"Charter Flights" Blog Tag Archive

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.

Big Changes Ahead for Santa Monica

Hurricane Irma, now downgraded to a Category I hurricane, continues to wreak havoc across the East Coast of The United States.

There were very few businesses that this devastating hurricane did not affect, and private jet charter companies such as Jet Partners saw a dramatic upsurge in flight demand as the storm approached.

The Cost of Last-Minute Flights Increased Dramatically As The Storm Approached

Hurricane Irma’s rapid rise and approach gave most South Floridians very little time to plan for evacuation. However, many residents and visitors did not take the storm seriously and did not make travel arrangements beforehand.

Even as late as Wednesday, September 6th, demand for private jets was relatively healthy – and Jet Partners, alongside other air charter companies, had plenty of flights available for average, standard hourly rates.

However, on Thursday, September 7th, evacuation orders were issued in South Florida. It became apparent that Hurricane Irma would be an incredibly powerful Category V hurricane when it made landfall in South Florida – and demand for flights increased dramatically.

Jet Partners, like other companies in the area, had an incredible upsurge in flight requests, which exceeded our total number of available aircraft in the area.

A Shortage Of Aircraft Meant Some People Couldn’t Fly – For Any Price

Many incoming callers believed that, if they had enough money, they could simply book a private jet with any air charter company. But this was not the case – even the wealthiest customers could not just book a flight by paying a lot of money.

For example, we had a CEO who was in Palm Beach and needed a flight to Atlanta. He offered a budget of $40,000 – but Jet Partners, just like many other companies, had already been fully booked. He was forced to drive north with the rest of the evacuees – which could have placed him in significant danger.

Booking A Charter Flight in Advance Provides Peace of Mind (And A Fair Deal)

If you book private jets often, you’ll know that waiting until the last minute can sometimes help you get a better deal. However, we’re here to tell you that this is not the case in a crisis.

Hurricane Irma is a great example of this. Once it was evident how dangerous the storm was, demand surged – and we were unable to serve every incoming client. This illustrates an important point. In case of a serious incoming natural disaster like a hurricane, the best way to secure a fair rate is to book early.

Even if a storm does not look too dangerous, it’s better to be safe than sorry – and making travel arrangements in advance is well worth the peace of mind, knowing that you have a confirmed, reliable method of evacuation, if necessary.

At Jet Partners, we offer fair rates, reliable service, and a service area that covers the entire United States. In a critical situation, we can provide you a cost-efficient, time-saving method of evacuation – and if you book in advance, you’re sure to be able to secure transportation out of the affected area.

Private Jet Charter Sales Spike Due to Hurricane Irma

Jet-WiFi

It seems like everywhere you go these days there is access to at least one Wi-Fi internet connection.  It has become so common that many of us are almost shocked when we can’t find a wireless network available.  Many commercial airlines have been offering Wi-Fi on flights for some time now.  Surprisingly enough, private jets with Wi-Fi internet connections are still considered a luxury among luxuries.  This is quickly becoming a thing of the past.  More and more, we see the air charter industry responding to the increasing demand for Wi-Fi equipped private aircraft.

No Wi-Fi on this Jet?

One reason why private jets with Wi-Fi connections are not an industry standard yet is the technology is relatively new and expensive.  Even for private jet components the price of the hardware and installation can be hefty.  The equipment alone can cost up to $400,000 and the monthly service fees can be as high as $8,000.  While commercial airlines can cover these expenses by charging a large number of passengers a small fee, business jet owners must recuperate these costs by either charging higher charter rates or picking up additional business by offering free Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi is a Must!

Many charter operations have seen a rise in demand and are urging owners to equip their private jets with Wi-Fi internet connections.  Business travelers who are introduced to Wi-Fi on charter flights are starting to request private aircraft with an internet connection for every trip.  After all, using a private jet for business travel is all about saving time and increasing productivity.  What better way to do that than staying connected with work while traveling?  We live in the information age and within almost every profession there is an ever growing dependence on instant access to email, data stored on clouds, stock prices, market information and even social media.

