May 2009
Premature baby goes home via Learjet
(May 29, 2009)Catherine Swallow and her husband Ricky were on a 10-day vacation in Majorca, Spain when Catherine started to feel unwell. When she was taken to the clinic, the doctors saw that the 37-year-old teacher was having contractions. The physicians tried to delay the delivery, but they were forced to induce labour when they could not stop the contractions. Catherine gave birth three months premature to a baby boy named Joshua, which was the middle name of the doctor that helped deliver the baby. While Catherine was allowed to leave the hospital after three days, baby Joshua was kept under intensive care for three weeks. Doctors also told the Swallows that Joshua would not be able to fly home for at least two months until the newborn is wealthy enough. The Daily Mail Reporter narrates: “The family, from Rossendale, then called on their Tesco holiday insurance who agreed to cover the £17,000 to hire a Learjet air ambulance to fly them home early.” “They told us we would have to be there for two or three months because he had to be a certain weight in order to fly,” said Mrs. Swallow. She explained, “Without the insurance company, we would not have come home on a Learjet and we would have had to wait over there for a few months.” Joshua is now in Rochdale Infirmary and is out of an incubator. He is expected to go home in the upcoming weeks.
Phuket to open private jet airport
(May 29, 2009)A terminal dedicated to private jets is being considered in the expansion plans of the Phuket International Airport, Thailand’s second busiest civil airfield. The proposed facility would be constructed separately from the main terminal by private investors under a concession arrangement with the Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT). AoT operates six of the country’s main airports. The regulator will now solicit interest from companies to develop the terminal, which will be capable of providing comprehensive services to private jets. The terminal would offer ground handling and passenger hospitality that could be equivalent to a five-star hotel services, said Prathuang Sornkom, the general manager of Phuket airport. A private jet terminal would enhance the island’s reputation as a vacation destination for the rich and famous people from all over the globe. As of now, the Phuket airport handles 100 private jet flights in a good month. Most of these trips bring wealthy property investors.
Network Marketing Opportunity for the Greenjets Shared-Ride Discount Jet Card Takes Flight
(May 29, 2009)Entrepreneurs, Jet Brokers, Charter Companies, Travel Agents and Home Based Business Operators can now earn lucrative commissions marketing the private jet travel industry’s first shared-ride jet card. Green Jets Incorporated has opened up a whole new distribution system geared towards rapid growth through an exciting network marketing strategy that individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit can run as a home, web based business either on a full time basis or as a second income stream. Seasoned charter brokers, travel agents, charter operators and network marketers have already begun to sign up since the program launch only a few weeks ago. The business involves viral and network marketing for the Greenjetcard – the industry’s first and only shared-ride private jet discount card which saves travelers 60% or more compared with chartering the entire jet. Flights between New York – Florida, for example, are available for as low as $1800 per seat. Clients include business executives and mid-tiered managers, professionals, consultants, fashion models and famous personalities, who need to make the most of their time while remaining environmentally and financially responsible. Clients are supporting the company’s commitment to deliver a convenient private jet option at the lowest possible cost to travelers and the environment. Greenjets is also committed to handsomely rewarding the network of independent marketing agents for creating awareness and growing the client base – sales commissions for the Blue, Silver, Gold and Black Greenjetcard memberships range between 25%-35%, and commissions earned on every flight range from $300-$400 per seat. "We are looking for entrepreneurs who want to become Independent Sales Associates and join in spreading the word about this unique opportunity to fly to major destinations on private jets and earn attractive commissions," explains Philippe Malouf, the company’s head of Reseller Marketing. "Earning commissions is as simple as inviting people to look at what our Greenjetcard system has to offer at www.flygreenjets.com. We provide great marketing support with live agents who explain the membership benefits and enroll clients." Associates are able to make immediate multi-level commission as they introduce new members to Greenjets but more significantly, they earn commissions on all