonstop flights in the Eastern U.S.

Based at KMKE Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport and KIND Indianapolis International Airport, OneJet began service on April 6, 2015. Pentastar Aviation Charter, Inc. operates a fleet of Hawker 400 aircraft on behalf of OneJet.

The addition of Nashville follows the introduction of flights to Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Memphis earlier this year. The company uses three Hawker 400XPs for the service, with Pentastar Aviation operating the flights. OneJet said its load factors have increased to about 80-percent network-wide. “The addition of Nashville as a destination city is part of OneJet’s multi-phase expansion plan to grow our network of nonstop regional travel,” OneJet CEO Matthew Maguire said. “Nashville has been one of the key destinations demanded by both Indianapolis corporate and community leadership.” OneJet added that it already has received a strong reception, with companies such as Crowe Horwath booking.

Matthew Maguire, OneJet Chief Executive Officer, continued: “To-date, OneJet has surpassed its 1000^thpassenger carried, serving the frequent business traveler as well as becoming a preferred vendor to numerous Fortune 500 companies. As we allocate additional capacity to our focus cities over the course of this coming year, and from those points to an increasing number of destinations, OneJet will continue to expand its network to deliver nonstop service in regional air markets across the country.”

OneJet plans to continue adding locations, with more announcements anticipated over the next year. The company is targeting markets within a 500- to 1,000-mile range that have strong local corporate bases and have “a meaningful demand to the other points already in the market.”

Courtesy Aviation International News Contributing

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Operator Meridian Names Chris Battaglia Director of Charter Sales

Charter operator and private aviation company Meridian, based at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ, is pleased to announce that Chris Battaglia has been named Director of Charter Sales, according to a release from the company. Mr. Battaglia is a business aviation veteran with thirteen years of charter sales experience, six years of financial management experience, and is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Mr. Battaglia will be responsible for executing the long-term sales strategy of Meridian Air Charter, managing the daily operations of charter sales, and developing the West Coast charter business, which will be based at Hayward Executive Airport (HWD) in Hayward, CA, once the FBO and hangar facilities are completed in 2016.

Chris began his aviation career in 2002 with TAG Aviation starting as a Charter Services Representative. Over the years, he was promoted to roles of increasing responsibility, until he left the company as Director of Charter Services. In 2009, he continued his aviation career at TWC Aviation, where he was eventually promoted to VP of Charter Sales. He was responsible for all charter activities in both the wholesale and retail sales areas, while managing a large team of charter sales directors and representatives.

Dennis O’Connell, President of Meridian Air Charter, had this to say, “Chris brings a wealth of charter experience and knowledge to our company. He is joining us during an exciting period of growth as we continue to expand our fleet and build our operation in California. We are looking forward to him helping us get to the next level, and we are very happy to have him on our team.”

All 22 Meridian charter aircraft are available only in FlightList PRO.

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Texas’ All-you-can-fly Rise Adds More to Fly

Rise, a Dallas-based all-you-can-fly membership charter service, expanded its Beechcraft King Air 350 service to the entire Texas Triangle this week by adding eight more scheduled flights between Houston and Austin. It started service with the eight-passenger turboprop twin last month on the Dallas-Houston and Dallas-Austin routes.

The Rise-branded King Air is operated by Monarch Air, a Part 135 charter operator based at Dallas’ Addison Airport.

Rise King Air 200 Flight Service between Dallas, Houston, Austin and Midland Texas

Rise King Air 200, flight service is operated by FAA Part 135 charter operator Monarch Air

“It’s no coincidence that the ‘Texas Triangle’ is the starting point for Rise to create a new standard for business travel,” said Rise CEO Nick Kennedy. “There’s never been anything quite like Rise in Texas, and we’re seeing in real time what happens when you take the stress out of air travel and give people huge chunks of time back in their lives.”

Rise memberships, which start at $1,650 per month, are available in Houston, Austin, Midland and Dallas. The company offers three levels of individual memberships for its all-you-can fly model. It plans to offer “Rise Fun Flights” to Austin, Texas; Vail, Colo.; and other destinations on weekends.

Rise King Air 200 Cabin for flight service between Dallas, Houston, Austin and Midland Texas

Rise King Air 200 Cabin for flight service between Dallas, Houston, Austin and Midland Texas

Article Courtesy AINOnline.com

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Air Partner Acquires Bains Simmons, Adds Aviation Safety Consulting to Services

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.

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Broker Skyjet Launches Private Jet Booking App Integrated with Apple Pay

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 private jet booking screen on Skyjet's new app for iPhone

The private jet booking screen on Skyjet’s new app for iPhone

“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.

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Flexjet Accelerates Deliveries of Gulfstream G450 to Meet Strong Market Demand

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.”

Fexjet 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.”

Gulfstream G450

Flexjet Gulfstream G450

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.”

Flexjet Gulfstream G450 Cabin

Flexjet Gulfstream G450 Cabin

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.

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All Hail New Customs Office at VNY

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.”

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Gulfstream V Point-to-Point Charter Pricing

Charter Operator Prime Jet announced yesterday it is now offering point to point pricing with its 16 passenger G-V, with international and Domestic Wi-Fi.

The 2000 G-V is floating between South Florida, New York, Southern California and Europe, available for reduced one-way pricing.

This is the only Gulfstream V available for point to point pricing, and joins the company’s G-IV in point-to-point pricing in the U.S.

The full array of 13 floating fleet operators and 208 aircraft is available in the FlightList PRO Floating Fleet section.

Prime Jet operates 9 heavy jet Gulfstreams for charter.

