Nobody these days needs to be reminded how frustrating it can be to fly by commercial scheduled airlines. The check-in delays, security hassles and overbooking have caused customer complaints to spike in recent years, causing more passengers to search for an alternative to air travel. But without your own aircraft and an expensive pilot's license, the only way to avoid the airlines and still travel by air has been private aircraft charter.
When we think of chartering our own aircraft however, what comes to mind are busy executives, Hollywood stars and politicians jaunting around the globe in multi-million dollar business jets that can cost as much as $6,000 or more per flight hour to rent. There are less expensive fractional aircraft ownership alternatives available on luxury turboprop aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-12, but the cost of these shares is still out of reach of many middle income travelers and small business owners.
Recent advances in today's composite general aviation aircraft like Cirrus Design's slick SR-22 Turbo G3 have pushed the performance envelope of smaller four passenger aircraft far beyond what was imaginable just a few years ago. The SR-22 has a maximum cruise speed of 219 knots true airspeed (252 miles per hour), but is usually operated more closer to 220 miles per hour. Compared to your Grandfather's old plane that lumbered along at 125 miles per hour, modern luxury four-seat aircraft can seriously shorten trip legs and make multi-city day trips possible.
Realistically, very few people afford to fly by expensive aircraft charter. But what if the fares for private air charter ever dropped to a price point that was affordable to all of us? By flying the Cirrus SR-22, one charter network is now flying business and pleasure flights for under $500 per flight hour for the whole plane.
Stratus Alliance is a network of independent, FAA-certified charter operators strategically placed around the country that is capitalizing on the efficiency of the SR-22. Stratus Alliance is able to book "destination direct" charter flights for up to three passengers per flight to small municipal airports within their service area, which includes the East Coast and Texas.
The new secret weapon of these new charter travelers is the use of the smaller airfields surrounding every city in the land. When the competition is stuck at the gate while the airline tries to decide if they should cancel their flight, a traveler on a chartered SR-22 will have already launched for a flight to a small airport just a few miles from where they need to be. When other travelers are trapped on the tarmac awaiting departure, the people who arrived on a chartered SR-22 will have already finished negotiating a couple of morning deals.
More people are discovering the affordability that comes when flying single-engine air charter, and industry experts predict this new single-engine charter model to blossom into a nationwide powerhouse. Right now, medium-sized corporations can only afford to fly their upper management via private air charter, while their sales, technical, engineering and support personnel must roll the dice and put up with the undependable schedules that comes with flying commercial. As more of these companies realize they can now get their key personnel on site quickly with a "moment's notice" flight, we'll begin to see a whole new level of competitiveness evolve.
Copyright (c) 2008 Dan Pimentel
To keep up with the competitive edge, hiring a personal private jet appears to be a viable option. Some of the world's biggest companies and wealthiest individuals prefer private jet while traveling from one corner of the Globe to the other. Especially if you are regular flier you would want to consider the benefits of a private jet charter.
Now you can choose your own charter flight destinations and fly to a destination of your choice in luxury, privacy and security ? thanks to the private jet services. Here is a list of benefits of hiring a Private Jet:
? The cost effectiveness The first thing that strikes the mind is the cost. At the time of the economic gloom doom affording a private jet might seem to be difficult even for the biggest multinational enterprises. But to solve their problems the companies have come up with novel solutions such as chartering and fractional aircraft ownership. These will surely help you to beat the recession blues. So, do your homework well, conduct a market research to compare the rates of few companies and get hold of a right company.
? The Flexibility In most cases, commercial airlines limit the travel schedules of the busy CEOs. Scheduled flights can be extremely inconvenient for those with a hectic work schedule. Hiring a private plane helps you to frame your time schedule according to your convenience. With the advent of new air travel options, like fractional ownership, the frequent fliers are now flooded with various flight options to choose from.
? Good Bye to long queues A private charter makes your journey smooth and comfortable. Regular airports are all about people pushing and jostling trying to make their way from the check in areas to the passport section. With personal fights at your service you can stay away all such hassles and can depart from smaller airports. Moreover, with private jet you would not have to turn up to the airports 2 or 3 hours early before your international flight.
? Business entertaining Private jet provides environment for frank business discussions and social bonding. Private jet gives you the scope to impress your prospective partner and bag home the deal.
? Five-star Service Private jet provides with on-call concierges to attend all your requests and travel needs. The flight attendants entertains you with customized food, beverages services and media choices. Your pets may roam around the cabin during the flight, and your kid can plug in a game console. In a nut shell the private jet becomes your own plane.
? Special cargo handling Sometimes the best way to ship precious cargo is self handling. Hiring a private jet can be beneficial to transfer delicate scientific equipment, trade show displays and fragile prototypes under your supervision.
? Security Since in private jets it is mandatory for the jet pilots, crew and maintenance staff to have photo identification you can verify them on-the-spot.
It's because of all these benefits that private jet happens to be a popular choice among people who prefer comfort, security and value time.
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