Want to learn more about the benefits of private aviation? Stratos Jets recently began a three-part series exploring the convenience, flexibility and accessibility of private jet charter. http://ping.fm/GRB2F

At Stratos Jet Charters, we’ve talked with you at length about the many advantageous features of business aviation and private jet charter as a whole. However, it also pays to take a step back and remember why the travel itself is so beneficial in the first place. In the economic environment we have today, your business cannot afford to miss out on any possible opportunities. When the chance to build critical relationships or capitalize on potential new business presents itself, our clients can answer the call.

Getting to and from destinations in half the time is a big reason why our clients fly private. When you charter a private jet through Stratos Jets, you can travel to your destination quickly, and deplane just as fast. This is due to the basic operational nature of private travel and because we can often use smaller airports and those most suited to the business aviation.

You can step directly into ground transportation when required, which your Stratos agent can coordinate for you with a simple request.

You can actually WORK on a private flight as opposed to commercial travel, where this can be impossible. Productivity is a hallmark of the most successful business owners and executives which can make this benefit very important. The ability to actually work on the plane, while also enjoying a level of comfort and amenities not available to commercial travelers, means that you can accomplish more in less time with private jet charter. Ask yourself: How much is your time worth per hour?

We also note that as the “instant messaging culture” has grown over the last decade, face-to-face meetings and social engagement has become a rarer commodity, to the detriment of business relationships as a whole. Yes, these forms of communication are inexpensive. And as economic pressures have begun to mount on many small and mid-sized businesses, “virtual” communications have become more frequent. Sometimes it takes a reminder to realize the high value of in-person contact and how this strengthens vital relationships for your organization or business. In the same way that a handwritten note will gain the attention far better than an email, there is no substitute for meeting someone eye to eye and shaking their outstretched hand.

When deciding whether to have an online or a face-to-face meeting, consider whether the relationships everyone will form are more valuable than the cost of traveling. This is true regardless of the business climate, but especially so during times of economic turmoil. If you answer “yes”, which is often the case, then return on investment says you should go for the good of your company. Jet charter affords today’s business owners and executives that opportunity.

Regardless of the political flavor of the month — which happens to be vilification of private travel — the benefits of charter aviation to small business in America should not be understated, as it can be a driving factor in the success of any organizations. It facilitates real human contact, while allowing individuals to efficiently travel and be productive while doing so.

Stratos Jets can provide you with multiple aircraft options – across a range of budgets – for your most important meetings, to help you and your firm achieve long-term success.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

The trends in jet charter demand and in the production of business aviation aircraft are looking positive for 2012. The most recent projections from online portal Avinode show demand for charter flights heading upwards this month. The group’s forward-looking demand index for the next month stood at 114.23 the first week of February–almost 21 points above the month-ago level and more than 14 points above where it was 12 months prior. Avinode’s price index for global operations based on the same data was at 99.29, slightly down from early January but up from a year ago.

The research group’s data for actual average flight hour rates being paid as of early February also pointed toward higher demand for aircraft operators. For example, the average rates for a Bombardier Challenger 604 rose by 1 to 5 percent from three months ago and were up by between 3 and nearly 7 percent from six months ago. Similar trends were apparent for sample Hawker 800 prices and rates for a Cessna Citation Excel, which climbed between 4 and 8 percent in North America. These trends show higher levels of demand and also reinforce our recommendation to clients that booking flights early can provide cost benefits.

On the manufacturing side of business aviation, JPMorgan Investment Research noted in its latest market report (released February 2012) that while they continue to observe some mixed signals from jet manufacturers, they saw pockets of strength in the business jet industry in the fourth quarter of 2011. They “sense an eagerness for a pickup in the business jet market, particularly at the lower end.” The investment research firm predicts an 8-percent rise in business jet deliveries this year, driven by U.S. business. Keeping with recent trends, large-cabin jets will be driving much of this increase, with a “modest pickup for smaller jets” according to JPMorgan.
Other encouraging news within the business jet industry includes the recent completion of the Embraer Executive Jets Global Customer Center at the Melbourne International Airport in Florida, in December 2011. The new 58,000-sq-ft customer center opens adjacent to the Phenom final assembly plant opened in February of 2011, bringing hundreds of jobs to Florida. Customers will come from all over the world to select the options they want for new Phenom, Legacy and Lineage business jet aircraft. Aircraft assemblies and deliveries at the plant will ramp up to 30 Phenom 100s and 300s this year, and 60 of the two light jet models next year. Embraer president and CEO Frederico Curado has also said there is room for expansion at the 80-acre site in Melbourne, leaving open the possibility that more Embraer business jets beyond the Phenoms could eventually be assembled in the U.S.
Each of these pieces of positive news, plus the recent overall growth – albeit modest – of the U.S. economy, has given us encouragement here at Stratos Jets over the state of business aviation and the jet charter industry as a whole. Stratos Jets firmly believes that private jet charter is an engine of growth throughout America, providing absolutely critical assistance to companies and individuals in getting business done – and pursuing their own dreams and aspirations, either in business or in their personal lives.
As a member of the Air Charter Association of North America, the only industry-led organization to promote best practices and ethics, we strive every day to do things the “right way” in the jet charter industry. We are honored that we get to help our clients in the business of rebuilding this nation’s economy every day.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

As a member of the Air Charter Association of North America (ACANA), Stratos Jet Charters is deeply invested in being open, honest and transparent with our clients. We aim to not only be your no.1 air charter service provider, but your go-to-resource for reliable information about the business aviation industry. Our air charter agency believes that the best air charter consumer is the informed one, and to the end, we seek to educate our clients about the benefits of private jet charter.
This March, we turn our attention to answering an important question that is becoming more frequent among our clients — “why should I work with a jet charter agent over a local charter operator?” There seems to be a lot of confusion as to whether it is less expensive and more efficient to work with a local operator versus a jet charter broker. While local charter operators can offer tremendous value and service, they are restricted to their own fleet of aircraft, whereas jet charter agents have access to multiple aircraft operators, including small, local charter vendors.

