December 2009
Montage Hotels & Resorts Selects Marquis Jet as Their Private Aviation Partner
(December 4, 2009)Montage Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Marquis Jet*, the leader in private jet cards, as the luxury hotel management and development company’s private aviation partner. Their partnership presents exclusive benefits for Montage guests as well as for Marquis Jet Card Owners. "Montage formed this alliance with Marquis Jet, a pre-eminent brand that shares our commitment to quality and personalized service, to offer our guests a proven and versatile resource for their diverse private jet travel needs," states Alan Fuerstman, founder & CEO, Montage Hotels & Resorts. "We serve discerning clientele who want the world’s best choices for business and leisure travel." "Every day, Marquis Jet Card Owners have access to the unrivaled quality, safety and service of NetJets® that allows them to take control of their time and to maximize their lives," says Ken Austin, president of Marquis Jet. "We are excited to form this partnership with Montage Hotels & Resorts and to give Montage guests and our Marquis Jet Card Owners special benefits at these incredible hotel locations. Utilizing the Marquis Jet Card is the ideal way for guests to visit Montage properties in a safe, easy and comfortable manner, saving precious time versus commercial travel options." The Marquis Jet Card program provides access to the NetJets fleet through an exclusive alliance between the two companies. NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. company (NYSE: BRKA), is the worldwide leader in fractional jet ownership. NetJets manages and operates the world’s largest and most diversified private jet fleet of more than 800 aircraft, staffs the most highly trained and experienced pilots, and has the commitment and the resources to be the safest and most secure private aviation company in the world. About Montage Hotels & Resorts Montage Hotels & Resorts is a hotel and resort management company founded in 2002 by Alan Fuerstman. Designed to serve affluent travelers and homeowners, the company features an artistic collection of distinctive hotels, resorts and residences in stunning settings that offer comfortable elegance, a unique sense of place and spirit, impeccable hospitality and memorable culinary, spa and lifestyle experiences. Montage Laguna Beach, the company’s flagship oceanfront resort, opened in the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach, California, in 2003. Montage Beverly Hills, the company’s second hotel, opened in Beverly Hills in 2008 and is the first Gold LEED certified hotel and residences in Southern California. Other properties under development include Montage Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, scheduled to open in 2010, and an oceanfront resort and residences with championship golf course coming soon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. www.montagehotels.com. About Marquis Jet Marquis Jet is the leader in private jet cards. Through its exclusive alliance with NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. company (NYSE: BRKA), Marquis Jet provides the convenience, quality and safety of the world’s premier fractional aircraft ownership program 25 hours at a time. The Marquis Jet Card is available throughout North America, catering to businesses and individuals who desire access to the world’s best fleet and service. Business Traveler Magazine, Executive Travel Magazine, Robb Report and Flight International have recognized the Marquis Jet Card as the number one private jet card program. The Marquis Jet Card program is operated by NetJets Aviation, Inc. or NJI, Inc. under their respective FAR Part 135 Air Carrier Certificates. For additional information, visit the Company’s website at www.MarquisJet.com or call 1-866-JET-1400. Please refer to Marquis Program Documents for more complete details. Program flights operated by NetJets companies under their respective FAR Part 135 Air Carrier Certificates. Marquis Jet Card Owners acquire a sublease in a pre-paid NetJets fractional aircraft ownership interest. *Marquis Jet is an independent company not affiliated with NetJets and through its exclusive U.S. alliance sells the Marquis Jet Card.
Bombardier profits fall but revenue remains steady
(December 4, 2009)Bombardier Inc. said that its profits fell by 25 percent during the third quarter, triggered by harsh economic conditions. The company’s CEO, Pierre Beaudoin, says that economic conditions remain difficult and it has affected its activities and financial results, especially for the company’s aerospace division. Beaudoin also said that its rail division has continued to improve its revenues, profitability, and order intake. The company said that earnings of Bombardier shareholders fell by $167 million, which marked a decrease compared to last year’s quarter earnings. The revenue had little movement and remained at $4.6 billion. Bombardier said it delivered 61 aircraft this quarter, a decrease compared to 80 in 2008. However, the company said that it has received and order for 22 jets from American Eagle—a solid order, which the company hopes to gain momentum from. “This would be a major order for us at any time, but achieving it during the prevailing tough economic times makes it all the more significant,” explained Gary Scott, president of Bombardier’s commercial aircraft unit. Last week, the company announced that there will be about 700 layoffs, but they promised to decrease that number by this week.
