So Why Choose JetSuite?

Value - JetSuite not only delivers the greatest value for their customers in terms of cost and flexibility, but they also set the bar for customer service and going the extra mile for their clients. It's a company designed to provide the ultimate flying experience to more people than ever before. They are ahead of the curve when it comes to the types of jets that make up their fleet, and they are the most innovative private charter company in using social media to engage their audience and provide them with last-minute deals.

Safety - The biggest priority for JetSuite is the safety of their customers and their crew. This is why JetSuite again goes the extra mile to provide the highest standard of safety in the industry. They have been awarded the ARG/US Platinum safety rating, the highest safety rating achievable in civil aviation. Additionally, JetSuite only employs the most experienced and accomplished pilots fly their clients. On average, their pilots have over 8,000 flight hours including a minimum of 3,000 hours flying time, a minimum of 1,000 hours turbine time, a minimum of 500 hours of jet PIC time, an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (the FAA’s most stringent pilot qualification) and a First Class Medical Certificate. 

No Hidden Fees - That's right, unlike virtually every other company's membership policies or 'jetcard' programs, JetSuite never tacks on additional fees to the cost of your trip. You'll be quoted an upfront price for the entire trip, and if there are no changes to your itinerary you will be billed as quoted even if the flight is delayed by weather, air traffic congestion or other factors beyond our control.  

JetSuite Competition

NetJets

NetJets is the biggest player in the private jet industry. A Berkshire Hathaway company, NetJets offers several options for membership: Netjets Share, Netjets Lease, and Marquis Jet Card.

The first option, Netjets Share, is fractional ownership of an aircraft. There are a number of planes to choose from to accomodate the needs of different travelers, and ownership can start for as little as 50 annual flight hours. They increase thereafter in 25 hour increments, and the minimum commitment ranges from 24 to 36 months.

The second option is Netjets Lease, which is similar to the Netjets Share program in terms of the annual flight hours beginning at 50 hours and increasing in 25 hour increments. The biggest difference in the programs is that you don't own part of the jet as an asset, therefor the tax incentives that exist for fractional ownership don't exist for leasing.

The last option is the Marquis Jet Card, a popular choice for today's travelers. This option allows for flexible travel and similar perks to ownership, however you aren't obligated to pay for maintenance and overhead costs. The jet card program is advantageous to NetJets as it essentially locks in customers for extended periods of time, ensuring that while they aren't owning or leasing one of their jets, they are still going to use their services exclusively.


XOJet 

Like JetSuite, XOJet also owns it's fleet which allows them to be flexible in scheduling flights for their clients. A big difference between the two companies is that XOJet's focus is on coast to coast travel with aircraft (Challenger 300, Citiation X, Hawker 800XP) that have larger seating capacities than the 4-passenger Phenom 100.


Sentient Jet

Sentient Jet's flagship membership program is a 25-Hour Card. This program allows 25 hours of flight time on your choice of jet size and category. Customers who choose the 25-Hour Card are locking in all-inclusive pricing with aircraft hourly and fuel rates for a 12-month period. Sentient Jet also guarantees availability in as little as 10 hours.

Ways to Fly Private Jets

There are really three options to choose from when deciding to fly a private jet.

1) Fractional ownership is among the most common, this is when customers have the opportunity to purchase a percentage of the aircraft (as little as 1/16^th) and own that aircraft as an asset. With this option, owners are also responsible for the cost of management fees, maintenance fees, and operational expenses when traveling in the jet. NetJets is the biggest player in the market for fractional ownership.

      2)  Jetcards are another option that is becoming more and more popular. It allows a client to prepay for flight hours they plan to use within a set amount of time. Usually the hours purchased are in 25 hour increments, and are for a particular aircraft. The benefit of the jetcard is that you aren’t responsible for the maintenance fees associated with ownership, however you still typically pay for the operational costs of your specific flight.

     

      3)  The other option is outright ownership, which is clearly the most expensive choice of the three. This is really only recommended to people who fly several hundred hours a year, and who have the wealth to not only purchase a private jet but also afford all the additional costs that come with ownership. Among the costs: a management team to run the jet and contract out unused hours,  operational and maintenance costs, and the cost of pilots and crew.

JetSuite's Custom CJ3

In October, JetSuite announced that they were doubling their fleet by adding 15 Cessna CJ3 jets to their existing fleet of Phenom 100's. This is an exciting development, as the larger CJ3 allows for longer range travel at more affordable rates.

Let's take a minute and dig deeper into the Cessna CJ3 and learn why adding them to their fleet was a smart decision by JetSuite.

JetSuite Edition CJ3

The addition of the CJ3 brings to JetSuite's fleet the capability of longer range, non-stop flights. With a range of 2,000 miles, this aircraft can easily handle trips from the east coast to western destinations like Vail, CO.  The perfect blend of power and style, the CJ3 was named 2011 "Best of the Best" in the Business Jet: Light category by Robb Report.

The JetSuite Edition CJ3 is larger than the Phenom 100, allowing for up to seven passengers to travel comfortably. Equipped with luxurious recliner seats, the customized CJ3 also includes free WiFi and all the amenities you would expect from a high-end jet. Because of the extra passenger space and it's longer haul capabilities, the new JetSuite Edition CJ3 is the perfect option for your next mid-range travel needs.

JetSuite's Phenom 100

One of the biggest advantages JetSuite holds over much of the competition is the fact that they own their fleet. Not only does this allow them to be more flexible for their clients travel needs, but the fuel-efficient planes they've chosen to provide also allow for more reasonable airfare.

Let's take a closer look at the Phenom 100, the smaller of the two aircraft that JetSuite offers it's clients.

JetSuite's Phenom 100

As the fastest jet in it's class, the Embraer Phenom 100 is the perfect option for your business travel needs. With range to fly non-stop between Los Angeles and Seattle, or New York City to Miami, the Phenom 100 is an excellent choice to get you to your destination quickly and in style.

Phenom 100 Interior

In addition to being the most fuel-efficient and fastest jet in it's class, the Phenom 100 also boasts an elegant interior that comfortably seats four passengers. Designed by BMW, the interior of the Phenom 100 maximizes the space within the cabin without compromising the luxury and style you expect from the high-end company. The jet has the largest windows in it's class, yet manages to minimize the external noise from the engines so that you can still have productive, private meetings in the skies. In fact, the Phenom 100 has the lowest external noise rating of any jet in it's category.

JetSuite has also equipped all the planes in their fleet with free WiFi so you can stay connected to your business while you travel. The company also provides XM Radio and Bose Noise-Canceling Headsets so passengers can kick back and relax during their flight if they so choose.

There's a reason Robb Report Magazine named the Phenom 100 "Best of the Best Business Jet" in 2008, 2010, and 2011... it's not only the fastest and most fuel-efficient jet in it's class, it's also among the most elegant and sophisticated. JetSuite has made a smart choice in carrying the Phenom 100 as their flagship aircraft.

For more information on the amenities included on JetSuite's Phenom 100 visit http://www.jetsuite.com/board-amenities

Purpose...

The chances are that if you're reading this blog right now, it's because you have no idea how to navigate the world of chartering a private jet. I have the same issue, and the purpose of this blog is to document my research into the world of private flight and to share the information I uncover with all of you.

I plan on diving into the advantages of choosing JetSuite for your private charter, among them: the jets they fly; flight options; company values; and of course we'll investigate your other options through the competition.

Thanks for checking out my blog, I hope we all learn something about chartering a private jet!