June 2009

Green Hypocrisy by the Royal family

(June 30, 2009)

Prince Charles recorded the most expensive travel bill in the history of royal accounts with two private jet trips. In behalf of the Foreign Commonwealth Office, he went to the Far East last autumn and visited South America last May. The trips cost British tax payers £694,081 and £698,890, respectively. On both trips, the royal family member was accused of “green hypocrisy” as visits were supposed to highlight environmental issues and global warming. In 2008, the Queen and her extended family spent £6.5million worth of travel expenses. The statistic indicated a £300,000 increase on the previous 12 months. The expensive bill includes travel in private jets, helicopters, and the Royal Train. One of the most expensive travel bills was recorded by the Duke of Gloucester, who travelled with his wife to the South Pacific to attend the coronation of King Tupou V of Tonga. The trip, which cost £140,000, included scheduled flights in Australia and a private jet trip from paradise isle. Aides insist that Tonga is a Commonwealth county, making it essential for one of the queen’s representatives to attend. Another expensive trip came from the Duke of York, who is now dubbed by reporters as “Air Miles Andy.” He represented the Queen as a UK Special Ambassador for Trade and Industry to the Baltic States, Mongolia, and China last October. His trips accumulated a total cost of £149,430. However, Prince Charles topped the list for expensive trips with over £2million spent on trips at home and abroad. Source: Daily Mail        

OneSky Jets Acquires the Business Interests of Jets.com

(June 30, 2009)

OneSky Jets (www.onesky.com), a Manchester, New Hampshire-based private jet company, announced today that it has acquired the assets of Quincy, Massachusetts-based competitor Jets.com. Included in the sale are the Jets.com technology platform including its servers and all the data contained therein; the LegFind charter industry portal software and domain; explicit rights to the Jets.com customer list; and Jets.com’s rights, title, and interest in all non-disclosure, non-compete and/or non-solicitation agreements. The sale of Jets.com’s assets was handled through assignment to Boston-based Tron Group. Founded in 1999, Jets.com grew to be one of the largest and most respected private jet brokers in the United States. Speaking from OneSky headquarters in Manchester, New Hampshire, Mr. Greg Johnson, President & CEO, commented: "The Jets.com business model is sound and is synergistic with the service portfolio at OneSky Jets. This is a classic counter-cycle opportunity to gain scale and increase efficiency through consolidation. Our outreach to former Jets.com clients has been met with an overwhelmingly positive reaction to this transaction." The best features and benefits of the Jets.com Titanium membership program will be incorporated into OneSky Jets’ Latitude Membership program. Both programs place member deposits into interest bearing FDIC insured escrow accounts as a standard feature. A commitment to safety due-diligence is a shared cornerstone within the two organizations. OneSky Jets is a founding member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation. OneSky Jets will combine the best of the Jets.com technology platform into OneSky’s own proprietary Cloud 9 information management suite. These systems represent several million lines of code and incorporate learning gained through sixteen years of combined operating experience. OneSky’s Cloud 9 suite is an Adobe ColdFusion-based platform that integrates lead generation, sales pipeline management, CRM, pricing and quoting, vendor management, trip management, and comprehensive reporting tools. Cloud 9 is tightly integrated with a Mitel enterprise VoIP call center and tele-worker solution providing the industry’s most advanced centrally managed globally scalable booking, trip management, and communications platform. The aircraft charter sector has been hard hit by the global economic crisis, a situation that has been compounded by repeated attempts to villainize the private jet that began last fall when executives from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler flew privately to Washington, D.C. and has continued in 2009 as banks such as Citigroup have been chastised for private jet orders they placed years ago. Challenging times like these create unique opportunities for consolidation to increase scale, efficiency, and stability. OneSky Jets’ acquisition of the assets of Jets.com is a move that will enhance value for clients, employees, and shareholders alike. 

