April 2009
Citation suspends the Columbus program
(April 30, 2009)The slowdown in the private jet industry has halted Cessna’s most promising new aircraft, the Cessna Citation Columbus. The company recently announced they will suspend the Cessna Citation Columbus program, close the facility in Oregon, and lay-off an additional 2,300 employees. The measures are being done to reduce spending. The Columbus program was at its developmental states, but it would’ve been the fastest and largest jet in the Cessna fleet. It was scheduled to be ready by 2014. The state and local governments of Kansa had allotted millions worth of incentives to entice the company to set up its production plant in the state. According to the Wichita Eagle, the money will be retrieved through increased payroll taxes. Last year, Cessna was aiming to deliver 500 jets in 2009. Now the company has lowered its production goal to 300 planes. The company has received numerous cancellations for planes that were scheduled to be delivered in the upcoming years.
Asian Travelers consider private jets to avoid swine flu
(April 28, 2009)The South China Morning Post reported that wealthy Asian travelers are considering flying private jets to avoid risks of swine flu exposure on commercial flights. Since the outbreak of the flu, Asia Jet—a private aviation company—has seen a 40 percent spike in inquiries about its flights. It seems that more and more wealthy travelers are considering booking private jet flights, to avoid swine flu despite the more expensive price tag. “This is not about people wanting to be uber-flashy,” comments Justin Lee Firestone, chief executive at Asia Jet. “The private jet is a controlled environment. You know who your colleagues are.” Commercial aircrafts are believed to be one of the major channels of some of the world’s deadliest viruses, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). As of press time, there are no cases of swine flu reported in Asia. However, four patients are being tested for it in Hong Kong, while China has stepped up border health security regulations as a precautionary measure.
Worldwide Jet Charter Announces New Fleet Addition: Challenger 601
(April 28, 2009)Worldwide Jet Charter, LLC (www.worldwidejet.com) has announced the addition of another Challenger 601 aircraft to the company’s FAA Part 135 Air-Carrier certificate. The Challenger 601 is ideal for charter flights with ten to twelve people, such as classic Worldwide Jet TRANSCON, or Aspen to Ft. Lauderdale, or international flights such as New York to London. This versatile jet can easily accommodate your travel plans. Painted in a matterhorn white with aristo blue and spiked with Las Vegas gold accents, the visual beauty of this jet compliments the luxury and comfort for which Worldwide Jet is known. The interior boasts antique bronze fixtures and maple veneer cabinetry, along with full entertainment systems and dove-grey leather seating arrangements. In addition to Bombardier Challengers, Worldwide Jet offers Learjet and Gulfstream aircraft. Our private jets are equipped with the latest safety technologies and cabin amenities, and are maintained to the highest FAA standards. With this new acquisition, Worldwide Jet Charter’s private jet passengers can enjoy unique luxury travel experiences customized to fit their personal lifestyles by simply clicking on Worldwide Jet’s aircraft selection page at: www.worldwidejet.com. Worldwide Jet, proudly ARGUS Gold/WYVERN Wingman, flies to numerous destinations around the globe with a fleet of Gulfstream, Challenger and Lear 60 aircraft based in California, and New Jersey. Worldwide Jet offers unique one-way pricing worldwide. Call 856-825-4540 (24 hours) to speak with a Charter Specialist.
Jetbird launches Aircraft Livery
(April 28, 2009)Jetbird, a Pan-European private jet airline, has announced the launch of its new brand—aircraft livery—along with the website www.flyjetbird.com, making steps to the company’s full commercial launch, which will take place in September. The new brand holds the theme, “Creating Time.” The company aims to transform European private aviation with direct and on-demand private jet service at minimal rates. Jetbird’s service will offer flexible schedules, giving them the most valuable resource in the world—time. The new concept, which is explained in the new website, will bring innovation and change to private aviation travel. The new website will be further developed through the year to incorporate an online-booking service and the interface to book events, packages and other travel services, like hotels and transport. “We are delighted to unveil our new brand, aircraft livery and website,” commented Stefan Vilner, Jetbird CEO. “It marks an exciting moment in Jetbird’s development and the achievement of another milestone for the company.” He adds, “Despite the current challenging market environment, we are on schedule for a full commercial launch in September 2009 with four Jetbird Phenom 100 aircraft and 10 aircraft in total by the end of 2009. In difficult operating conditions, across Europe, we will provide customers with a real alternative to existing, expensive private jet travel. Jetbird will offer the efficiency and premium comfort of private jet travel for approximately 50% of the price of that of current services, creating value and time for our customers.”
Apple grounds its private jet
(April 27, 2009)Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs, who has been on medical leave since January, has curtailed company-funded travel for the past six months. Jobs has not used his corporate jet for Apple business this year, according to a regulatory filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. According to the filing, the company did not reimburse Jobs for the use of his Gulfstream V private jet through the first three months of 2009 and paid the CEO only $4,000 in the last three months of 2008. With this move Apple avoids political backlash that has hampered several corporate companies.