flights and card memberships generated by their top recruits as well. The powerful income streams from commissions can take off once the serious entrepreneur makes the decision to build a team of sales associates. It’s a simple idea: Sharing the flight with others reduces the number of jets in the air and the impact on our environment. It also saves everyone time and money. Greenjets is an easy and financially smart way to save time by flying private, and remain environmentally responsible. Greenjets provides an innovative way to make better use of people – a more affordable way to see customers, visit factories, transact business and build relationships. Greenjets does not own or operate aircraft – travel service is provided by FAA part 135 air charter operators who maintain operational control at all times. Greenjets is committed to the highest safety, convenience and comfort standards at the lowest possible cost to you and to the environment. Visit www.flygreenjets.com or contact: Name: Philippe Malouf, Head of Reseller Marketing Telephone: 561-689-7100 Email: Philippe@flygreenjets.com
Gulfstream Aerospace lays off workers at Love Field
(May 27, 2009)Gulfstream Aerospace and an affiliate are planning to lay off about 25 percent of their combined work force, employed at Love Field facilities in Dallas. The move is a direct result of the recession, which has severely affected the aviation industry. Majority of the 219 job cuts will come at the end of July at the aircraft manufacturer’s midsize aircraft completion center, which installs interiors and other features on the G150, G200, and G250 private jet models. “The market for midsize cabin aircraft plummeted last fall, exacerbated by a complete lack of credit,” said Gulfstream spokesman Robert Baugniet. Officials from General Dynamics, Gulfstream’s parent company, said that the private jet subsidiary will lay off 1,200 employees in a company streamline. 2,200 more will be furloughed by the end of the year from the company’s largest manufacturing complex in Savannah, Ga. Baugniet said some employees at the service centers have cut their work weeks from 40 to 32 hours. The private aviation industry has been hit hard by the economic slump. Numerous orders have been delayed, deferred, and worse, cancelled. In Wichita, Cessna Aircraft Co. and Hawker Beechcraft have announced more than 8,000 layoffs. “As a result of the economy and attacks on business aviation in general, people are flying less hours and some people are shutting down company flight departments as well,” Baugniet said.
Jetpool Takes Delivery of First Carolina Embraer Phenom 100 Jet
(May 27, 2009)Ryan Stone, CEO of air taxi operator Jetpool, LLC, announced that they have taken delivery of their first Embraer Phenom 100 jet, the most affordable four passenger, full-size, private jet ever developed. In conjunction with this milestone, the company has launched ‘Jetpool Shares’ to provide a new way for businesses and individuals to leverage the time saving benefits of private aviation without stretching their travel budget. “The Phenom 100’s ultra-efficient design hits the sweet spot of the average domestic business trip, 2-3 people traveling about 500 miles, yet costs roughly 30% less to own and operate than comparably sized jets,” said Stone. Whether you are jetpooling or flying alone, using the most efficient aircraft available helps both the environment and your budget. Customers will benefit from the unbeatable combination of Jetpool’s proven Fortune 200 level service plus its track record of adherence to the highest safety standards as a Wyvern recommended charter provider. “With this new aircraft, Jetpool brings to the table a phenomenally low jet air taxi price point,” Air Taxi Association President Joe Leader stated. “The value provided in on-demand jet service under $2,000 per hour brings down the cost per passenger into the range of $1,000 a round trip.” Jetpool offers three distinct ‘recession busters’ to pass savings on to their customers: Charter – at under $2000/hour, you can get a glimpse of how a private jet might forever change your life by chartering the Phenom 100 starting this summer. By jetpooling with your colleagues, the cost of a typical roundtrip becomes comparable to the airlines yet provides a no-hassle, time-saving experience that’s second to none. Jetpool Shares – at under $1400/hour all-in, the cost of Jetpool’s quarter share makes this option the perfect tool for clients who understand the benefits of private aviation, want the convenience and safety of a professionally managed shared jet, but are looking for a more affordable and tax efficient alternative at less than half the cost of traditional fractional offerings. The Jetpool Shares program gives each quarter share 73 days of use per year with no hourly limits, plus the jet is locally based so you’ll get to know your flight crew and feel as if you own the whole thing. With