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California Chrome: The Race Horse That Was Almost An Airplane

This year, the Belmont Stakes will host a few of the most exciting minutes in Sports Entertainment. While the event has never been as popular as the Kentucky Derby, every so often there is an opportunity for one championship horse to compete in the third and final leg of the Triple Crown. The coveted title is an honor considered to be the most prestigious trophies in the nation. This year that opportunity has been earned by California Chrome.

Belmont Stakes Favorite California Chrome

California Chrome is owned by Perry Martin of Yuba City, California and Steve Coburn of Topaz Lake, Nevada. The two originally purchased Chrome’s dam, Love the Chase in 2008, and an observer remarked that only a “dumb ass” would buy her, given the horse’s modest race record. The Coburns and Martins decided to name their racing operation DAP Racing, which stands for “Dumb Ass Partners”. Steve Coburn was initially looking for a tax write off, and his wife Carolyn encouraged him to buy into a racing syndicate rather than purchasing a small airplane.

In certain situations purchasing an aircraft can be beneficial for tax purposes. Companies that earn enough revenue and travel over a certain amount, can benefit from aircraft ownership, but it usually only makes sense for larger entities. For individuals and corporations who don’t do enough flying, the associated costs of ownership often spend more than they get to write off. While buying a race horse is not always a lucrative endeavor, there is certainly a better chance of turning a profit, especially if you come out a winner in the events with higher purses.

Triple Crown - California Chrome

If California Chrome wins the Triple Crown, it will be the first time since 1978, that a horse has achieved such a tremendous feat. This year over 100,000 attendees are expected to attend, hoping and anticipating a victory for California Chrome. Many will fly private and attend the newly renovated champagne room, where New York Yankee Bernie Williams will be performing on his classical guitar as well as musicians such as LL Cool J. Jet Partners is a proud provider for all private charters to and from this remarkable, exciting, and potentially historical event.

Perry Martin and Steve Coburn

Today, the partners are considered far from “Dumb Asses” with earnings over $3.5 million this year for California Chrome; a not so shabby return on an $8,000 investment in Love the Chase. They no longer have to worry about buying a small airplane. Using on demand charter providers such as Jet Partners gives them the opportunity to charter private aircraft all over the world and only pay for the time they fly. They have the luxury of traveling in comfort and leisure on some of the most beautiful aircraft in the world whenever and wherever they desire. Best of all, they don’t have to worry about the associated costs ownership such as paying a crew, renting hangar space, maintaining airworthiness and all the other fun bills you receive as an aircraft owner.

Call or email Jet Partners now to book a flight or learn more about private jet charters. We are on call 24/7 and can have you in there are within a few hours notice.

The #CharterKings of Instagram – Private Jets and Social Media

Instagram is a social media network that is based solely on sharing pictures, many of which are enhanced using built in filters to make shared images even more aesthetically pleasing. Unlike Facebook and Twitter, where user routinely let their friends and followers know what they eat for breakfast, when they are going to the gym and how angry their daily commute is making them, Instagram exists solely to show interesting, beautiful or really cool images and nothing more. Perhaps due to the lack of “fluff” and boring comments, Instagram has drawn in and retained some of most interesting users out of any social media network. Among these, there is a group which we have come to label the #charterkings of Instagram who routinely post pictures of themselves boarding or flying on private jets and chartered aircraft. While it is somewhat ironic that a “private” service is publicly posted so often, there is no doubt that these pictures draw a lot of attention and simply put; are just flat out cool.

The #Charterkings

Some of the #charterkings of Instagram, as you might expect, were already rich and or famous when they joined the social network. Others have amassed a following and even become famous because of what they post on Instagram. One such example is Actor, Astronaut, Pro Poker Player and all around playboy, Dan Bilzerian. Aside from the stacks of cash, beautiful women, yachts, assault weapons and sports cars we all probably post on our social media accounts, Mr. Bilzerian has posted a number of different private jets on his Instagram feed, which no doubt, makes him one of the #charterkings of Instagram.

One of the more well know #charterkings of Instagram is famous hip-hop producer and husband of Alicia Keys, Swizz Beats. From pictures of him next to helicopters to shots of his sitting on the steps of a Global Express, Swizz Beats proudly displays his choices of transportation. Not only do you get to see what he flies on but there are some great shots of his kids flying in style. He even posts shots of sleeping on chartered jets and what he’s eating for in-flight catering. His over 680,000 followers just prove that everything is more interesting on a private jet. Would you rather go to Instagram and SEE what Swizz is eating on his Gulfstream V or head to Facebook and READ about your second cousin’s new vegan recipe for oatmeal cookies?