Jetbird launches new Brand, Aircraft livery and Website
(April 23, 2009)Jetbird, the Pan-European, private jet airline, today announced the launch of its new brand, aircraft livery and website www.flyjetbird.com marking further progress towards its full commercial launch in September, 2009. Jetbird’s new brand focuses on the concept of “Creating Time”. Jetbird will transform European private air travel by offering a direct, on-demand private jet service at a fraction of the current cost. Jetbird’s service will be hassle-free, offering total flexibility by placing the scheduling power into the hands of the customer and, in so doing, save on the most valuable resource in the world – time. Jetbird will create time for more business or more leisure in today’s busy world. The Jetbird aircraft livery, detailed on the new website, marks a significant change to the traditional concept of the private jet. Jetbird aircraft will be unique and easily identifiable for customers and set Jetbird, and its best-in-class Phenom 100 aircraft, apart from existing, high-cost private jet operators. Jetbird also launches a new website on www.flyjetbird.com alongside its new brand and aircraft livery. Jetbird’s website will be further developed, over the course of 2009, to incorporate its on-line flight booking system and the capability to book events, package deals and other ancillary travel services such as cars and hotels. A German language version of the website will also be launched in May 2009. Mr Stefan Vilner, Jetbird CEO, commented “We are delighted to unveil our new brand, aircraft livery and website. It marks an exciting moment in Jetbird’s development and the achievement of another milestone for the company.” He concluded “Despite the current challenging market environment, we are on schedule for a full commercial launch in September 2009 with four Jetbird Phenom 100 aircraft and 10 aircraft in total by the end of 2009. In difficult operating conditions, across Europe, we will provide customers with a real alternative to existing, expensive private jet travel. Jetbird will offer the efficiency and premium comfort of private jet travel for approximately 50% of the price of that of current services, creating value and time for our customers.”
A Private Jet upgrade for Baseball players
(April 22, 2009)Center fielder Torii Hunter and pitcher Darren Oliver booked the same flight last Tuesday from Dallas to Orange County. The flight was scheduled to arrive early afternoon, giving both players plenty of time to get to Angel Stadium for pregame workouts and warm-ups. However, their flight was cancelled and the airline could not guarantee them seats until a later departure time. The two decided to charter an eight-passenger private jet, which costs about $10,000, to fly them to Orange County. Oliver used his contacts to book the private jet, while Hunter paid for the bill. They arrived in Orange County about 3:00 PM and made to the stadium in time for batting practice. “I was ticked off,” said Hunter in an interview about the incident. “Our flight was canceled, and we had to get back, so we got a jet. I paid for it. I wasn’t going to let D.O. [Darren Oliver] pay for it.” While he was agitated about the incident, it saved him a lot of money. Hunter said that had he missed the game, the team would’ve fined him up to $100,000.
Debates about stricter Private Jet security
(April 20, 2009)Due to rising concerns about terrorism, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is drafting a security proposal that includes screening corporate jets and crews before take-off. The security proposal has already received more than 7,000 formal comments, most of these coming from unhappy stakeholders in the industry. The EAA says that the TSA is perceived as a “major threat to the privilege of operating aircraft in the United States.” The company said, “If enacted, the group contends, the regulation eventually would apply to all general aviation aircraft, even planes less than 12,500 pounds.” “For the first time in American history, citizens would have to seek and receive government approval before each use of their personal vehicles to travel about the country,” the EAA explained. “The agency’s categorical refusal to disclose essential documents violates all reasonable principles and processes in government for sound rule-making policy,” said Ed Bolen, president and chief executive of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Included in the security draft is a list of 80 prohibited items, including tools and products produced by companies that own jets. Bolen argues, “It really makes no sense for a company sending a team of employees to fix a problem with one of their assembly lines not to be able to access their tools in flight. Nor does it make sense for a sporting -goods manufacturer not to be given access to their products in flight as they try to prepare for a sales presentation.”
Safari Air to launch Africa Safari on October
(April 20, 2009)Safari Air—a private jet charter service company—will debut its “Around the World Grand East Africa Safari” on October 15. According to the company’s chief executive and founder, Ken Jillson, Safari Air will pioneer the industry with “green” components, like by purchasing carbon offsets for passengers and applying operational components reduce emissions. The 21-day trip will cost about $145,000 per traveler and is limited to eight passengers per aircraft. The trip is described by the Coastline Pilot: “The 25,450-mile adventure will depart from John Wayne Airport and circle the globe, stopping at world-class hotels in Quebec City, Edinburgh, Cairo, Agra-India, Hong Kong, Guam and Honolulu. The centerpiece of the journey will be a two-week African safari by award-winning Micato Safaris beginning in Kilimanjaro and featuring one week in both Tanzania and Kenya at a well-appointed tented safari camps and lodges.” “By flying relatively short daytime flights, jet lag is minimized, thus creating a leisurely eco-friendly around-the-world experience,” Jillson said. “The added bonus of restful stopovers in five-star hotels is that our guests get to see amazing sights along the way such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal and magnificent Hong Kong Harbor.”
Virgin Charter partners with JG Black Book of Travel
(April 16, 2009)Virgin Charter, an online booking tool for charter flights on private jets, announced that it is now the first private jet provider for the JG Black Book of Travel. The partnership will give Virgin Charter more exposure to high-class clientele. The company mentioned that travelers will receive more information about Virgin Charter, regarding its booking interface and its cost-efficiency benefits. “JG Black Book of Travel is the only company of its kind. It has built an exceptionally high-end portfolio of luxury offerings in travel industry and we are a perfect complement to this exclusive group,” commented Scott Duffy, founder and CEO of Virgin Charter. “Furthermore, by aligning with JG Black Book of Travel, we have a new way to support the luxury travel professional community – helping them grow profits, educating them on the benefits of private jet travel, and providing the tools needed to increase their charter business.” The president/CEO of JG Black Book of Travel—Jena Gardner—welcomed the partnership. Gardner said: “The iconic Virgin brand is synonymous with innovation and leadership. Virgin Charter is making its own mark in the private aviation industry by introducing an unprecedented online system for booking private charter air.” She continued, “Virgin Charter’s online tools are designed to deliver real time information, transparency and the highest levels of quality assurance. JG Black Book of Travel is honored to be partnering with such a forward-thinking company.” Virgin Charter offers travelers cost-efficient ways to travel via private jet. The company provides clients with multiple quotes for each trip from hundreds of operators across the US. With over 1,000 aircrafts, Virgin Charter makes booking convenient and travel easy.