the shortest standard contract terms in the industry, there’s no excuse not to try it! Ownership – at under $1200/hour all-in, balance your budget and your life with outright ownership of the Phenom 100, perfect for clients who need an airplane for more than 150 flight hours a year but also need to trim expenses. Jetpool easily handles the safe, turnkey management of the entire operation. The dramatically low ownership cost is achieved by placing the aircraft into the Jetpool Shares program and permitting limited charter. While Jetpool does not require owners to leverage these programs, you will be surprised how little flexibility you give up for substantial cost savings. The Phenom 100 is built with the ruggedness that typifies much larger jets and employs cockpit automation brought about by Embraer’s decades of producing regional jets. The interior design by BMW Group DesignworksUSA provides a pleasant cabin experience for four passengers ergonomically seated in a club configuration, complete with a private lavatory in the back of the airplane. The unique oval cabin shape ensures that even tall passengers won’t feel cramped. The twin engines are a new, high performance Pratt & Whitney design that provides for enhanced safety, reliability and low emissions. If you’d like to find out more about how Jetpool can help you benefit from point to point, on-demand travel, contact them today at 888-537-1392, visit www.flyjetpool.com, or e-mail info@flyjetpool.com. About Jetpool, LLC: Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jetpool (www.flyjetpool.com) provides aircraft management, aviation consulting, and Wyvern-recommended FAA-certified Part 135 charter service.
Jetpool Takes Delivery of Carolina’s First Embraer Phenom 100 Jet
(May 27, 2009)Ryan Stone, CEO of air taxi operator Jetpool, LLC, announced that they have taken delivery of their first Embraer Phenom 100 jet, the most affordable four passenger, full-size, private jet ever developed. In conjunction with this milestone, the company has launched ‘Jetpool Shares’ to provide a new way for businesses and individuals to leverage the time saving benefits of private aviation without stretching their travel budget. “The Phenom 100’s ultra-efficient design hits the sweet spot of the average domestic business trip, 2-3 people traveling about 500 miles, yet costs roughly 30% less to own and operate than comparably sized jets,” said Stone. Whether you are jetpooling or flying alone, using the most efficient aircraft available helps both the environment and your budget. Customers will benefit from the unbeatable combination of Jetpool’s proven Fortune 200 level service plus its track record of adherence to the highest safety standards as a Wyvern recommended charter provider. “With this new aircraft, Jetpool brings to the table a phenomenally low jet air taxi price point,” Air Taxi Association President Joe Leader stated. “The value provided in on-demand jet service under $2,000 per hour brings down the cost per passenger into the range of $1,000 a round trip.” Jetpool offers three distinct ‘recession busters’ to pass savings on to their customers: Charter – at under $2000/hour, you can get a glimpse of how a private jet might forever change your life by chartering the Phenom 100 starting this summer. By jetpooling with your colleagues, the cost of a typical roundtrip becomes comparable to the airlines yet provides a no-hassle, time-saving experience that’s second to none. Jetpool Shares – at under $1400/hour all-in, the cost of Jetpool’s quarter share makes this option the perfect tool for clients who understand the benefits of private aviation, want the convenience and safety of a professionally managed shared jet, but are looking for a more affordable and tax efficient alternative at less than half the cost of traditional fractional offerings. The Jetpool Shares program gives each quarter share 73 days of use per year with no hourly limits, plus the jet is locally based so you’ll get to know your flight crew and feel as if you own the whole thing. With the shortest standard contract terms in the industry, there’s no excuse not to try it! Ownership – at under $1200/hour all-in, balance your budget and your life with outright ownership of the Phenom 100, perfect for clients who need an airplane for more than 150 flight hours a year but also need to trim expenses. Jetpool easily handles the safe, turnkey management of the entire operation. The dramatically low ownership cost is achieved by placing the aircraft into the Jetpool Shares program and permitting limited charter. While Jetpool does not require owners to leverage these programs, you will be surprised how little flexibility you give up for substantial cost savings. The Phenom 100 is built with the ruggedness that typifies much larger jets and employs cockpit automation brought about by Embraer’s decades of producing regional jets. The interior design by