The month of March signifies Women’s History Month. For the entire month, contributions of women to events in history are honored and celebrated. Specifically in aviation, women have made significant contributions since the very first flight in 1903. Despite gender restrictions, women prevailed to complete solo flights, break speed, endurance, and altitude records, and win air races against men. Latitude 33 Aviation recognizes all that women have achieved throughout history and encourages women to pursue a passionate career in aviation.
Significant Women in the History of Aviation
Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman was the first African American and the first person of native American descent to earn a pilot’s license. She was also the first American to obtain an international pilot’s license. Despite facing racial and gender biases, Coleman established her iconic reputation as “Queen Bess”.
Harriet Quimby was the first American woman to obtain a pilot’s license making her the second licensed female pilot in the world. She was the first woman to fly an aircraft across the English Channel alone. Famously known for many feats in aviation, Quimby is an inspiration to many women in aviation.
Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, both as a passenger and as a solo pilot. She is the most famous and celebrated female American aviator. Earhart has encouraged women to reject constrictive social norms and pursue their passions, especially in the aviation industry.
The Latitude 33 Aviation team consists of passionate and experienced people who love what they do and always look forward to facing new challenges. The women make up a significant and crucial part of the Latitude 33 Aviation team. Spread throughout every department of the company with a wide set of roles, the Latitude Ladies are essential to day-to-day operations and the company would not be where it is today without the hard work and dedication the women have brought to the team.
Managing one of the newest and largest fleets of light, midsize, and super-midsize jets in the U.S., Latitude 33 Aviation’s mission is to be the absolute best at what we do. Overseen by a highly-motivated leadership team, Latitude 33 Aviation delivers excellence in private jet charter services, aircraft management, and aircraft acquisition and sales services. If you’re looking to fulfill your passion for a career in aviation and want to be part of the Latitude 33 Aviation team, view all our currently available job positions and apply here.
Special thanks to the Latitude Ladies and all the hard work and achievements they have made!
The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has caused many private jet owners and flyers to adjust their practices. The initial fallout of COVID-19 in early 2020 saw many regular commercial and private flyers decide to forego flying and traveling in general. Now, as more businesses and areas slowly reopen, aircraft owners have had to readjust to the new safety demands and concerns of their customer base. As companies react to new concerns, the private jet industry is likely to evolve.
If you’re interested in booking private jets, you may want to know more about COVID-19’s impact on private aviation in 2020 and the private aviation trends for the rest of 2022 that could affect your flying experience. Learn how air travel trends have changed since the pandemic and how these shifts could affect the private jet market.
COVID-19’s Impact on Private Aviation: What 2020 Taught Us
As people all around the world guard themselves against COVID-19, worries about sitting close to others in an enclosed area for an extended period led many to forgo commercial airline travel. As major airlines adjusted to the lack of travelers, some routes and smaller legs were canceled, and connections were added or changed, which reduced the overall number of commercial flights available.
Besides their fear of sitting in an enclosed plane with people they didn’t know, people also avoided flying commercially because of concerns about the airport. Many potential flyers didn’t want to wait in long security lines and use public restrooms, where their risk of contracting COVID-19 may increase. Since commercial airports facilitate the flights of thousands of flyers each day, people were wary of flying, as there weren’t any guarantees every flyer had been tested or wasn’t carrying the virus.
Besides safety at the airport and in airplanes, both the private aviation and commercial aviation sectors were affected by businesses going remote and a lack of open getaway destinations. For example, many companies had their employees work remotely, with teleconferencing taking the place of in-person meetings. As a result of this change to remote work, many business professionals didn’t need to fly via commercial or private aircraft.
Leisure travel also decreased, as many resorts and other prime destinations weren’t open or didn’t offer the same experience. With so many businesses closed, many people chose to stay home. For commercial flyers, the risk of flying to take a vacation was often too great to justify the risk. While private aviation was a much safer option, flyers often stayed home due to the closure of recreational businesses and other key services. Additionally, international restrictions barred many flyers from entering other countries.
Toward the end of 2020, more people were flying, though the numbers were still low. For example, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics found that compared to April 2019, April 2020 saw a 96% decrease in airline passengers. This trend continued throughout the year, as they state that compared to October 2019, the number of U.S. airline passengers in October 2020 was down by 62% in total. Additionally, domestic travel was down by 60%, while international travel was down by 77%.
This sharp decrease in passengers caused the number of aircraft in the U.S. commercial fleet to shrink by nearly 23% in 2020, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). News outlets have been quick to spotlight the troubles airlines are facing, including reduced flights, lower rates from summer highs, and needing to switch to smaller aircraft. These issues have left many passengers feeling disgruntled, occasionally leading to outbursts of anger, discord, and even attacks directed toward flight agents.
The 20th anniversary of 9/11 has also brought air travel into the headlines more recently. The impact of 9/11 was felt immediately by travelers, as boarding a flight became a much slower process and more of a hassle overall. As security measures increased, passengers experienced a distinct loss of privacy and decreased confidence in the safety of flying. In fact, between 2001 and 2006, revenues from U.S. flights fell by $10 billion per year. Now, commercial airlines seem to be suffering a similar decline in passenger trust and comfort due to COVID-19.