Manchester Airports sees decline in private aviation business

(June 29, 2009)

The Manchester Airport has seen an 80 percent reduction in passengers for private jet flights last May. In the last 12 months, private aviation movements have fallen by 25 percent and new figures suggest that the stats went down by 34 percent last May.   Higher fuel prices, tighter corporate budgets, and the desire to evade negative public opinion have all contributed to the current industry slump. However, some of the elites still use private jets despite the current economic situation. Natalie Raper, marketing director of Ocean Sky Jet Centre Ltd, describes the current condition of the industry as “tough.” Raper attributes part of the slump to the banking industry. “Bankers flying around would not go down very well because of what has been in the news,” said Raper. “That will have contributed to the downturn in movements. But there is still a very strong core of clients who have not been affected by the economy. For us there is less flying, but more aircraft are in maintenance, which offsets it to some extent.” Raper believes that there will be an upturn in the industry next year. Source: Crain’s Manchester Business  

Schubach Aviation buys brand-new Gulfstream IV

(June 29, 2009)

Schubach Aviation, a leading air charter service company, has recently added a Gulfstream IV private jet to its luxury aircraft fleet, as confirmed by the company president Henry Schubach. Gulfstream IV is one of the world’s largest cabin business jets. It has an impressive technical performance record and its safety and reliability are second to none. This aircraft is powered by twin Rolls Royce turbofans that provide high thrust output and low noise emission. The plane has a range of 4,350 nautical miles and it is known to be the roomiest cabin in its class. The newest model can easily make connecting flights from San Diego to Honolulu, New York to Frankfurt, and Chicago to Paris. It is a spacious and comfortable solution to short-time travel. With a capacity to carry 14 passengers and three crew members, this Gulfstream IV has two lavatories, a galley, a private lounge, and in-flight phone, two CD players, and even air show capabilities. The plane will be added to Schubach Aviation’s existing fleet of 23 private jets, which includes various makes (Bombardier, Hawker Beechcraft, etc.)  

Aircraft Management Group, Inc. Launches New Website

(June 29, 2009)

Aircraft Management Group, Inc., a provider of aircraft management, private jet and aircraft charter services, is pleased to announce a major redesign and improvement of their website, www.aircraftmgt.com. This marks the completion of Phase I of the redesign project taking into account the addition of the company’s Charter services information and a page dedicated to their Partners as well as a few new interactive features. "Prospective clients can now ‘Get a Quote’ through links on Aircraft Management Group’s website and have instant access to real-time information on fleet availability, estimated trip costs and flight times," said Kristina Kushmerek, Vice President and Co-founder of Aircraft Management Group, Inc. "In addition, we have made it easy for visitors to our website to verify Aircraft Management Group’s PASS (Pilot & Aircraft Safety Survey) Ready status, through our membership with Charter X and by clicking on the PASS Ready icon located on our home page. "We also made it easy to follow Aircraft Management Group, Inc. on Twitter, a social and marketing networking site, through the Twitter icon displayed on our home page." Aircraft Management Group, Inc. will continue to make future updates to the website, including a fleet gallery, aircraft profiles and a direct link to Aircraft Management Group, Inc.’s Facebook page. Visit www.aircraftmgt.com for more information.   

Taipei aviation specialists propose the use of air taxis

(June 26, 2009)

In Taipei, aviation experts are suggesting to use private jets to operate an air taxi—a customized flight service that will cater to business travelers. However, regulators said that the proposal might not be feasible because of the current rules and regulations. The concept was promoted by Lin Chin-e, a professor from National Cheng Kung University.  He introduced the air taxi idea during a seminar held at the Aviation Education Foundation to discuss rules regarding personal aircrafts. Lin said that it is expensive to own a private jet. It would cost an individual around US$45,600 to maintain one. But with an air taxi, business travelers can enjoy a private jet without having to pay for maintenance and other miscellaneous costs. “Business groups could invest in an air taxi by purchasing the aircraft, while leaving the maintenance and management to an air taxi operator,” said Lin. “Different air taxi operators could jointly solicit customers by organizing an online ticketing system.”   Apart from that, he said that the private jet option gives clients flexibility. They can choose their time of departure and arrival at an airport nearest to their destination. Lin asserted that the use of these charter flights would reduce the costs of travel for many big companies in the long run. He emphasized that this service is best-suited for flights that take no more than three hours. However, Billy Chang, chairman of the Aviation Education Foundation, said that the proposal could counter existing aviation regulations. Chang said, “At present, only airlines can solicit customers and sell tickets. In that case, they are legally qualified to offer an air taxi service. Others can’t.” Source: Taipei Times