BMW Group DesignworksUSA provides a pleasant cabin experience for four passengers ergonomically seated in a club configuration, complete with a private lavatory in the back of the airplane. The unique oval cabin shape ensures that even tall passengers won’t feel cramped. The twin engines are a new, high performance Pratt & Whitney design that provides for enhanced safety, reliability and low emissions. If you’d like to find out more about how Jetpool can help you benefit from point to point, on-demand travel, contact them today at 888-537-1392, visit www.flyjetpool.com, or e-mail info@flyjetpool.com. About Jetpool, LLC: Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jetpool (www.flyjetpool.com) provides aircraft management, aviation consulting, and Wyvern-recommended FAA-certified Part 135 charter service.
‘Flight To Quality’ Helps LEA Steer True Course Through The Recession
(May 22, 2009)London Executive Aviation (http://www.flylea.com), the leading UK-based private jet charter operator, predicts that greater activity in its aircraft management business and resilient charter demand for its large-cabin fleet will help it achieve a comparatively strong performance during the current recession. In particular, the company expects to gain market share in aircraft management as smaller competitors succumb to economic pressures. "The business jet charter market is undeniably tougher than in recent years," says managing director George Galanopoulos. "However, there remain bright spots in the market and conditions are emerging that should allow LEA to enjoy a comparatively ‘good’ recession." Aircraft management (http://www.flylea.com/aircraft-management.html) and aircraft sales (http://www.flylea.com/aircraft-sales.html) are areas where LEA is forecasting growth over the coming months. "We’ve sadly already seen some smaller aircraft management companies fail and, as a result, there are owners looking to place their jets under new management. We’ve also been approached by owners who feel that their present companies simply aren’t delivering on their promises. LEA has a strong reputation in this area and a large fleet of managed aircraft, so we expect to pick up additional appointments as part of a ‘flight to quality.’" LEA also believes that additional owners may enter or re-enter the market, as a result of the current low prices for new and used aircraft. "We’ve already seen an increase in enquiries about buying aircraft and we expect this to continue," says Galanopoulos. "We believe that aircraft prices are now at rock bottom – barring the odd fire sale, they won’t go any lower. You can now pick up a low-time used business jet for 20 – 30 percent below list price, which is unprecedented value for money. If you make the right purchase now, not only will you lock in the value for the next two or three years, you might even be able to sell later at a profit." On the jet charter side, LEA has seen resilient demand in certain quarters, such as its entry-level Citation Mustangs and, particularly, its large-cabin business jets. Within its diverse fleet, LEA presently operates three Embraer Legacys (http://www.flylea.com/our-fleet/our-fleet/embraer-legacy-600.html) and one Falcon 900EX (http://www.flylea.com/our-fleet/our-fleet/dassault-falcon-900ex.html). It also expects to add a further large-cabin, long-range jet to its fleet later this year. The company is encouraged by a steady stream of large-cabin enquiries and bookings over recent months, which have come from private, entertainment and corporate customers. "Certain sectors of the economy seem less affected by the downturn than others," says Galanopoulos. "Most obviously, high net worth individuals are maintaining many aspects of their lifestyles, including how they fly. However, we’ve also seen fairly robust demand from other quarters. For example, the Legacy seems to have reached a tipping point with the entertainment industry – tour managers like the way it offers ample space at a competitive price. "Corporate demand may be off its recent highs at present, but we’re still taking booking from a range of business customers," he continues. "This simply underlines that business aviation plays an essential role within Europe’s transportation system. We’re confident that demand will revert to conventional levels and, reading the mood of our customers, we’re pleased to see very early signs that confidence may slowly be returning." LEA’s large-cabin fleet has flown to a wide range of locations in recent months, many of which highlight the range capabilities of the aircraft. Destinations have included Geneva, Chambery, Rome, Tel Aviv, Jeddah, Libya and Oman. "An obvious change is lower charter demand for Russia and Eastern Europe, which reverses one of the clearest trends of recent years," says Galanopoulos. "However, as with other markets internationally, we expect to see that demand come back to an extent down the road."
