Hello Club New Flight member, and happy holidays to you! 
With all the buzz in the media this past year about options for flying private, and the advertising push toward models of pre-paid membership programs such as Wheels Up, JetSmarter and others, I want to help wanted to help with some objective information about private flying opportunities in this day and age of private aviation. Along with an update on terrific empty leg opportunities.
WHEELS UP, JET CARD PROGRAMS, ON-DEMAND CHARTER
This year especially has seen lots of advertising and PR this past year from new "entry level" private flying programs, with big investment dollars behind them. Being a "member" or part of these programs however does not give you better quality, service or pricing than on-demand charter with a top brokerage. In fact its more expensive, often much more.
The hourly rate for a Wheels Up Citation XLS midsize jet is $7,295/hour. This is before taxes and any fees, and after you have paid $17,300 for the current year's "membership". By contrast, Citation XLS' with top safety auditor ratings in the charter market fly for around $4,000/hour, and with the growth in floating fleet aircraft, most charters nationwide can be accomplished around $5,000-$6,000 total per occupied hour, sometimes less. And with full flexibility of customization and cancellation. The hourly rate for a Wheels Up King Air 350 turboprop is $4,295/hour. Compare to top rated King Air 350's flying for around $2,000/hour and averaging $3,200 per occupied hour for a charter.
Of course when evaluating, you should look at your historical or expected usage and compare total costs. Reputable companies will be happy to give you estimates or their historical pricing for different routings. They will also be happy to quote out any actual upcoming flights for comparison.
The rigors of FAA requirements under Part-135 (charter) and independent safety audit organizations such as ARGUS, Wyvern, ACSF and IS-BAO has resulted in a remarkable safety history and safety culture in the US. As the NBAA notes, "Professionally flown turbojet (jet) aircraft operated under Part-135 have a safety history comparable to that of the scheduled airlines."
A reputable and experienced charter brokerage (yes like New Flight Charters and others!) are known to manage the most cost-effective, customized/luxury and safe private flight experiences in private aviation. And do not require a upfront 'member' fee, deposit or buy-in. Pay as you go on a per flight basis. A unique factor with this- your broker has the ultimate incentive to be sure your flight goes well and you are happy... to simply earn your next flight. Whereas a membership or card program, once they have your money, has a major incentive to maximize their profit and please their investors.
I am happy to speak or chat with anyone about charter in general, or our company, or private aviation as a whole. I try to be helpful, answer questions, maybe point someone toward a private aviation solution that fits their needs. You won't get a false front or a sales pitch. My background is in Fortune 100 and 500 companies plus 18 years in private business aviation, and as a pilot myself.
- By the way, an objective and accurate comparison of several card and membership program costs, including Wheels Up, XOJET, Jetsuite, NetJets/Marquis Jet, Flexjet and others is summarized on a page here http://newflightcharters.com/private_jet_charter_flight_pricing.htm
Wishing you the best of the holidays.
Rick Colson
Founder & President
· Twitter feed @rickcolson
· LinkedIn info
FEATURED EMPTY LEGS & NEWS
A news article was just released nationwide about our Empty Leg Listing. The largest public listing of empty legs, now numbering over 195 nationwide.
Empty Legs, Floating Fleet options and pricing examples...view it here.
5 examples below. 190 more and details are listed on this page.
● Boca Raton, FL – Teterboro, NJ, Embraer Legacy 600 large jet, December 21, $15,450
● Sun Valley, ID – Los Angeles, CA, Phenom 300 light jet, December 22, $6,900
● Minneapolis, MN - Eagle/Vail, CO, Challenger 300 super-mid jet, December 26, $14,300
● New York, NY – Palm Beach, FL, Citation CJ3 light jet, December 27, $10,600
● Los Angeles, CA – Aspen, CO, Gulfstream IV large jet, December 31, $13,950
190 more featured one-ways, empty legs, specials and details are listed here. Almost any routing is available with one-way pricing, take advantage of our industry-wide reach.
FREE RIDES
The newest Club New Flight benefit- Free Rides are made available only to you the Club New Flight subscriber and arrive in your inbox. Not available to the public or posted on any website, we send you upcoming free private flights available nationwide. Currently the below are available:
- December 23, Janesville, WI - Chicago IL, Hawker 800A midsize jet
- December 23, Jackson Hole WY - Big Timber MT, Citation V light jet
- December 26, Boise ID - Truckee CA, Pilatus PC-12 turboprop
- December 29, Columbia SC - Birmingham AL, Learjet 35A, light jet
Subject to specific date, time and airports. Free Rides are private charters and operated under FAA Part-135 regulations governing private charter operations, by DOT-registered and FAA-certificated air carriers who maintain full operational control at all times. Subject to change or cancellation without notice, not guaranteed flights.
Contact your charter manager at (800) 732-1653 or click to email: Nanette Poorman Michelle Murphy Blake Smith Aeriel Taka Kelan Poorman Mark Baroni Rick Colson
Wishing you the best, your team is standing by!
About New Flight Charters
Celebrating its 14th anniversary in 2018, rated A+ by the BBB, and named to the Inc. 500 four consecutive years, New Flight Charters has arranged over 12,000 private domestic and international flights with top-rated aircraft, its Best Price Guarantee and a perfect safety history. The company features an acclaimed seven-member management team with a cumulative 49 years in private jet charter, 52 years FAA-certified experience, 114 years executive management experience, 23,200 hours pilot-in-command, and includes private and commercial pilots, former U.S. Air Force officer and retired law enforcement. Client and industry reviews are available on the New Flight Charters website. The company serves a wide variety of clientele including Fortune 500 companies, government heads of state, presidential campaigns, entertainment icons, private families and entrepreneurs.
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