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Spring has Sprung!

Spring time is right around the corner as the weather begins to heat up and days lengthen so does the demand of private jet charter. With popular Spring events like March Madness, Easter, Passover and The Kentucky Derby, private jets will be flying all over the country.

Private Charter Travel & March Madness

Last year travel to Houston in the Spring was up an estimated 15% due to the NCAA Final Four with popular teams like North Carolina, Syracuse, Villanova and Oklahoma drawing in large crowds to fill up the 70,000+ fans into NRG Stadium.

March Madness Final Four

2017 will sure bring the same fanfare as Phoenix’s University of Phoenix Stadium will be host to the Final Four. Similar to Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, Phoenix Airport Int’l(PHX) will be the most popular airport, with Deer Valley (DCT) being a close alternative airport option.

Popular Easter & Passover Destinations

Palm Beach Airport (PBI) and Miami/Opa Locka Airport (OPF) are two of the east coast’s most frequently used airports to celebrate Easter and Passover. With the kid’s out of school for Spring Break and time to escape the cold temperatures these east coast beachfront cities are the perfect escape for sun and relaxation.

The Kentucky Derby – An American Tradition

This will be the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby. Saturday May 6th the horses, hats, and age old traditions will make their return to Kentucky for another weekend of highly anticipated race excitement. The Derby is the longest running continuously contested sports events in history. They are also the only horse races to be held at their original location since their conception.

Kentucky Derby Private Flights

On average, the race attracts more than 100,000 spectators and race enthusiasts annually. Some of the most anticipated and important events at the derby are not the races themselves, but rather the traditions. Grab yourself a mint julip, a derby hat and a fancy new outfit for the annual running at Churchill Downs.

You can be sure that flying private into Louisville International Airport (SDF) is going to be a fashionable event in itself!

Big Changes Ahead for Santa Monica Airport

After decades of protests from residents and the city itself, the FAA and the city of Santa Monica have reached a compromise — moves to finally phase out the Santa Monica Airport (SMO) are underway. The complete shutdown of the airport will happen on December 31, 2028, but as of the end of January 2017, it’s been announced that the SMO is about to enter the beginning phase of shutdown.

The call to have the SMO shut down began in the 1980’s, so this move was a long time in the making—around three decades, in fact. However, it was only this year that the city of Santa Monica finally had its way.

Of course, private jet owners and operators can still go through the Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Burbank Airport (KBUR), or the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), but as we all know, the commercial air carrier traffic is considerably heavier at these airports.

Santa Monica Airport

What Does This Mean for Smaller Aircraft?

The good news is that the runway shortening will affect commercial flights, for the most part, and aircraft that can manage with just 3,500 feet of runway can still use the SMO. However, for clients with larger aircraft, it may be high time to start using the other airports.

“This a historic day for Santa Monica. The FAA has finally and categorically said that we could do whatever we want with our land at the end of 2028. This is a windfall for the residents of the city.” – according to Santa Monica Mayor, Ted Winterer.

In place of the airport, plans are underway for a public park and recreational facilities.

The City of Santa Monica is required to keep the airport fully operational until 2023, as the city received a federal grant for the SMO’s improvements. Meanwhile, though, two fixed base operators, the Atlantic Aviation and the American Flyers, have been evicted. In their place, the municipal employees of the City of Santa Monica have taken over operations.

Skeptics are quick to point out that it’s more probable for skyscrapers to rise in the area, though. Per president of the Santa Monica Airport Association, Christian Fry: “Get ready for the high-rise wall. It won’t all be a park.”

As the Santa Monica Airport is closing, height restrictions for building construction will be relaxed. Thus, there just might be a wave of new high-rise developments in the area over the coming years.

Trump and Aviation

President and Billionaire Donald Trump has a long history with Aviation and currently owns two private jets. This is not surprising given his net worth, and it is not something he has tried to keep a secret. In fact, if you were ever at the same airport as him you would know it. Much like his real estate, the Boeing 757-200 he owns is adorned with his last name ‘Trump’ in huge letters. He also owns a super mid-size jet Citation X, which is the fastest business jet on the market.