Fantastic Price Reduction (15%) for the 2009 Private Jet Around the World Tour

(June 26, 2009)

amchatka, Nepal, Beijing, St. Petersburg, Chiang Mai, Petra. These are only a few of the destinations of the ultimate travel experience – traveling around the world, being pampered at every amazing stop along the way and the thrill of visiting exotic places you never thought possible. Travel Guild Inc., a Toronto Canada based licensed tour operator and travel agency has perfected the art of offering World Tours by Private Jet. Established in 1976, the Travel Guild has organized and operated seven all-inclusive private jet world tours. Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the world’s most exotic and exhilarating destinations by private chartered Boeing 757 jet. Two exclusive and all-inclusive around-the-world itineraries are available: The first is the Classic II which runs from October 21st to November 13th, 2009 and is $29,575 Canadian Dollars per person sharing; the Classic Tour will be during March 2010 and has an estimated price of Canadian Dollars $33,995 per person sharing. "We have mastered the art over the past 20 years of organizing Around the World Private Jet Tours that are exclusive but still affordable and within the reach of many. Over 700 happy travelers have enjoyed this upscale and relaxing way to see the world," says Ben C. Nierop, President of Travel Guild Inc. Classic II Itinerary – October 21 to November 13, 2009. Departs Toronto/Vancouver Price – $29,575 CDN per person sharing/single supplement – $2,345 CDN         * 1 night – Welcome gala dinner and introductions in Vancouver     * 2 nights – Discover the volcanoes and hot springs of Siberia in Kamchatka – Russia     * 3 nights – Walk the Great Wall and visit the Forbidden City in Beijing – China     * 3 nights – Enjoy a stroll through the jungle on an elephant in Chiang Mai – Thailand     * 2 nights – See the Himalayas and a walk in Dunbar Square in Kathmandu – Nepal     * 3 nights – Relax on the shores of the Red Sea, visit Petra and experience Wadi Rum, Aqaba – Jordan     * 3 nights – Visit the Blue Mosque, lunch cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul – Turkey     * 3 nights – Visit the Hermitage Museum and see the best of St. Petersburg – Russia     * 2 nights – Finish off the trip in the wonderful city of Dublin – Ireland     * Return to Toronto Classic Itinerary – March, 2009. Departs Toronto/Vancouver Price – estimated at $33,995 CDN per person sharing/single supplement – $2,695 CDN         * 1 night – Welcome gala dinner and introductions in Vancouver     * 3 nights – Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Hakone await in Japan             * 3 nights – The floating village, Angkor Wat, and more during a visit to Siem Reap – Cambodia     * 2 nights – The Taj Mahal and other incredible sites in Agra – India     * 3 nights – A dhow cruise, 4wd dune rides, and more in Dubai – United Arab Emirates     * 3 nights – Experience the thrill of game drives in the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya     * 3 nights – Temples, felucca cruise on the Nile, Giza pyramids await in Luxor/Cairo – Egypt     * 3 nights – A taste of the opera and European culture in Prague – Czech Republic     * 2 nights – Finish off with Christmas themed concert, Blue Lagoon therapeutic dip in Reykjavik – Iceland     * Return to Toronto The Classic II and Classic Tour cost includes: experienced tour leaders and tour director; all day-time flights on an exclusive jet aircraft, self select seating; first class, deluxe or best available hotel accommodation for all portions of the trip; 60 meals as per the itinerary; alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on the aircraft; numerous daytime sightseeing excursions and evening events with guides; gratuities to drivers, guides, porters, hotel and restaurant staff; porterage for your suitcase; all international and domestic airport taxes; transfers to and from hotels and airports; hotel taxes and service charges; entrance fees to all sites; fully detailed travel portfolio and a "carry-on" bag with wheels, luggage tags, luggage strap and World Tour jacket. Flying on the same private aircraft allows more time at each destination and less jet lag. It takes the worry out of missed connections, lost luggage, hassles at airports, etc. The flight crew – 3 pilots, 1 engineer and 6 flight attendants are with the tour for the entire duration. Comments from some previous passengers who took one of our Around the World Tours: Mr. & Mrs. Williams – Alberta: "We hope to do another Private Jet Tour and others based on our satisfaction with the 2007 Northern Tour. It was our trip of a lifetime." Mr. & Mrs. M. McCague – Ontario: "This was our second Around the World Tour with Travel Guild and both tours were terrific. Hats off to Travel Guild for two excellent tours." For over 30 years The Travel Guild has been organizing hosted tours to every corner of the earth. Thousands upon thousands of satisfied passengers have enjoyed the benefits of careful planning and the experience of dynamic trip leaders. The "World Tours by Private Jet" is a culmination of many years of experience and continued dedication to providing an all-inclusive travel adventure for the discriminating passenger at a truly affordable price. The 2009 and 2010 tours will be Travel Guild’s 8th and 9th private jet tours. To learn more about this exclusive around the world journey’s, please refer to our website at www.privatejetadventures.com which has complete details on the itinerary, what the trip includes and most frequently asked questions about the tour. Travel Guild Inc., is located at 2180 Steeles Avenue West, Suite 219, Concord, (Toronto) Ontario L4K 2Z5; tel: (905) 760-9229; toll-free: (800) 268-4284.  