Ask Jet Partners About Private Jets With Wi-Fi

Jet Partners has an extensive network of private jets with Wi-Fi connections available for charter flights.  From very light jets up to long range heavy jets, we can find the right Wi-Fi equipped aircraft for your mission.  When booking your next trip on a private jet ask your Jet Partners representative for a charter flight quote on an aircraft equipped with a Wi-Fi internet connection.

For more information call Jet Partners Today at:  +1 (866) 235-2852
Or email us.

Private Jets with Wi-Fi Connections

Compared to commercial airlines, private jet is the best way to travel. With private jet charter, you don’t need to be at the airport 2 hours earlier before your flight, have a long waiting process and queuing. All you are required to do is avail yourself at the runway about 30 minutes before your flight, you will be welcomed with a smile, get personal attention, your bags will be loaded and you get straight onto the aircraft. Other than that, there are other reasons why you should consider hiring a private jet instead of using commercial airlines.

Private Jet Charter

Time

As the saying goes, “time is money” and whether you are on vacation, you have a business meeting or you have a deadline you need to meet, you will always want more of that time. When you choose to travel using a private jet, you are assured that you will have time on your side. The aircraft can never depart without you and it will leave when you are ready to go to your destination.

Safety

Both commercial and private aircraft are subject to FAA regulations, but they are not equally safe. Private jet charter operators are audited by different third parties and rated according to various factors which include aircraft upkeep and maintenance, history of incidents, crew certification and experience. Wyvern and ARG/US are two highly ranked and recognized third party auditing agencies for private jet operators. When you fly on aircraft rated by these companies you can be sure that you are in good hands.

Privacy

Although this doesn’t apply more to everyday business people but public figures and celebrities, private jets will offer you the ability to travel without being noticed. You also don’t need to worry about other passengers with crying children or listening to music too loud.

Pets

If you have a pet that you want to travel with using commercial airlines, it is treated as luggage. Some of the airlines will even transport your pet in the storage compartment which can get extremely cold at high altitudes. Contrary to when you charter a private jet since as long you get prior approval, your beloved pet can comfortably travel in the cabin with you. Although you may be asked for cleaning or deposit fee for your pet, it is without any doubt worth it.

The above are some of the advantages hiring a private jet rather than using the commercial airlines. To learn more about traveling by private jet charter or for pricing; call or email Jet Partners today.

Reasons to Charter A Private Jet in 2015

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!

Spring has Sprung!

When considering private jet charters, oftentimes one of the first questions people ask is, “What are the benefits of using private jets versus commercial airlines?” Although commercial airlines will eventually get people where they need to go, private jet charters offer people more luxury and most importantly, more convenience than other means of air travel.

Comfort and Luxury

Think about the interior of a commercial aircraft. These small cabins are often filled with rows and rows of narrow seats where passengers are expected to sit, without much leg room or personal space, for hours until the airplane arrives at its destination. With private jet charters passengers can enjoy spacious cabins, luxurious seating and personalized service from the attendants. This is a definite upgrade from the conditions on commercial airlines.

Private Jet Charters Get You There Quicker

While traveling in luxury is always nice, one of the biggest benefits of using private jet charters is that they offer passengers many more conveniences than commercial aircraft. For example, while commercial airline passengers must wait in long lines for security checks or in various airports during layovers, those who charter private jets can speed through security, experience no layovers, and therefore reach their destinations faster because they are the only ones using the aircraft. This time-saving convenience is especially beneficial for business professionals, wealthy individuals and celebrities who have important meetings and appearances all over the world.

Here at Jet Partners we are dedicated to providing our clients with affordable private aircraft charters without sacrificing safety, service or flexibility. For more information about our charter flights, please contact us at: 1 (866) 235-2852.

The Benefits of Using Private Jet Charters