CEO defends private jets
(May 21, 2009)Barry LaBov, CEO of the advertising and public relations company LaBov & Beyond, defended the use of private jets in recent interview with CNBC’s Street Signs. LaBov boasted that these jets are efficient and lead to more work production for companies. He and his employee travel through small airports to bring back work with them to Fort Wayne, where the LaBov & Beyond is based. The strain in the private aviation industry have resulted in a 12 percent job loss in general aviation in the United States (US). In Wichita, where some jet manufacturers are based, have seen an increase in the unemployment rate from 3.9 percent to 6.7 percent. You can see the interview here.
Talon Seeks Order for Madoff Trustee to Pay Jet Fees of $47,000
(May 20, 2009)Talon Air Inc. asked a bankruptcy judge to order the trustee liquidating Bernard Madoff’s defunct money-management firm to pay $47,217 owed for maintenance and servicing of a $25 million private jet that was used by Madoff. The sum represents unpaid bills since Madoff’s Dec. 11 arrest, according to papers filed yesterday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan. Madoff owed $92,525 before his arrest, said Talon, which is based at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, New York. The trustee, Irving Picard, hasn’t rejected Talon’s maintenance agreement with Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, or BLMIS, the firm used by Madoff to perpetrate a $65 billion Ponzi scheme. Talon is a creditor in the case. “It is unfair to movant to ask it to continue to perform under the management agreement without receiving compensation,” Talon said in the filing. The company asked U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Burton Lifland to give Picard a June 12 deadline to assume or reject the contract for the Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft. Madoff, 71, pleaded guilty to a massive fraud in March and faces as many as 150 years in prison when he is sentenced next month. Picard has been searching for assets and suing some Madoff investors for a total of more than $13 billion to help repay thousands of Madoff victims. Madoff bought a 50 percent interest in the $25 million aircraft in March 2008 through a company called BLM Air Charter LLC, according to the filing. The other half is owned by BDG Aircharter Inc., Talon said. Kevin McCue, a Picard spokesman, didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail message seeking comment yesterday. The case is In re Bernard L. Madoff, 09-11893, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).
CEOs say biggest company cutbacks are in private jet travel
(May 19, 2009)According to a NYSE Euronext (NYX) survey, more than a quarter of CEOs have seen reduced access to private jets and other high-end travel options. Executives claim that the largest cutbacks were on benefits and perks. The survey was conducted on more than 270 global CEOs. 26 percent of the respondents said that the main cutback was lower flight expenses and 21 percent cited membership fees were the main cutback. The results are not surprising. As explained in a DOW Jones newswire: “The infamous use of private jets by U.S. auto executives seeking federal aid on a visit to Washington D.C. last year triggered an outcry. Other bailout recipients including Citigroup Inc. (C) backtracked on plans to expand private jet use.” As of late, public opinion and political will have scrutinized the private aviation industry. But reports say that the manufacturers are lobbying strongly to turn the tide. “There’s been a lot less bashing,” said Dave Cote, CEO of Honeywell Inc., a supplier for business jet manufacturers. “I’m saying the sentiment has started to change [though] it still makes people uncomfortable.” Cote noted that sympathy for the industry is building steam, because there are over 1 million US jobs tied to the sector.
