Aircraft Charter: The Ultimate Business Tool

Travel on a commercial flight is time wasted when considering the long security lines, connecting flights with layovers, driving to the final destination and oftentimes lost luggage. Add to that the loss of employee performance when they arrive at their destinations exhausted and stressed.

The solution is chartering an aircraft from a quality operator. Aboard a private jet, time is focused on business, not travel connections and ground transportation. "Many times when companies make cost comparisons between traveling on commercial airlines and chartering, they are diverted from the real economic value of business accomplished," says Dori Abouzeid, CEO of Komar Aviation Group. "The adage 'Time is Money' still holds true. Only with flying on a private jet is it feasible for you to make an a.m. client meeting in San Francisco, an afternoon regional office meeting in Seattle, and still make it home to see your daughter in the school play that night. That kind of productivity improves the bottom line not to mention the employee's family relations."

Simply put, chartering provides door-to-door service, not airport-to-airport service. There are no delays because private jets land close to final destinations and ground transportation is already organized. Charters eliminate connecting flights because they fly into over 5,000 smaller airports; 10-times the number of locations serving commercial airliners. Faster, smoother flights are possible due to the private jet's capabilities for flying above the weather. And of course luggage is never lost You even get concierge service included to handle arranging rental cars, limousine service, hotel and dinner reservations and onsite conference facilities. All this translates into increased productivity and far less stress.

All costs considered, private charter has been found to be less expensive in many cases due to efficient, shorter itineraries which minimize "on-the-road" expenses, such as meals, hotels, car rental, etc. When determining the economics of travel for several passengers, commercial airline cost differences really begin to disappear. With a private jet, you get the whole aircraft, not just a seat. There are 6, 8, and 12 seats or more, plus baggage capacity that exceeds airline restrictions--all for the same price. And, a good operator will offer the option of a "Block-Time Agreement" that gives you discounts based on pre-purchased flight time, upgrades at minimum or no extra charge, or preferential status for a particular aircraft.

Another plus is that a chartered jet becomes a moving office. It is perfect for conducting a meeting--be it discussing an IPO,or the strategy for gaining a new client. The environment is secure: no walk-in interruptions, noise or competition sitting in the next seat. At 43,000 feet, you have all the state-of-the-art equipment and telecommunications you need. You also have complete flexibility; simply ask the captain if you need to change the destination.

Safety and security are issues in the forefront of today's business traveler's mind. Private charter companies are under the same rigorous FAA pilot and maintenance standards to which the commercial airlines are regulated. However, due diligence is recommended when considering the services of a charter company. A good operator should have a clean safety record, insurance coverage with a Moody's A+ rated company, pilot training with top-rated simulator company, and have an upstanding FAR 135 charter certification. There is a comfort level in knowing the superior capability of a private jet in terms of the power, takeoff and landing capabilities. There is also comfort in knowing you're not flying with 150 strangers.

As with anything, beware of something that sounds too good to be true. The charter industry is not immune from getting great prices at the expense of safety and service. A good charter company welcomes your questions and will work hard to help you save time and money without sacrificing quality. "The private jet charter experience should leave you feeling like acelebrity," says Mr. Abouzeid. "That feeling is something that can only come from a charter operator providing you superior customer service."