||||Executive Jet Charters

Private jet charter offers a safe, secure, discreet and surprisingly cost effective method of transportation from point to point in a more expedient manner. Clear benefits include that you can:

- choose airports which are closest to your origin and destination
- choose flight times to suit you
- travel through smaller, quicker private terminals, save hours on airport formalities
- conduct confidential business without being overheard by other passengers
- enjoy a more flexible baggage allowance, especially on larger private jet
- enjoy catering tailored to your preferences

How do I choose the most suitable aircraft?

Factors to consider are:

- number of passengers: obviously the number of passengers dictates the number of seats required

- how much baggage: things like skis and golf clubs won’t fit on some smaller jets. Longer trips can mean more baggage. You need to check that this can be accommodated. A good air charter broker would be able to advise you how many suitcases can be carried.

- range of aircraft: private jet capabilities vary from a couple of hours for short haul flights to 13hrs non stop intercontinental operations. Accepting a fuel stop on a longer flight can keep the price down. Seek advice on this.
- position of aircraft: choosing an aircraft based or positioned close to the start or finish point of a trip minimises positioning or “ferry” flying and therefore keeps the cost down. Again, an air charter broker would be advised of latest availability and could find the best deals or even the occasional “empty leg” where you are only paying for a one way flight

- do you require sleeping capacity? Most transatlantic capability aircraft have 9-14 seats that can convert to 4-6 beds. Important for a long or overnight flight. Also, check about cabin dividers. If you have a VIP or even a child on board, a closeable hard cabin door may be important for privacy!

- is there an onboard toilet? Some of the smaller light jets either do not have a toilet or have an “emergency toilet” with a privacy curtain only. Not one for travelling with the boss!

Aren’t small planes less safe than big ones?

No – executive jet charter operators adhere to all the same strict safety and security regulations as major airlines. A good air charter broker would be regularly appraised of the latest airline blacklists and check all operator / aircraft / crew / maintenance documentation prior to each flight to ensure all is in good order.

Executive aircraft are just as stringently tested as any airliner and typically operate less flying hours per day than a commercial airliner would. Crew are usually very experienced and have often progressed into executive aviation from airlines and so have many flying hours on their license.

So the passengers won’t need to check in with lots of tourists, right?

That’s right – most airports have executive / general aviation terminals (called Fixed Base Operators or FBOs in the USA) where passengers travelling on private jets will check in and go through the usual security formalities such as baggage x-ray screening and passengers passing through metal detectors. In most circumstances, passengers can report 20 mins prior to departure time and arrival formalities can take as little as 5-10 minutes. That’s a huge saving of time in airport formalities. Most major airports in Europe / USA and many other major cities will have a comparable facility.

My boss flies a lot. Shouldn’t he just buy his own plane?

In most circumstances, no. If your boss flies a lot, especially in different parts of the world, then Business Jet Charter remains the best option as it reduces empty flying and enables you to take advantage of the best deals on the market at the time. Also, an aircraft is a depreciating asset with large upfront lease rental or purchase costs, maintenance and crew retention costs. When you charter an aircraft you pay only for use of the aircraft for the time that you fly it. The only potential additional costs (depending on region) could be passenger taxes, extra VIP catering, aircraft de-icing and these should be spelt out to you at the quote stage. If you’re not sure then ask what is included / excluded.

Why would I use an air charter broker? Shouldn’t I just go direct to an operator?

A charter broker can add several real advantages. As a repeat client of the operator, brokers will already have purchasing power that will equate to a discount of anything between 5-20% which clients can benefit from. A good broker will also give impartial advice as to the most suitable aircraft in terms of size, position, range etc.

They also act as a single point of contact at all times from quoting the trip, preparation before a trip, flight following during the trip and post flight accounting. That certainly keeps it simple and when you are looking after VIP passengers, it’s best to work with an experienced air charter broker who can make recommendations also on service and experience and will carefully vet the operator for operational and service standards and that kind of expertise is vital.

