EN ROUTE
Private plane services are bringing back opulence and efficiency to the jet set. BY DEBOR A H WIL LIA MS
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O LONGER EXCLUSIVE TO MEGA-
corp top dogs and movie stars, private jet services offer a wide variety of plans and planes—not to mention pampering—that cater to every brand of discerning traveler. “A majority of frequent travelers don’t understand how attainable private jet travel has become,” says Jamie Walker, president of JetLinx Aviation. “Before fractional ownership existed, the only way you could get guaranteed availability pointto-point was to own your own jet.” Now, Walker says, there are plenty of options, including fractional ownership and flighttime jet cards, which have become the most popular option for a broad range of travelers. Plus, owners can generate revenue by leasing their aircraft back to the charter company on an hourly basis. Maybe you’ve considered investing in a plan, but you’re not sure which program is right for you. “Some say the general rule of thumb is that if you fly between 50 and 400 hours per year, fractional ownership is your best option,” says James Butler, CEO of Shaircraft Solutions, a consulting company that advises individual and business clients on the options. “Fly fewer than 50 hours, and you may be better off with a jet card or charter. Fly more than 400 hours, and you might consider buying a whole aircraft. But there’s far more to it than that.” (See “The Pre-Flight Checklist” sidebar, page 32.) Some charter companies offer all three services—private jet sales, fractional ownership and jet card services— while others specialize in a single channel. For example, NetJets, an Inspirato partner, focuses exclusively on fractional ownership. Its subsidiary Marquis Jet offers jet card service. The amenities and logistics vary significantly from one carrier or aircraft to the next, but the service is almost always exceptional, the luxe quotient high and the value of your investment—for your finances and your lifestyle—impossible to dispute.
INSPIR ATO MAGA ZINE S SPRING 2013
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