Business Jets | Necessity vs Luxury
How executive aviation walks the fine line between extravagant and expedient.
As aerospace companies began cranking out business jets in the 1970s, the Age of Business Aviation dawned, opening new ways for executives to reach a virtually limitless amount of destinations around the world.
Whether traveling between offices, meeting with foreign investors, prospecting for potential mergers/acquisitions, or entertaining clients on-board a corporate jet or airliner, business jets became the high water mark for success by the end of the 1980's.
Today, private jets have become the most efficient, comfortable and hassle-free way for executive and corporate groups to travel, despite what GE thinks about its fleets of business jets.
While acquisition, maintenance and operating costs can become incredibly expensive, many of the world’s top companies utilize private jet travel, whether they own a fleet, purchase jet cards or charter on-demand, each offering cost-appropriate solutions to the needs of small, medium and large businesses.
Let’s face it though — private jets can be viewed as swanky and offer far more luxury and comfort than commercial airlines do, but there are actually some very practical reasons it’s the preferred method of travel for some of the world’s most successful companies.
What makes private jet travel so important in the business world?
Time = Money
You can arrive at the airport just 15 minutes prior to take off, so you save a lot of time flying privately.
Some airports even allow for drop-offs next to your plane on the tarmac — especially important for professionals who don’t have the time to spend at commercial airports.
Private terminals offer a range of guest services, efficient take-offs/departures, and increased security and anonymity.
When your plane is ready, simply walk outside and board.
Private jets and turbo-props can also use more than 100x the number of airports compared to commercial service, allowing clients to arrive/depart closer to home, or visit remote, exotic destinations.
Simply put, business jet travel may take only a few hours compared to wasting half a day flying with a commercial airline.
All that time can add up, too, especially if you’re flying a lot. Take a look at the flight activity of Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and Space X, in 2018 alone:
Hassle-Free
Flying private is nothing like the routine of commercial airports — no screening, no lines or any other sort of bureaucracy, and a staff member will often load your bags on to the plane for you.
All of your trip details are handled in advance — just show the pilot your ID (or passport for international flights), and he’ll welcome you aboard.
Upon arrival at your destination, your bags are placed into your car, and you’re all set.
Since travel is streamlined and hassle-free, executives can relax and prepare for the meetings or events, and is viewed as a great way to travel while maintaining a positive frame of mind to make good decisions.
Closer To Your Destination
Not only can private jets use a thousand times the airports available to commercial flights, but they can get in and out the world’s most congested cities much faster than the airlines — try flying first-class from JFK to LAX, then compare that to renting a private jet from NYC to Los Angeles, flying from Teterboro Airport (TEB) to Van Nuys (VNY).
There’s a reason why those are the two busiest airports in the US for business and luxury jets, and two of the busiest private jet hubs in the world.
Sure, you may find it easy to fly between your offices in Los Angeles and New York, but what about when your office in Rochester needs to reach clients in Santa Fe?
Not many commercial or charter airliners will offer these routes at your nearest airport, and the ones available will have you spending the other half of your day on the road.
Having access to a private business jet opens doors around the world for potential growth and investments.
Privacy & Comfort
Flying private provides the utmost privacy, allowing you to conduct their affairs without sensitive information compromised by prying eyes or eavesdropping.
Business partners can enjoy the privacy and resources they desire to carry over their business continuity into the sky.
Private jets often have spacious cabins with lavish, plush interiors and many creature comforts, so you’ll have a more relaxed flight.
In addition to added productivity, executive travelers can enjoy entertainment features such as Wi-Fi, High Definition TVs, gaming consoles, and professional-quality audio systems.
Service
Whether you’re looking for the VIP treatment or a stress-free experience in the sky, a professional flight crew can be arranged to serve drinks, gourmet meals, and cater to other special requests.
Flight crews often provide impeccable service, arranging for them to provide whatever it is that you need. This can include specific drinks or dietary requirements for any passengers on board.
Air Charter Advisors, a private jet charter and aircraft management company based in South Florida, noted “Private jets have become such a major component for daily operations at some of the world’s largest corporations. The privacy, discretion and time management becomes invaluable for some organizations, and many of these flights are vital to the success and operations of many top executives. We’ve become a resource for supplemental lift when these companies require an additional aircraft, or a replacement is needed ASAP.”
Depending on which company you work with, you’ll have 24-hour availability to your charter broker or aviation advisor, ensuring things go smoothly every step of the way.
Small Office Aviation
Many aviation companies like Air Charter Advisors also help local and small offices, creating an aviation strategy that works for their office or organization. Using private planes, businesses can maximize their time and resources, and meet with potential clients face-to-face instead of over phone.
Jessica Heinecker is a property manager for a South Florida real-estate group, and has used ACA’s family office aviation services to save time compared to commercial flights.
“Air Charter Advisors helps me travel to meetings across state lines and return home in time for dinner. We’re based in South Florida, but we own and manage properties in across the Southeast and we’re continuing to expand.
Booking private flights and being able to take off within minutes after arriving at the airport is vital, especially with properties so far apart and meetings already scheduled. Meetings and other activities can be scheduled around my flight instead of waiting until I arrive, and I’m able to get the most out of my day without wasting half my time in airport security lines.
Our small business aviation plan has helped our offices and personnel stay connected and available to travel on-demand.” ~ Jessica Heinecker, Property Manager in South Florida