In response to the pet jets share-a-flight program created last year and featured in Forbes.com and The Wall Street Journal.com, Pet Jets has created the Pet Jets Travel Club. According to Pet Jets owner, Brian Fiske, “it is clear that that there is a need for alternative air transportation for pet owners worldwide with the concern pet owners have with commercial air carriers. While there has been a great deal of interest in Pet Jets, the costs associated with private aircraft charter is expensive, especially with current fuel prices for many pet owners. Pet Jets Travel Club is an opportunity for a pet owner to share the cost of a charter with other pet owners interested in a similar flight.” Pet owners are able to have their flight requests posted to the members only site and other members are able view the posted requests. If there is a match of pet owners interested in the same flight, Pet Jets works with club members to locate the best aircraft at the best price via its network of FAA approved private aircraft carriers. Pet Jets does not own and operated aircraft, but provides its members with travel consulting and concierge services as part of its annual travel club membership fee. Annual travel club membership fees are deducted off the first aircraft charter for new members. Other membership benefits are explained on the www.PetJets.Net website. To join our exciting exclusive pet travel club or for more information, you may also email us at info@PetJets.net.

While companies that rely on business aviation represent many different professions and locations, they all have one thing in common: the need for fast, flexible, safe, secure and cost-effective access to destinations across the country and around the world. In many instances, business aviation is the appropriate transportation solution, opening the door to global commerce for small-community and rural populations by linking them directly to population centers and manufacturing facilities. The benefits of business aviation are clear:

•Business aviation allows for efficient, flexible, safe, secure and cost-effective access to destinations across the country and around the world. Because employees can meet, plan and work with each other aboard business aircraft, productivity en route is greatly enhanced.
•In many instances, business aviation is the best or only transportation option available, opening the door to global commerce for small-community and rural populations by linking them directly to population centers and manufacturing facilities. Studies have also shown that business aviation contributes greatly to local economies across the country.
•Business aircraft allow employees to make a trip involving stops at several locations, then return to headquarters the same day. Hundreds or thousands of dollars can be saved on hotel rooms, rental cars, meals and other expenses that would be needed to make the same trip over several days via auto, train or airline transport.

For more information about Business Aviation, visit the professionals at Global Exec Aviation for charter, aircraft sales and aviation consulting services.

Sometimes we’re so busy flying around in these amazing machines we all call home, or the office, or simply the plane that we no longer see the heart beating inside. It’s easy to get caught up in the media hype and even downplay using or working on a private jet.

I had an experience last weekend that will make you all walk a little taller if you have anything to do with this industry:

On a beautiful morning on the ramp at Global Exec Aviation in Long Beach just before sunrise, 60 small crates with 60 small dogs were neatly lined up below a GIII waiting to be loaded, with their foster parents looking on. They were leaving California to find their “fur-ever” family through the combined efforts of a great organization: Orange Dog and the Edmonton (Canada) Humane Society.

Captain Ramon Manriquez, F.O. Dan Rosenbaum and Orange Dog Founder, Jan Folk

Orange Dog founder, Jan Folk was busy going from carrier to carrier getting to know each of her guests personally before boarding – and so was I. Jan had learned that there was a demand for these small dogs in Edmonton; she also knew that the shelters in southern California where she lives were overflowing with these little cuties, with little hope for adoption. It just seemed natural to her to load up a plane and take as many as she could up there the right way instead of shipping them in cargo. This was her fifth trip.

I learned about Orange Dog’s Freedom Flights and offered the help of Sit ‘n Stay Global, since we specialize in flight attendants who work on private jets and are specifically trained in Pet Safety Protocols, Pet First Aid and CPR. Jan was kind enough to accept my offer and I was honored to be included as a guest on this most recent Freedom Flight. What an amazing experience! The feeling of something “good” happening was pervasive. Everyone worked together; every step of the process went smoothly since everyone had the same goal in mind.

Once in the air you might think it was a bit chaotic with 60 pups on board, but a wonderful sense of calm descended upon the cabin in flight. It was as if they knew something good was happening. A few of them had a bit to say, but like any human passenger they calmed right down if I just went back and listened to them for a few minutes. Truly, it was far calmer than a full flight of humans to Teterboro . . .