Floyd Mayweather has never been one to be shy about his good fortune or the fortunes he has made so it should come as no surprise that he is one of the #charterkings of Instagram. One video shows him and “The Money Team” being served by a flight attendant on a Boeing Business Jet or BBJ. Anyone who knows about private jets knows the BBJ is one of the nicest private aircraft you can charter. The private jet pictures may no be the only thing that has attracted his over 2.6 million followers. Quotes like “Yachts, foreign cars or private jets TMT is making moves” certainly keep fans of the #charterkings coming back.

Another #charterking that may surprise some is PGA Golfer Dustin Johnson, who also happens to be engaged to Paulina Gretsky. Aside from showing off his fiancé on his Instagram account, Johnson also likes to show off the aircraft he charters. He often posts pictures showing the two of them together (alone) on a very nice private jet. Perhaps combining two of his favorite things? Whether it’s Paulina, a known internet showoff, rubbing off on him or just the allure of being a #charterking of Instagram, the private jet pictures are becoming more and more common on his account.

Are you interested in becoming a #charterking of Instagram? Jet Partners can help. All you need is a digital camera or smart phone, an Instagram account and somebody to take your picture the next time you charter a jet. Jet Partners offers private jet and aircraft charters any place on the globe within a few moments notice. Our website offers instant charter flight pricing and the most comprehensive empty leg finder on the market. For more information call or email us today.

Golf, Gulfstreams and Green Jackets: The Masters of Golf

It’s that time of year again when the days are getting longer and the first major golf event of 2014, The Masters Tournament, is getting ready to start in Augusta, Georgia. Adam Scott of Australia took home last year’s green jacket. The last two Americans to win on their home turf were Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson, who both have quite a large fan base which will hopefully draw even more spectators.

Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts The Masters every year, has some of the most powerful and wealthy members in the world. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, who happen to be number one and four respectively on the 2014 Forbes billionaires list, are two of the more notable members of the prestigious club.

The tournament starts on Thursday April 10^th and continues through Sunday April 13^th. The Masters attracts thousands of golf’s most enthusiastic fans every year. A great number of the spectators are successful business men and women that love the game. Because of Golf’s fan demographic it is a prime target for sponsors who wish to reach the upper echelons of the business world and “high society”.

Many of the players will be traveling to Augusta by private jet. The two closest airports are Augusta Regional (AGS) and Daniel Field (DNL). Last year’s winner, Adam Scott, owns this 1989 Gulfstream IV and a 2010 Gulfstream G450. According to our friends at Flight Aware, it looks like this aircraft was in Augusta on March 24^th before heading to Nassau, Bahamas. It’s likely he was there to get in some March warm up rounds before heading to the Islands for some pre-tournament relaxation.

Adam Scott's Private Jet

Adam Scott is not the only tournament winner traveling in style. The Tournament Champion from 2004, 2006 and 2010, Phil Mickelson owns a Gulfstream G V jet pictured below.

Phil Mickelson's Private Jet

Interior of Phil Mickelson's Private Jet

While the average professional golfer may not have the means to own such aircraft it doesn’t mean they can’t travel in the same comfort. Many players and fans will be chartering private jets and aircraft to get to the tournament. Those who elect to do so have their choice of airport, minimal ATC delays, no security strip searching, etc.

If you are interested in chartering a private jet to this year’s Masters, or would like to learn more please give Jet Partners a call. As the tournament date approaches aircraft availability will become more and more limited so we encourage our customers to book their flights as early as possible. Jet Partners’ representatives are on call 24/7, so give us a call and let us help you plan the ultimate golf fan experience.

Private Jets in Brazil for The World Cup – World Class Travel

World Cup Travel

It is estimated that about 500,000 visitors will be coming to Brazil via air travel this year for the 2014 World Cup. This means very limited availability on airline tickets, delayed and overbooked flights and every other problem you could imagine at an airport not ready to handle such a volume of passengers. A private jet charter is the best way to avoid these headaches. Using a charter flight allows you to bypass the chaos of the commercial airports and get right to enjoying the world’s greatest sporting event.