President Trump likely has more experience with private aviation than any other incoming Commander in Chief in history. It’s not that surprising that he has been very involved with Boeing and negotiations over the manufacture of the newest Air Force One. The Donald has voiced his concerns on Twitter about the cost of the aircraft. For security reasons, much of the technology that goes into Air Force One is kept secret and understandably so. Some people may be wondering if this would be the first AF1 with the President’s last name on the paint job? Will it be trimmed and fitted with gold all over the interior as his current Boeing jet is? Keep an eye on the future POTUS’ Twitter account, and you may find out.

While it is normal for the head of a large corporation to use private aircraft, one might say that Donald Trump is a bigger aviation buff than most. Combined with his campaign promises to keep manufacturing in the US can let us safely assume President Trump will be up to bat for the aviation industry. Aircraft manufacturers employ a great deal of people in the country. It will be interesting to see how the industry will benefit from Trump’s presidential term. Tax breaks are always expected when a Republican enters office and this Republican, we can assume, has many friends who own aircraft. Tax incentives for both ownership and manufacturing of aircraft passed on by Mr. Trump will ensure a prosperous future the aviation industry as a whole.

Private Jet Charters for the Holidays

With the holiday season approaching demand for private jet aircraft is at an all-time high. Influx for private jet charter trips becomes a very popular mode of transportation to cut out the waiting time and get directly to your family and friends for Thanksgiving, Passover, Christmas and New Year’s.

Popular ski resorts all across the Unites States open up in November and December. Today is the perfect time to put together a trip of your own. Please send us a request for your next trip by clicking get a quote. We can make your next family holiday, New Year’s get together or long weekend come true with point to point service.

Below is a list of the 2016/2017 ski seasons most popular destinations to host your next vacation or holiday.

Aspen, Colorado (ASE)

Aspen, Colorado is one of the most popular ski destinations in the United States and the world. They consistently receive heavy snowfall and have some of the best slopes of any destination. With an entertaining downtown and sightseeing, it is easy to fall in love with Aspen.

Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)

Most people are familiar with this area of Utah because of the 2002 Olympics. They have some of the most beautiful ski resorts with five-star ratings. The snow powder is also premium in Park City/Salt Lake City – ideal for skiing and other snow sports.

Bozeman, Montana (BZN)

Renowned for its views atop the peaks, Bozeman has one of the most beautiful sunsets you will come across. The mountain is easily accessible by private jet charter as Bozeman Airport normally needs 1-2 connecting flights via commercial travel.

Lake Tahoe, CA (TRK)

This hot spot for west coast ski and snowboarders, Lake Tahoe has mountains on both the California and Las Vegas sides of the state border. It is one of the most popular ski areas if you need a break from the Colorado mountains. You can charter a private jet and reach this destination within a few hours from most major cities on the Pacific.

Are Growing Economies a Good Place for Private Jet Charter Companies?

Like many other industries, the airline industry has suffered over the past decade as the economy dipped and experienced a lackluster recovery. That struggle extended to private jet charter companies, but recent expansions in the niche industry may signal a recovery for private jet services.

Private Jet Charters and the economy

Growing Economies Need Efficient Transportation

Cities and states where business is booming are a great location for private charter expansions. Growing economies mean new businesses, expanding companies and more jobs. All those business folks have to get from place to place to give sales pitches, hold board meetings or conduct training. Private charters can offer affordable, efficient travel at a time when commercial airline ticket prices are increasing and flights run by the biggest airlines aren’t always reliable.

Why A Private Jet Charter for Business?

Private jet charters are expensive. Rates can range from $3,000 to $11,000 an hour for flights, but the services may still make sense for businesses. The cost of premium rates for flight time is alleviated by the benefits of efficiency and control. When business travelers opt for commercial flights, they could spend an entire extra working day traveling, which represents a loss in labor costs and possible delay on important projects. Add the costs expense of food, lodging and communication when traveling, and a one-day business trip can cost thousands. A single charter, which takes an hour or two both ways, can transport an entire team of 7 to 12 professionals for a premium price however mitigating and without requiring overnight stays.