It’s important to understand the value that a jet charter agent can provide. The role of any jet charter agent is to first identify the individual needs of your particular flight. The agent conducts a thorough market analysis to find all relevant aircraft options. He relies on his industry experience and market knowledge to identify local operators and transient aircraft in the path on your charter flight. His ultimate goal is to present multiple options that can accommodate the specific requirements of your trip, whether you need a larger cabin, or extra storage capacity for your luggage. As always, your jet charter agent is available 24/7 to explain these options to you, helping you to make informed, buying decisions that result in excellent air charter experiences.

By working with a jet charter agent, as opposed to a small or local operator, you will gain access to an expanded market of available charter aircraft. Not only will you have access to your local operator’s fleet, but to a wide network of aircraft traveling in and around your area. Perhaps Stratos Jets’ greatest asset is our stellar reputation among more than 100 operators industrywide. This reputation allows us to connect our clients to multiple fleets of small, mid, and heavy jet aircraft that range in size, amenities and value. As a result, we can guarantee availability on the most appropriate aircraft for your individual flight requirements, each and every flight.

Having access to an expansive fleet of aircraft is especially valuable when you need to book a last-minute charter flight, commonly known as an ASAP. Because local operators are restricted to a single fleet of aircraft, they can not always guarantee that an aircraft will be available for your charter flight. In these tough economic times, it is even more important than ever for local operators to keep their aircraft booked at all times. This will make it harder for you to find an available aircraft from a small vendor for a last-minute or ASAP charter flight. These availability restrictions also make it difficult for local operators to provide a back-up option, should you encounter a mechanical.

By choosing to work with a jet charter agent, instead of working with a local operator, you will also receive better charter flight pricing on the same local-operator-owned aircraft. That’s because local operators offer charter brokers more competitive rates on their aircraft because they know the market to be “competitive.” Your charter agent will then pass these savings on to you.

Also keep in mind that just because your aircraft operator is local, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the aircraft will stay in the same location. If a vendor has to reposition, or fly an aircraft back to its home base for your flight, you will likely see much higher pricing than you would with a transient air charter. As we mentioned earlier, Stratos Jets agents has the ability to find transient aircraft in the path of your charter flight to cut down on repositioning costs.

Another question to consider when working with just one, local operator is how can you trust that the vendor is safe? How transparent are they regarding your aircraft’s maintenance history or safety standards? At Stratos Jets, every aircraft we use must pass our rigorous safety standards plus all current FAA and DOT regulations. We require that each flight be under the command of two highly-trained pilots, while local operators do not always require a two-pilot crew. In addition, all aircraft chartered through Stratos Jets must undergo an ARG/US or WYVERN third-party audit to ensure that it meets all safety standards, and we proudly provide all information to our clients.

At Stratos Jets, we value long-term client relationships over short-term gains. The personal relationship that you establish with a Stratos Jets’ agent allows you to gain access to all these benefits and more. We have a saying around our office that “we’re only as good as our last flight.” That’s because we firmly believe that our job is not complete until every detail of your flight meets with your satisfaction.

Considering all the benefits of working with your own air charter agent, why risk the uncertainties of booking with local-based aircraft operators? With multiple jet size options in markets across the United States, Stratos Jets can get you to your desired destination faster, easier, and at the best available price. With so many benefits, why not book your next trip through Stratos Jet Charters today?

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

Are you current working with a local charter operator? In this article, we explain the many advantages of working with a jet charter agent vs a local operator. You may be surprised to find out just how much you can save by using our agents’ buying power to purchase jet charter.http://ping.fm/8tE7X

Good news for air charter consumers: Avinode recently released a report that indicates positive growth for business aviation. Check out our new blog to find out more information about what you can expect to see in 2012.
http://ping.fm/APHHU

Stratos Jets can arrange your charter flight to the 2012 Masters. Please RT. http://ping.fm/ot962

The Masters Tournament is one of four major championships in professional golf. It is considered by many to be the most prestigious golfing event in North America. Not surprisingly, The Masters attracts a number of Stratos Jets’ clients. Scheduled for the first full week of April, it is the first of the majors to be played each year. Unlike the other majors in golf (U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship), the Masters is held every year at the same private golf course — the Augusta National Golf Club — in beautiful Augusta, Georgia. This year, The Masters will be held from April 5 to April 8. Charter your own private jet to fly to and from Augusta in luxury, class and convenience. Read Stratos Jets’ latest blog for more information: http://ping.fm/WUAe5

Stratos Jets Analyzes EU’s Move to Impose Carbon Emissions Tax. Please RT. http://ping.fm/Ui6ps’s-move-to-impose-a-carbon-emissions-tax-on-private-aviation.html

Recently, the private aviation industry has been up in arms over the European Union’s new carbon emissions tax on air travel to, from and in its collective borders, which is part of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS). EU-ETS imposes a heavy tax on carbon emissions for the duration of any flight landing or departing from Europe, regardless of destination. This tax program aims at reducing the carbon footprint of jet aircraft, but in reality could harm the air charter industry, while doing little to aid the environment. To learn more, check out Stratos Jets’ newest article, http://ping.fm/EXogM’s-move-to-impose-a-carbon-emissions-tax-on-private-aviation.html.