In a country where traveling may not be the easiest task, planning is key to a successful trip. Taking a private aircraft to Brazil is not the only way to benefit from charter flights. Die-hard fans that have tickets to several matches can easily avoid the traffic that is sure to be unbearable between the 12 cities hosting matches. The undeveloped infrastructure means there is sure to be limited travel options and heavy traffic delays. A turbo prop such as a King Air or Pilatus would be a great aircraft to keep costs down while traveling within the host nation.

If you do decide to charter from abroad the cost can vary depending on where you are coming from and what type of aircraft you charter. A flight from New York City’s Teterboro Airport (KTEB) to RioDeJanero is 9.5 to 10.5 hours of flight time each way depending on the aircraft. A heavy jet, needed to do such a flight non-stop, can go for over $10,000 an hour once all expenses are factored in. Travel times between host cities can be viewed at http://www.greatatlanticsports.com/article/fifa-world-cup-host-city-travel-times-and-distances

Brazil has been receiving much criticism not only because of infrastructure problems but because there are some facilities for the games that are yet to be finished despite Brazil knowing they were to host the World Cup since 2003. Government officials are adamant that everything will be complete by the start of the games.

The fact that Brazil has 5 Fifa World Cup wins to their name means their following extends worldwide and adds excitement to the event. This will also be the first Fifa World Cup to use “Goal Line Technology” to determine if a ball crosses the goal line or not.

Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza and Sao Paulo Airports are all expected to be crowded as well as the Windsor Palace and Fasano Hotels in Rio De Janeiro. While you may want to stay away from certain establishments well known by tourists, be weary of the “discount housing/hotels/hostels” advertised as they can often be in dangerous neighborhoods and not as advertised.

When planning your trip to The World Cup, let Jet Partners help you get there in the safest, easiest way possible. Call us today for pricing or more information. 1 (866) 235-2852

Brazil

Signature Flight Support to Build Google New Facility at SJC Mineta San Jose International Airport

Internet search kingpin Google and aviation fuel supplier/FBO Signature Flight Support are in the final stages of negotiating a deal with the City of San Jose, CA to build an $82 million facility at SJC Mineta San Jose International Airport. Currently Google’s fleet of private jets and aircraft is based at Moffett Field, which could not be closer to their corporate headquarters, in Mountain View, CA. So why are they making the move to SJC in San Jose, CA? For one, Google’s lease at Moffett Field is up next year. In addition, there has been an increasing amount of criticism over Google’s use of Moffett Field (NUQ Airport), in particular from a Republican Senator from Iowa Charles Grassley. It is not completely clear why a Senator from Iowa would be so concerned with an aviation facility in Northern California; however he did feel so compelled as to write a letter to the head of NASA.

Google's New Hangar at KSJC

Signature Flight Support’s new facility at SJC Airport will not only benefit Google. Of the seven additional hangars being built five will be used by Blue City Holdings, the entity in charge of managing Google’s aircraft fleet. The remaining two hangars will be used to attract and accommodate more private jets and general aviation aircraft to Silicon Valley. Construction plans also include a new executive terminal, aircraft servicing facilities and additional ramp space.

Signature Flight Support SJC Airport

A number of local residents are concerned that the influx of so many aircraft to the small airport will eventually result in a change to the 11:30PM to 6:30AM curfew at San Jose International. Currently there is an ordinance which prohibits aircraft that produce over a certain amount of decibels from takeoffs and landings late-night till morning. Mayor Chuck Reed, along with others familiar with the deal, are assuring residents that there has been no talk of changing the current hours of operations at the airport and it has even been suggested that compliance of the curfew is included in Signature Flight Supports’ lease with the airport.

Proponents of the construction and renovations at KSJC are adamant that only good will come from Google’s move and Signature Flight Support’s new facility. It has been suggested that, between construction and airport operations, as many as 600 direct and indirect jobs could be created as a result of the new facility. The airport itself will also be receiving some much needed revenue from the increase in landing fees and fuel sales. The increased traffic to San Jose International will also create incentive for new businesses at and around the airport, creating additional rent revenue for the airport. The project as a whole is also going to mean a huge boost in tax revenue for both San Jose and California at a time when it is certainly needed.

Jet Partners offers flights to and from SJC San Jose Minetta Airport. Call Jet Partners for the best price on a flight from the Silicon Valley. You can also see empty leg flights leaving SJC Airport on our website by clicking the following link: SJC Empty Leg Listing