The Early Air Way Challenges The Status Quo of Private Jet Charter
(December 3, 2009)The Early Air Way (http://www.theEarlyAirWay.com), a leading private jet charter and leasing company, is defying the status quo of unpredictability in private aviation. The company is promoting its new “why” clause. Why they’re in business, and why they’re revolutionizing private aviation. When the company entered private aviation in 2007, it did so for a reason. Alex Early, Founder and CEO, was astonished by the tested lack of predictability amongst private jet charter brokers, as well as an utter lack of passion for the product. The Early Air Way entered private aviation with a passion for the value and potential of business aviation as a value add for global business and personal travel, not to mention the aircraft themselves. Surprising to many, The Early Air Way is one of the only private jet brokerage companies that assumes management of the in-flight experience of its flights. The signed contract is only the start of a flight for The Early Air Way, whereas it is the end for most others. The Early Air Way has recently been featured by The Entrepreneur’s Organization at the New York Stock Exchange, as well as filmed by MSNBC as part of a television special. The Early Air Way has taken an oath to impressing all whom cross its path. The movement to draw love for private aviation is on. "We have maintained 100% client retention to date, clearly that is for a reason. My main goal now is to show both consumers and aviation professionals exactly what that reason is," explains Early. Founded in December of 2005, The Early Air Way was created as a travel services company by then NYU student Alex Early with a firm goal of changing any industry it touches.
Sarah Palin is criticized for using a private jet for her bus tour promo
(December 3, 2009)Last Tuesday, a representative of Sarah Palin downplayed reports of the Alaska governor’s use of a private jet during the national bus tour to promoter her memoir—“Going Rogue”. Palin is now being criticized for using a private jet to promoter her book, and leaving her staff to travel via bus. However, Jason Recher—who toured with Palin to handle the logistics of the campaign—said that these rumors are untrue. Recher said that Palin was joined by her family and a handful of her staff on each flight leg. He said that the publisher wanted the entire entourage to travel via plane, but Palin lobbied for a bus tour. The private jet was used to transport Palin in several legs of the tour. Source: CNN
Sentient Jet and Aspen Skiing Company Extend Partnership Agreement
(December 3, 2009)Sentient Jet, one of the leading private aviation companies in the United States, and Aspen Skiing Company announced today that they have extended their official partnership for the fifth consecutive year. “Aspen/Snowmass is one of the great travel destinations in the world and we are honored to continue as the Official Jet Partner of the Aspen Skiing Company,” said Steven Hankin, Sentient’s chief executive officer, “We look forward to continuing this strategic partnership.” To celebrate their fifth year of the successful relationship, Sentient and Aspen have launched the new “White Card” for the 2009/2010 Ski season. Sentient clients can present the White Card at destinations throughout Aspen/Snowmass to take advantage of exclusive perks. Hankin continued: “For five years this partnership has delivered a wide range of unique experiences for our clients when they travel to Aspen/Snowmass. Continuing in that vein, we are pleased to launch the White Card offering our clients access to unique Aspen/Snowmass benefits.” As the Official Private Jet Partner for Aspen/Snowmass, Sentient continues to offer all visitors to Aspen/Snowmass access to its flight programs. Agents from Stay Aspen Snowmass have been trained to offer flights through the Sentient Programs to any guest that is interested in flying privately – in essence, providing one stop for luxury travel to and from the destination. Aspen Skiing Company and Sentient also participate in special joint marketing programs to offer Sentient Members unique benefits, including private ski lessons, spa treatments, outdoor adventures and dinner at select Aspen premier restaurants. About Aspen Skiing Company Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk – as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) (70 miles from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company’s website at www.aspensnowmass.com. About Sentient Jet Sentient Jet offers the Membership and Membership Plus cards which provide industry-leading value for private jet travel. Since 1999, Sentient Members have enjoyed guaranteed availability with as little as ten hours with fixed hourly rates that are well below national competitors. Sentient’s extensive network of certified operators ensure that Members will always have access to the executive aircraft that meet Sentient’s rigorous standards for safety and quality. With Membership, clients choose from four size categories by trip, funds on deposit never expire and are refundable at any time. With Membership Plus, for a two-year commitment, clients are able to choose from three specific jet models as well as the same four size categories by trip, and receive 10% off standard rates for category bookings. Both Membership and Membership Plus programs offer protection from the risk of depreciating assets associated with fractional jet ownership in today’s market. For on-demand, individual itineraries, Sentient Charter is built off the company’s superb reputation for service and includes expertise in complex road shows, international travel, and large group commercial charter. Sentient Jet also includes the online charter marketplace, www.privatejets.com.