Imperial Jets gives evacuation assistance in Somalia conflict areas

(June 26, 2009)

Imperial Jets, a private jet charter based in New York, is currently assisting in evacuations of out-of-threat areas in Somalia from its office in Tanzania. The company is securing private aircrafts to extract people from troubled areas of Somaliland and Puntland. The Imperial Jets office in Tanzania has been receiving a considerable amount of calls from people seeking travel out of Somalia. The US government has issued a warning against trips to Somalia due to the region’s unstable condition. The disputes in the country are rooted to ongoing border disputes and terrorist attacks. Armed groups have expressed their intent to attack aircraft operations in the International Airport of Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. Imperial Jets is securing helicopters and jets to fly out stranded people in Somaliland, Puntland, and other undisclosed areas to avoid the International Airport of Mogadishu. Company clients are giving aid to get help to those who need assistance. “We’re a global company,” said William Gyarfas, Director of Operations for Imperial Jets. “We have an office in East Africa in Tanzania. And we like to think of ourselves as the good guys in the industry. Someone in this world needs our help, we want to help.”         

Jet Republic offers $1million discount on Learjet 60XR

(June 25, 2009)

Jet Republic is launching the Free to Fly programme, which allows members to purchase a brand-new Learjet 60XR in full with a $1.1 million discount. The offer is part of the company’s five year buy-back scheme. The scheme entitles members to 200 flying hours per year without the payment of hourly fees. After five years, Jet Republic will guarantee to buy back the aircraft from the owner at 50 percent of its original cost. Jet Republic said that this is an estimated annual saving of the operational costs of owning a mid-size jet at $2.1 million per year over a five year period. The company said that people are likely to turn to private jets as a means of travel, because commercial airlines are now cancelling some of the less profitable routes. Fifteen European national airline carriers have already cancelled 132 European routes between March 2008 and March 2009. During this period, only 59 new routes were introduced, giving the industry a deficit of 73 routes. “We’ve seen increased demand from prospective clients for innovative pricing,” said Jonathan Breeze, chief executive of Jet Republic. “Wealthy individuals, corporates and even European Governments are under pressure to prove to stakeholders that they are making every effort to reduce costs.” He concluded, “Given the growing pressure on purse strings and based on our initial discussions with prospective clients from across Europe, we believe that this area of our business will see significant growth in the next few years.”  

Rizon receives Qatar AOC

(June 25, 2009)

Rizon Jet, a member of CharterX, recently became the first Doha-based private jet company to receive approval for business jet operations in Qatar. Rizon’s Qatar AOP is recognized for its high standards of flight operations and professionalism. The company aims to build a full service aviation company in Doha. Qatar AOP is a precursor to the establishment of the brand’s newest air charter. MRO and the FBO facility are building at the Doha airport, which will be operational in 2010. Rizon is preparing to support is Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft fleet. The company will see its first service entry into the managed Global XRS in Doha. The company says that its services will be superior compared to other airlines in the region.   

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