Flying

New life for an old bird
August 1, 2007
Luis Mercado works on the wooden side-ledge, repairing minor scratches and bu
With new business jet delivery slots stretching out as far as 2015 and acquisition costs hitting the high side of $40 million, a growing number of buyers are foregoing factory-fresh models in favor of refurbished used airplanes at a fraction of the cost.
Taking off
August 1, 2007
It is your responsibility as a passenger to ensure that the preflight safety
All takeoffs are optional but all landings are mandatory. It's one of those clever dark-humor catchphrases that permeate aviation and it speaks an unerring truth. Once you break ground and clear the security of the runway, you've left behind the one option that absolutely guarantees you will not have an airplane crash today.
Eight Charter Operators Earn High Marks
August 1, 2007
Jets.com-an online charter broker that allows customers to bid on flights-has bestowed its latest Circle of Excellence awards on eight charter operators, based solely on surveys its customers complete after each flight. Survey criteria included condition and cleanliness of the aircraft, amenities, crew performance, luggage handling and flight readiness.
Landing in the heart of D.C. in 9/11's wake
June 1, 2007
While few general aviation flights currently land or take off at Washington N
It took four years after the 9/11 attacks for the Department of Homeland Security to reopen Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to general aviation traffic. These days, though, flying a business jet into the heart of the nation's capital is easier than you might think.
Gulfstream G550
June 1, 2007
Gulfstream introduced the aerodynamically advanced G550 in 2003. Its cabin is
The $47.95 million Gulfstream G550 mates the latest bells and whistles to an airframe-engine combination that can deliver eight passengers and a crew of four to destinations up to 6,750 nautical miles away. That's Tokyo to Palm Beach nonstop in 12.5 hours, with reserves.
Learjet 45 & 45XR
June 1, 2007
Resale prices for Model 45s are climbing.
Bombardier's Learjet 45 is a study in contrasts. It is a breakthrough aircraft that had a troubled and lengthy gestation period, and its operators have a strong love-hate relationship with the airplane and its product support.
The open and shut case for "smart" windows
June 1, 2007
Hawker Beechcraft offers the SPD SmartGlass window as a retrofit for its King
The so-called "smart" window isn't really smart, but it may well offer a smart alternative to cabin windows with manually or electrically operated shades. With the touch of a button, the "smart" window goes from clear to opaque and back-or anywhere in between.
Haute Cuisine: Roasted garlic toast points with a Caribbean shrimp seviche
June 1, 2007
Do you have a favorite in-flight meal or caterer you’d like to see featured h
The Dish: Roasted garlic toast points with a Caribbean shrimp seviche and candied lime. The Caterer: Fivestar Gourmet, Detroit, (248) 666-3630, http://www.pentastaraviation.com/private-jet-catering.html
Making an early exit
June 1, 2007
Fractional owners opt out of their contracts early for many reasons. You may have sold an out-of-town business and so charter or a jet card may better serve your reduced needs. Maybe you're flying  more than you expected and it makes sense for you to purchase a whole aircraft. Perhaps you want to share flights with business associates or friends, but they all belong to a different program.
On deals and deadheads
June 1, 2007
What this means for you is that you have a reasonable chance of getting a dea
When I founded The Air Charter Guide in 1985, almost all charter companies expressed prices in dollars and cents per statute mile to the destination, with the operator's cost to return included. Operators found it easy to present prices that way. And passengers could look at any map, see the distance to their destination and calculate the cost.

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New Business Aircraft Preview
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Fractional Jet Ownership
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Inside the Cabin
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Exit
In-flight Caterers
 

Quote/Unquote

“[New billionaires in fast-growing countries] have to buy longer-range airplanes. If you’re flying from Mongolia to Nigeria, it’s either a three-day journey flying commercial or a nine-hour flight on your jet.”

-Steve Varsano, owner of London’s The Jet Business