An Increase in Private Jet and Aircraft Use
While business travel has been slow to recover, leisure travel started to become more popular again in late 2020, with additional travel in 2022. Even with vaccine distribution and reduced restrictions, many people still don’t trust commercial airlines for their personal and leisure travel needs. With a decrease in commercial airline travel trust, many flyers turned to private jets and aircraft in 2020 and have not returned to the airlines.
This trend of flyers utilizing private jets for personal and leisure travel rather than business travel picked up steam in 2021 and continues into 2022. In fact, July 2021 had the most private flights – 12,345 flights – since March 20, 2008. Many anticipate that business travel will become less important in the age of teleconferencing even when the threat of COVID-19 subsides. However, after extended times in lockdowns, the desire to travel in luxury and visit must-see destinations will likely only continue to increase as more and more locations open up.
In 2020, many travelers prized private jets for their privacy and ability to reduce contact with other flyers. In 2022, this trend is continuing, as the nature of private aviation keeps the volume of people aboard charter flights small. In addition to privacy, there are many evergreen benefits that private jet travel customers can harness. For example, in 2020, private and corporate aviation companies provided a diverse set of clients, from corporate workers to families, with faster travel and a more luxurious experience.
Overall, COVID-19 had a major impact on commercial and private flying in 2020. Though there was a decrease in flying commercially, the year represented a huge opportunity for private charter jets, as they could offer greater safety for flyers. All of the ways flying changed in 2020 is playing a huge role in 2022, with the industry poised to evolve significantly and set to grow as much as 10% post-pandemic.
The Future of Private Jet Travel in 2022
The attractiveness of private jet travel to many flyers has led to many private jet charter industry changes. These changes have affected both private jet owners and charter clients. For instance, many have seen private jet owners invest more in greater sanitation efforts and upgraded digital technology. Those in the private aviation industry also have seen more first-time flyers and clients traveling with their pets and children.
If you are interested in the private aviation market, here are some of the top private jet trends expected for the rest of 2022.
1. Additional Sanitation Efforts
Since flyers are increasingly concerned with sanitation, and private aviation companies want to keep their passengers safe, companies across the private jet charter industry have placed a greater focus on sanitation. By nature, private jets are much easier to keep clean, with fewer passengers to account for and more space to maintain social distancing while on board. Expect to see corporate aviation companies highlighting the ease of social distancing while on their flights.
Besides social distancing, private jet charter companies are likely to continue prioritizing increased cleanliness standards inside the private aircraft and at private terminals and FBO (fixed-base operator) facilities to draw in customers seeking sanitary environments. For example, many private aviation companies prioritize safety by providing staff and flight crews with face masks. These masks meet current COVID-19 guidelines for reducing the spread of the virus. By providing high-quality masks to their staff and flight crews, companies can better protect their passengers and employees.
Another one of the major private jet trends is increased COVID-19 testing for crews and staff, especially for those who haven’t been vaccinated. Additionally, multiple temperature checks a day will likely continue to be a popular preventive measure, as these checks can identify crew members or staff with fevers, sending them home before they spread an illness.
Along with testing and temperature checks, private jet operators will continue to prioritize cleanliness in their aircraft interiors and facilities. Intensive cleaning practices utilizing heavy-duty sanitizers were already in full swing in 2020 and will continue for the rest of 2022. Many expect to see companies following other safety practices, like removing newspapers and magazines from planes and terminals. Additionally, private operators are vetting their ground transportation partners to ensure they’re following safety practices.
2. More First-Time Flyers
COVID-19 presents an opportunity for the private aviation market, as consumers are looking for safer ways to fly. Due to the desire for a safer flying experience, the market is expanding its customer base, with more first-time private jet passengers expected for the rest of the year. While some flyers may have previously avoided private airfare due to cost, the increased cleanliness and easier social distancing may make jet charters well-worth the money in these potential customers’ minds.
Since there’s a chance to bring in flyers who aren’t used to flying private, the private jet charter industry will continue to see greater marketing efforts geared toward these potential customers. This new customer base comes from those who regularly fly first-class or business class. While previous marketing efforts focused on the luxurious experience and faster flight, operators are now appealing to potential flyers by highlighting the increased safety and hygiene of private jets.
In addition to safety, the private jet industry can also focus on the greater safety of their facilities and the boarding process. Instead of waiting in lines, many flyers can drive right up to a private jet and enter it with minimal contact with other people. Additionally, flyers can wait at private facilities where companies keep contact with staff and other flyers to a minimum.
3. Use of Digital Technology
Corporate aviation has been implementing more advanced digital technology in their facilities and private jets for a while now to improve the experience of flyers. For example, digital tech like in-flight Wi-Fi is quite popular as it allows passengers to do work or unwind during the flight. With the spread of COVID-19, more digitization is expected to reduce the number of touchpoints and enhance passengers’ convenience throughout key steps, like placing a charter flight, checking in, paying, boarding, and disembarking.