Gulfstream V point to point charter pricing by operator Prime Jet

Gulfstream V point to point charter pricing by operator Prime Jet

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2014 Accident Rates: Charter Decreased While Overall GA Increased

The National Transportation Safety Board released preliminary aviation accident statistics for 2014 showing a slight increase in fatal general aviation accidents, which increased from 222 in 2013 to 253 in 2014.

The overall number of general aviation accidents decreased slightly from 1,224 in 2013 to 1,221 in 2014. Despite reporting fewer accidents, the accident rate for general aviation aircraft increased from 6.26 per 100,000 flight hours in the previous year to 6.74 in 2014.

There were 28 accidents involving Part 121 operations (commercial air transport).

The number of accidents involving scheduled Part 135 (commuter) operations decreased from seven in 2013 to four in 2014.

“The On-demand Part 135 accident rate decreased from 1.30 per 100,000 flight hours in 2013 to 1.02 in 2014.”

On-demand Part 135 operations, which include charter, air taxi, air tour, and air medical flights, reported 35 accidents in 2014, down from 44 in 2013. The accident rate decreased from 1.30 per 100,000 flight hours in 2013 to 1.02 in 2014.

The 2014 statistical tables showing accidents, fatalities and accident rates for major segments of U.S. civil aviation can be found at: http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/data/Pages/Accident-data-review.aspx

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Beacon Launches Northeast in September, Partners with Charter Operator Dynamic Aviation

Update 8/7/15:

Membership-based private flight service Beacon, announces they are launching service September 15, with unlimited access to its fleet for prices starting at $2,000 per month, with flights between Boston and New York, as well as seasonal trips to Nantucket and the Hamptons. Reservations, changes and cancellations can be made as little as 20 minutes before departure, the company says. Surf Air, based in California, operates its own Pilatus PC-12 turboprops, but Beacon has partnered with charter operator Dynamic Aviation, based in Virginia.

Under its $400 million agreement, Beacon says, Dynamic will deliver 27 mid-sized executive aircraft over the next three years, and is contracted to maintain and operate the aircraft for Beacon over the next 10 years. Dynamic Aviation will provide commuter passenger services on an exclusive basis to Beacon. “We are excited to announce this partnership between Dynamic Aviation and Beacon,” said Wade Eyerly, Beacon’s CEO and co-founder.

Prior news post 2/11/15:
Former Surf Air CEO Wade Eyerly and his co-founders have started a very similar private flight operation called Beacon. The new subscription service, Beacon passengers will pay $2000 per month for unlimited flights on a maximum 10-passenger aircraft. Different from Surf Air, Beacon does not own or operate its own aircraft, instead it connects is members with certified air carriers. Typical aircraft are similar to the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air 350i. Cities served for the launch include New York(White Plains) and Boston, with seasonal service to Nantucket and the Hamptons.

story info courtesy Avweb by Mary Grady

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Delta’s First Upgrade to Private Jet

A Cincinnati couple became the first people to receive the ultimate in Delta upgrades: from commercial airplane to a private jet.

Bruce and Jeanette Rogovin are Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and were originally booked on a Delta flight from the Cincinnati airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, until they received an email the night before their Friday flight offering an upgrade to a private plane.

Delta private jets charter fleet

First upgrade to private jet for Delta’s new program

The couple, who were traveling to Atlanta to visit their son, were upgraded to a Falcon 2000, a large cabin jet that seats up to 10 passengers. They even had their own flight attendant, who provided them with complimentary champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and lunch during the flight.

The couple said they loved the roominess of the private jet.

“I would have to say that it was the most relaxing, enjoyable flight I’ve ever had,” Bruce Rogovin said. “From the lack of lines to the spacious, beautiful cabin, everything was truly enjoyable.”

Delta Private Jets President Erik Snell and David Sneed, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Delta Private Jets, were on hand in Cincinnati to greet the first passengers, and accompanied them on their flight.

upgrades to private jet with Delta Private Jets charter fleet

Ohio couple upgrades to private jet with Delta Private Jets charter fleet

The program is offered by Delta Vacations and allows Medallion status passengers traveling on select Delta commercial flights to upgrade their tickets to travel via Delta Private Jets. Customers are contacted via email and offered the upgrade for an additional fee, which includes transportation to and from the private airport and the main commercial terminal, and complimentary on-board catering.

“Delta Private Jets is proud to operate this innovative program offered by Delta Vacations and Delta Air Lines. As the only Part 135 operator (offering non-scheduled charter flights) in the United States owned by a major airline, we are uniquely able to operate such a program,” said Sneed.

“Delta Private Jets was the first private jet operator to offer the convenience of a Jet Card (see below) and continues to revolutionize the industry with new products such as offering Delta Air Lines Medallion customers elite access to private jet travel.”

Source: Delta Air Lines

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New To Charter Learjet 45XR w/Wi-Fi Based Dayton, OH

Charter Operator Solairus Aviation has added new to charter, N117WH, a low time 2006 Learjet 45XR which is based at KDAY Dayton, Ohio and is currently available.

The aircraft features Wi-Fi on board, forward galley with microwave oven, cabin climate control, and seating for up to 8 passengers in the desirable Learjet 45 double-club configuration.

This is Solairus’ first Learjet 45 model for charter. Solairus operates 37 aircraft for charter based throughout the U.S., 13 of which are available ONLY in FlightList PRO.

The full Solairus fleet is a diverse variety from the King Air B200 executive turboprop to the new Gulfstream G650 long range jet.

Learjet 45XR charter

Learjet 45XR N117WH with charter operator Solairus Aviation, based KDAY Dayton, OH

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