P R I E S T E R AV I AT I O N N E WS L E T T E R
THE PRIVATE TRAVELER
PRIESTER PREFERRED THE NEW FALCON 2000LXS COMMUNITY OUTREACH 2 0 1 6 S U M M E R O LY M P I C S EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
VOLUME 3 | 2016
PRESIDENT’S PEN
Cleared for Takeoff This is an exciting time at Priester Aviation as we expand our on-demand charter service with the addition of the revolutionary program, Priester Preferred. Launched in early February, Priester Preferred simplifies on-demand charter and adds value currently not offered by jet cards and membership programs. Priester Preferred is ideal for travelers who frequently take day trips, overnight or two-night trips. We invite you to learn more over the following pages, which highlight the benefits and value of the program. When it comes to fleet expansion, our aircraft ownership solutions are attracting the world’s most modern aircraft. Some new additions available for immediate charter include a Falcon 2000LXS, Citation Sovereign+ and a Gulfstream G550. In addition, with Priester Aviation operating VistaJet’s expanding Bombardier Challenger 350 fleet, we are able to offer exclusive new aircraft models for on-demand charter to our clients. We’ve also been busy expanding with new team members to assist with the growth that we’ve seen in a few short months this year. Currently, our support staff and flight crews total more than 300 of the best in the aviation business. As always, I am available for questions or comments about our services and look forward to hearing from you soon. Warm regards,
Andrew Priester
2
PRIESTER PREFERRED D O N ’ T O V E R PAY F O R P R I VAT E J E T T R AV E L
Priester Preferred is designed to maximize your travel experience at a price that is specifically designed for your needs. Priester Preferred reduces your travel costs, while Jet Cards and Memberships add fixed charges to their hourly rates.
SIMPLIFIED PRICING Worry-free/trip by trip inclusive pricing solution.
“THE PRIESTER PREFERRED P R O G R A M S AV E S M O N E Y O V E R J E T C A R D PA R T I C I PA N T S F O R U P TO 8 0 P E R C E N T O F F L I G H T S ,” said Gary Gennari, senior vice president of charter sales for Priester. “We found that Jet Card customers
P R I C E G UA R A N T E E Industry leading trip insurance ensures your trip will never change in price. *
don’t always need the embedded fixed costs for the type of trips they most frequently fly.” Besides simplified, inclusive pricing, the Priester Preferred program also offers clients a price guarantee and travelers can access trip information real-time with the Priester Trip Watch mobile web app. For additional information please contact Client Services at +1 888 323 7887.
R E A L-T I M E T R I P WATC H Priester’s Trip Watch web app allows you to track and follow your trip every step of the way.
*Restrictions may apply, see terms and conditions.
3
G O W H E R E OT H E R S C A N ’ T G O , D O W H AT OT H E R S C A N ’ T D O
FA LC O N 2000LXS Enhance the way you travel with the brand new Dassault Falcon 2000LXS, offering superior agility and unmatched performance. The Falcon 2000LXS can fly to more airports than any other aircraft in its class and is known for its mission flexibility — capable of taking off from shorter runways and climbing to 41,000 feet in just 19 minutes. With extended range, the aircraft can 4
fly from Chicago to Paris non-stop. The Falcon 2000LXS has truly mastered the art of flying comfortably. On board, passengers will enjoy a quieter-than-ever flight experience and a full suite of cabin technology. The interior boasts a functional, ergonomic and personal environment that is equipped with the
CHARTER TIP
E A S I N G T H E PA I N O F LO N G - H AU L F L I G H TS “Traveling overseas can be a challenging endeavor. Any seasoned traveler will tell you that there is little that can prepare you for overseas flights. You can however, make your trip more productive and a lot more comfortable. Our heavy jet fleet can make traveling overseas a pleasure rather than a test of will. From
YO U R E X C L U S I V E I N V I TAT I O N
custom bedding and gourmet meals to in flight Wi-Fi
“The enhanced cabin experience and unmatched performance of the Falcon 2000LXS put this aircraft in a class of its own.”
well rested and ready to go. Whether traveling
- Joe Mangi, Business Development, Pilot
and entertainment, you will arrive at your destination for business or pleasure, we can make any flight a memorable and pleasant part of your journey.” – JOHN UNZICKER Vice President, Midwest Sales
latest cabin management and entertainment system, FalconCabin HD+. This intuitive system offers audio/ video on demand with a greater level of connectivity to devices you use every day. The system provides high definition viewing on monitors measuring up to 22 inches and functions that can be controlled anywhere in the aircraft via an iPod Touch or iPhone. Stay current with your personal or business activities utilizing the international WiFi or satellite phone. This 10-seat 2000LXS can comfortably sleep six passengers and is available for immediate charter. The Falcon 2000LXS is conveniently based in Chicago (KPWK) and can easily be repositioned to your airport of choice for on-demand charter. Contact your charter representative for additional information at +1 888 323 7887.