We landed to one of the most joyous celebrations I have ever seen. It out-did most rock star arrivals . . . these pups were home! I thought some of them would be adopted before they left the ramp. They all took it in their stride, seeming to know that this was the best day of the rest of their life. There were volunteers everywhere that scooped them up and took them off to the Edmonton Humane Society which is a truly amazing facility that revolutionizes how animals are treated in shelters. I learned they wouldn’t last long there though, due to the amazing work the EHS and Orange Dog had done to get the word out that these dogs were on their way. There was actually a waiting list for each dog that had gone from virtually unadoptable to rock star in a single day. All it took was someone caring enough to use what they had available to make a difference.

So take a long look at that beautiful shiny tube as you approach it next time and realize what truly important things it can accomplish. Sure, we get a lot of business done up there and it is a great convenience and time saver. It enhances security and cuts all sorts of red tape, but it can also be used as a real instrument for good and can change lives and we can each be a part of it. Believe me, it feels really good!

By Carol Martin

Carol Martin is the owner and top dog at Sit ‘n Stay. Their firm includes licensed Flight Attendants with extensive experience on commercial and private jets offering exquisite in-flight service as part of their Pet Nanny Service. They coordinate all of the catering and pamper with luxurious, elegant in-flight service that starts and ends your trip on the right note. Best of all, they will cater specifically for your pet so he or she feels like an important guest as well! For more information on her company, click the banner below.

Jan Folk is the founder of Orange Dog and has recently opened a new restaurant thats assists with the Freedom Flights. Located in beautiful Huntington Beach, California, The Orange Dog Bar and Grill seats 140 people with a warm and inviting ambiance, California style. Their menu consists of something for everyone from our famous Wings of the World™, Burgers and Fries, to Pulled Pork Quesadilla and Fresh Fish and Salads, not to mention our featured Canadian dessert Nanaimo Bar. They offer big screens for viewing ease and fantastic nightly entertainment. You’ll notice the dog theme throughout: from their logo to their dog wall as well as the selection of Orange Dog products for purchase to help the Freedom Flights. The name embraces the Orange Dog which makes this restaurant, one of a kind: “A Restaurant With a Cause.” For more information, you may visit their website at http://www.orangedogbarandgrill.com/ or click their banner below!

To learn more about Freedom Flights visit: http://www.OrangeDog.CA

When a public uproar erupted over how and when airplanes are used by companies seeking government loans, the story told in the news media was often a one-sided account lacking voices of support for business aviation. Now the time has come to speak up for the tens of thousands of cost-conscious businesspeople who consider business aviation an essential tool.

To many business owners who make up 85 percent of the companies using business aircraft, airplanes are workhorses, not showhorses. Many companies depend on their airplanes to conduct our business efficiently. With the calculated cost of commercial travel, overnight versus one-day trips, and the value of our time, business aircraft makes more sense. Business owners use their airplanes to visit multiple sites in a single day, and carry and deliver equipment that is difficult to impossible to carry on commercial flights. Business aircraft can fly into most of the 5,000 public airports around the country, as opposed to the fewer than 500 served by commercial airlines. With 100 U.S. cities losing airline service in recent years, business aviation allows continued access to markets and customers.

Second, business aviation helps preserve and generate American jobs. General aviation, which includes business uses of aircraft, contributes over $150 billion to the U.S. economy, and provides employment for more than 1 million Americans in piloting, scheduling, dispatching, maintaining, manufacturing and supplying, and supporting general aviation at community and regional airports nationwide.

Third, business aviation helps keep jobs and production in America, in places like Wichita, Kansas where general aviation aircraft are manufactured and serviced. Remember that general aviation is one of the few remaining sources of good manufacturing jobs in this country, and a major contributor to the nation’s trade balance. Business aviation contributes to America’s competitiveness, growth, and continued innovation – all badly needed in the most unforgiving business climate in decades. To learn more about the benefits of aircraft charter or ownership, contact the professionals at: www.GlobalExecAviation.com at +1.562.424.0663.

California Based Jet Charter Firm Ready For Increase In Demand This Holiday Travel Season

Long Beach, CA based Global Exec Aviation is prepared for an anticipated busy holiday air travel season as demand for charter flights is on the increase. According to Global Exec Aviation President Ramon Manriquez, “Rising airfares and crowded airline flights have led to more people seeking information about aircraft charter. The airlines have cut back routes and the amount of aircraft available for scheduled flights has led to more inquiries and bookings with our aviation firm.” Global Exec Aviation has recently hired additional staff to assist with the increase in charter demand and is recommending that air travelers book their charter trips early this year for the upcoming holiday travel season. Global Exec Aviation is a FAA approved Air Carrier operating a fleet of Cessna, Falcon, and Gulfstream private aircraft worldwide. Air travelers interested in aircraft charter can call Global Exec Aviation at +1.562.424.0663 for a free quote for their holiday travel. More information about aircraft charter can also be found on their website at: www.globalexecaviation.com

By Charisse Jones, USA TODAY

You can do a lot of things on an airplane. E-mail a friend, watch TV, even lie in a bed if you’re flying overseas in first class. But you can’t smoke.
One company hopes to change that. Blu Cigs, maker of electronic cigarettes that offer the taste but not the tobacco found in a regular cigarette, is partnering with a charter jet company to provide free samples to passengers. It hopes some commercial airlines will consider following suit.”Definitely it’s the first step,” Jason Healy, president of Blu Cigs, says of the partnership with Global Exec Aviation of Long Beach. “It’s largely to gather feedback … and just highlight the fact it’s an option.”

Smoking was prohibited on all commercial domestic flights and international flights to and from the U.S. in June 2000, according to the Transportation Department. It wasn’t banned on charter flights, but charter companies must provide a seat in a non-smoking part of the plane to anyone who asks.The department has not taken a position on whether the smoking ban applies to e-cigarettes, spokesman Bill Mosley says.

Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated atomizers that warm up a flavored liquid that then produces vapor. The user gets bursts of nicotine and the feel of a regular cigarette, but there’s no smoke or odor.The FAA and other industry officials say it’s up to individual carriers whether to allow the tobacco-free devices on board. For now, commercial airlines don’t appear to be budging.

“We have no plans to offer e-cigarettes, and we currently do not allow their use in-flight,” Southwest spokesman Brad Hawkins says.Neither does American Airlines, spokeswoman Mary Frances Fagan says. “We have no plans to allow any cigarettes on our aircraft,” she says.Jason Holi, an operations manager for Global Exec Aviation, says that the airlines might want to give electronic cigarettes a try. A key factor in why he welcomed them onto the private jets managed by his company was the loss of a customer who would have paid $300,000 for a trip to South Africa but backed out when he learned he couldn’t smoke during the flight.”We’re in a customer-service industry,” Holi says. “If I have a passenger who’s a white-knuckle flier but a heavy chain smoker, I want to make it as accommodating as possible for him. “Still, he says he understands that airlines have a wider audience to please, and some fliers might object even if their fellow passengers are puffing vapor rather than smoke. “When you’re in an enclosed environment with … so many different opinions,” he says, “that would create a problem.”

In our last article we discussed some of the first steps in chartering an aircraft and why it’s important to find a charter operator or experienced broker to assist you with the many details for private jet travel. Professional operators and brokers that have been in the business for a long period of time will have a check list of items to review with you based on your travel needs and financial requirements. Travel consumers should be aware of the various costs involved with chartering an aircraft and when possible, obtain a quote that includes all possible fees and taxes. Some companies will provide estimated costs to compete with other operators and brokers. Your initial quote may seem like a great deal. After the flight is completed you may receive an updated bill for actual charges and be quite shocked how much more the bill is than what was quoted. Actual charges can be legitimate for many international flight as these flight can only be estimated based on previous flights. International charges can change daily and can include the cost of over flying a country, flying through their airspace, security as well as value added taxes. Most operators will add a conservative estimate for international flights, but estimated quotes  on domestic trips should have you ask a few more questions as to what the additional costs might be.

The final discussion in this article is what type of aircraft should you charter? The advantage of flying charter is that you have a large variety of aircraft to select from based on your travel needs. This again is where your operator or broker should assist you with selecting the correct aircraft and not oversell you into a more expensive aircraft than what is really needed. There has been instances where brokers have placed air travelers in more expensive aircraft because they are more motivated with the commission they are going to earn rather than selecting the right aircraft  for you. For instance, if your flying into a ski-resort at a high altitude airport, you most likely want to stay away from a single-engine aircraft. If your flying a short distance with a few passengers, then chartering a large private jet such as a Gulfstream or Challenger is probably going to be 2-3 times the cost of chartering a small jet unless your looking to really impress someone! In most cases, most operators will not charter long-range large private jets on short distance flights without being a premium charge.