5
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
C R E AT I N G L I F T
M E N TO R I N G FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE This spring Priester Aviation is proud to partner with the Chicago Area Business Aviation Association, AeroStar and the Kishwaukee Education Consortium to create an awe-inspiring mentoring event for Chicago Public School teens. Partcipants for this event are part of the AeroStars Aviation Exploration Apprenticeship Program with After School Matters High School Aviation Program. The event will take place at the Priester Aviation hangars and will offer participants one-on-one mentoring opportunities on aviation careers including maintenance, air traffic control, aviation management, aircraft dispatch and corporate aviation positions. In addition to career mentoring, the students will experience a G1000 flight simulator and tour Priester’s facility to learn more about the ins and outs of business aviation. Priester Aviation employees will collaborate with other local aviation experts to provide insight into their careers to kids interested in pursuing aviation in their higher education courses. For more information visit: www.cabaa.com
6
I N T E R N AT I O N A L T R AV E L D E S T I N AT I O N
RIO DE JANEIRO
2016 SUMMER O LY M P I C S This summer, Rio de Janeiro will be bustling with more than 10,500 elite athletes from 206 countries for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Beginning on August 5th and running until August 21st, athletes will compete in 306 medaled events in hopes of gaining a gold medal and recognition as the top athlete in their sport. The Olympic games will feature 42 sports, two of which, -golf and rugby-, return after 92 years. The games will be played at
GETTING THERE Due to anticipated high demand we recommend planning your trip early to ensure proper permits, visa considerations and airport information are confirmed prior to your travel.
32 venues across four regions of the city. The Olympic games are no small feat. To organize the event, the workforce committee will need 45,000 volunteers, 85,000 outsourced staff and 6,500 employees.
ground can be very limited. In order to ensure a stressfree experience, be sure to detail your itinerary ahead of time with your Client Services Executive for specific flight times and pick-up needs.
Faster, Higher, Stronger The Olympic motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius,� means faster, higher, stronger and can be easily compared to that of private aviation. With private jet charter, you can experience the Olympics the way it should be. Get there faster with our Gulfstream G550, known for its long range capabilities and sleek design. Our team of aviation experts specialize in ensuring your trip is seamless from start to finish, from in-flight catering to ground transportation. They can tailor a trip itinerary to meet your needs during your travel to Rio de Janeiro.
Special Visa Exceptions Due to the unique nature of the Olympic Games, the Brazilian president has approved a law that will exempt foreigners traveling from countries that have hosted past Olympic games from requiring visas during the 2016 Brazil Summer Games period - welcome news for US citizens. Traveling for tourism only, passengers can enter the country from June 1, 2016, through September 18, 2016, without a visa, and can remain in the country for a maximum of 90 days. Passengers will still be required to have a valid passport to travel to and from Rio de Janeiro. If you plan to travel for business you will still be required to obtain a visa. Travel information for the 2016 Olympic Games provided by our partner Universal Weather & Aviation Inc. in conjunction with Priester Aviation.
2016 Summer Olympics Travel Preparation Travel to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games is best if booked in advance. Cities hosting the Olympic games will require slots for all arrivals and departure. Your Client Services Executive will handle all slot negotiations in advance of your trip for travel assurance. Due to airport congestion, it is important to note that the amount of time the aircraft can be on the
For more information, or to request a quote to the 2016 Olympic Games, call +1 888 323 7887. 7
ABOUT US
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
ANDY WEGMAN Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, 5 Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medals and 3 Navy and Marine Corp Achievement medals and additional campaign medals in support of the wars.
Andy Wegman is Priester’s Chief Pilot based at Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling, Illinois.
A native of Aurora, Illinois, Andy Wegman dreamed of a flying career from his earliest recollections. “Watching the US Navy Blue Angels scream over my grade school, rattling the windows and provoking us to run outside in the hopes to just get a glimpse of the pilots, forever put the Navy in my heart and mind,” recalls Wegman. After graduating from Aurora University with a degree in Political Science, Wegman joined the Navy earning his Wings of Gold in 1991. As a Naval Aviator, Wegman circumnavigated the Earth twice, commanded the Executive Transport Detachment in Sicily, served as an integral part of the US NATO delegation based in Lisbon and supported the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan flying from bases throughout the Persian Gulf. Wegman was an instructor pilot in both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the
Andy honorably retired from the Navy in 2012 to continue his aviation career. His diverse background led to a captain position flying from Germany to almost every country in Africa. In 2013, Wegman transitioned to a scheduled airline by accepting a position to become the Director of Safety and eventually Chief Pilot and Check Airman. This role identified Andy’s strength in management and operations. Andy’s familiarity with the prestigious reputation of Priester Aviation and his hopes to return to his home outside Chicago, made accepting the Chief Pilot role at Priester Aviation a “perfect fit.” In 2015, Wegman was part of the Priester team that set the world speed record on a flight from Napa Valley to the Cayman Islands on a Priester-operated Challenger 350. Thanks to its unmatched climb characteristics, the team took the aircraft straight to 41,000 feet in under 20 minutes. The flight was completed in 5 hours and 5 minutes with a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.83.
Priester Aviation is among the world’s most experienced global private aviation companies, specializing in aircraft management and private jet charter. With more than 70 years of experience, Priester Aviation is among the elite private aircraft operators that hold the highest safety accreditations including the ARG/US Platinum rating, Wyvern Wingman, IS-BAO Stage III and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications.
1
T R AV E L E R CALENDAR APRIL 22-MAY 1 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival New Orleans, LA (MSY) www.nojazzfest.com MAY 6-7 Kentucky Derby Louisville, Kentucky (SDF) www.kentuckyderby.com MAY 11-22 Festival de Cannes Cannes, France (LMFD / LFMN) www.festival-cannes.fr/en.html
Share with us on social media #FLYPRIESTER + 1 888 323 7887 www.priesterav.com