Most popular small and medium size jets seat 6-8 passengers such as the widely used Cessna Citation series of jets. Depending on the length of flight, and yes, the size and weight of your passengers, this might be one of the most important points. While most jets have seating for up to 8 passengers, 2-3 of these seats might be dedicated to a couch instead of a captain chair that will have more room. While a short, hour long flight from LA to Vegas might work for three large people, it will not be a comfortable experience flying on a roadshow business trip or cross-country! Have your operator send pictures of the aircraft as well as the interior to understand how your passengers will be seated and will they be comfortable. Adding catering or cabin baggage can even leave less space as it all must be  secured for takeoff and landing and show also be part of the equation.

No doubt, chartering aircraft is a smart way to fly and save time. Professional operators such as Global Exec Aviation provide aviation consultants that will lead you in the right direction and recommend aircraft based on your travel needs, budget and other safety criteria. In my next article, we will discuss in greater detail the major types and brands of aircraft available for charter.

Author: Brian Fiske, MS

Private aircraft charter is a key to success to many individuals and corporations that understand the value of time! No matter who you are, the commodity of time is truly valuable. These aircraft are truly today’s time machines that allow business owners to visit multiple cities in one day, provide vital transportation to cities and towns that do not have airline service and allow families to extend a well deserved vacation instead of spending precious time connecting on multiple flights. In the U.S., companies that provide aircraft charter must be approved by the FAA as a Part 135 air carrier as well as the aircraft they operate and the pilots that fly them.

Consumers should insure air carriers provide documentation that the company is FAA approved as well as the aircraft they plan to charter. Charter companies can also provide the flight experience of each pilot as well as the dates that they last attended training. Aircraft captains typically attend training every six months and co-pilots once per year. Air carriers should also be able to provide evidence of liability insurance for their company as well as the aircraft.

Consumers can simply request a quote from air charter companies for their proposed trip that includes all taxes and fees that may include crew overnight costs, ramp fees, landing fees as well as handling fees for international trips. Other charges may include catering if requested as well as flight attendant services. Charter companies provide these quotes free of cost and it is best to request several quotes from the air carrier if they have a a variety of aircraft. In our next article, we will discuss aircraft options and what might be the best aircraft for your next trip based on the distance, number of passengers and length of time. In the meanwhile, you can contact the professionals at Global Exec Aviation for free consulting services and quotes for your next trip! You can click the banner below to visit their website or call them at 1-562-424-0663.

The Citation CJ4, certified in March by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, is the newest and largest member of the popular CJ family of business jets consisting of the Citation CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3. The CJ4 is approved for single-pilot operations and shares a common pilot type rating with the other CJs. (A pilot rated to fly any one of the CJs is rated to fly them all). Retail price in 2010 dollars for a typically equipped Citation CJ4 is $9 million.

GreenTrak is a proprietary system, the first offered by a general aviation manufacturer, that uses a process known as cost indexing to minimize total trip cost by balancing the costs of direct operation, fuel burn and carbon emissions.

The Citation CJ4 has a range of just over 2,000 nautical miles (3,710 km) and a top speed of 453 knots (839 kph) – both numbers greater than originally announced in 2006. It has a takeoff roll of 3,130 feet (954 meters) at maximum takeoff weight and is capable of a direct climb to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) in just 28 minutes.

The Citation CJ4 features a four-screen Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite, new Williams FJ44-4A electronically controlled (FADEC) engines, and it debuts the Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system.

Standard on the CJ4 are dual Mode S Diversity transponders with enhanced surveillance and ADS-B out capability, TCAS II, Class A TAWS, multi-scan weather radar, broadcast weather and a maintenance diagnostic system. If your interested in chartering or purchasing an aircraft like the CJ4, contact the professionals at Hollywood Jets for free consulting services.