To attract flyers and give them more peace of mind while flying, it’s likely the private jet industry will see an increase in a few key pieces of digital technology. To provide passengers with critical information for their safety, companies can implement technology that sends real-time information, news about the current COVID-19 restrictions at destinations, and status alerts if anything changes. Additionally, companies can make the buying process easier and safer in their facilities and on jets through the use of technology with contactless payment options.
4. More Routes to Eliminate Connecting Flights
Connecting flights put passengers at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, as they’re more likely to come in contact with other flyers or people while switching to another plane. These dangers of connecting flights are especially worrying for commercial flyers since their exposure to other people will significantly increase while passing through terminals. Private operators have greater flexibility in their ability to reduce connecting flights.
While commercial flights often need connecting flights to facilitate the needs of thousands of passengers, private aircraft can fly into smaller and more remote airports that commercial airlines can’t access. This allows private aircraft to fly direct routes to a passenger’s destination of choice.
Private jet operators will continue to maximize their operations to increase flights to remote destinations. Operators can change their routes to reduce any need for stops or connecting flights. All of these offerings can appeal to people who regularly fly commercial but want to reduce their need for connecting flights and the risks that come with them.
5. Sustainable Aviation Fuels
In the midst of COVID-19, many passengers are becoming more interested in aircraft running on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). With the increased demand for socially responsible practices, such as wearing a mask and staying socially distant, many people’s priorities have shifted to greater social responsibility across other aspects of their lives as well.
A recent GobalData survey found that for 43% of respondents, a service or product’s ethical, environmental, and social responsibility influences their buying decisions. Private jet owners employing SAFs can appeal to these greater demands for ethical and environmentally responsible products or services.
When compared to fossil jet fuels, experts see SAFs as a clean substitute. Unlike fossil fuels made from petroleum, SAFs come from sustainable sources, like non-fossil CO2, agricultural residues, and waste oils. Since these fuels offer a more environmentally-friendly option than petroleum-based ones, airlines can use them to attract customers interested in sustainability and social responsibility. Customers with personal sustainability goals will be much more attracted to taking private jets running on SAFs rather than commercial flights fueled by petroleum.
Besides attracting flyers with sustainability concerns, operators that switch to SAF fuels in 2022 can stay ahead of potential regulations. As fossil-fuels fall out of favor, commercial and private aircraft will face public pressure, and possibly regulation, concerning the use of fossil fuels. If an operator gets ahead of the curve now, they can set up the needed relationships with SAF companies to supply their fleet and avoid falling behind other forward-thinking businesses.
6. Increasing Private Jet Ownership
Private aviation has become one of the most popular air travel trends since the start of the pandemic. The private jet market will see new private jet owners who want to travel for business or personal reasons on their own terms. Sellers of small aircraft and private jets have seen a spike in sales, with buyers wanting greater safety and convenience in their flying experience.
Additionally, many FBOs have seen more private jet owners looking to use their facilities and services. An increase in aircraft maintenance, hangaring, fueling, tie-downs, and other relevant services has all seen much more demand in 2022.
Naturally, travelers prefer private aviation as the safer way to fly with less exposure the health threats. Specifically, passengers encounter about 700 touchpoints on a commercial flight, compared with only 20 touchpoints on a private flight. Travelers are also gravitating toward private aviation as commercial airlines continue to reduce their scheduled flights and raise personal safety concerns. Instead of staking their trip on an unreliable commercial airline, consumers are choosing private jet travel as a more dependable alternative.
While only 10% of those who could afford to fly privately actually did so before the pandemic, research estimates that now 79% of people who can afford a private jet are inclined to fly privately. Considering more than half — 53% — of new flyers say they plan to fly privately on a regular basis post-pandemic, it doesn’t look like the private aviation trend will be slowing down soon.
7. Increased Business Aviation
Compared with the commercial sector, the business aviation market has experienced a relatively low decrease in demand throughout the pandemic. Although business aviation did see a dip in travelers, the industry’s rebound began much sooner than the commercial market’s recovery did. Because business aviation provides flyers with more flexibility, time efficiency, and a larger possible reach, the demand for business air travel is expected to continue growing for the rest of 2022.
On a global scale, business aviation trends in 2022 have been more promising than commercial aviation patterns, with private jet operations for the first week-and-a-half of 2022 rose by 38% over 2021.
The U.S. has been driving the increased demand for business aviation and leading the industry’s recovery. Although many travel hubs still have a ways to go before seeing pre-pandemic numbers, some areas are already boasting more business flights than ever. Specifically, West Palm Beach has seen more movement than it did before the pandemic, and business jet usage in Texas is as high as it has been since 2018.
8. Younger Passengers and Pets
While business aviation has slowed due to the reliance on remote meetings, leisure travel has recovered quicker. Families with children and pets are expected to continue to use charter flights more regularly for the rest of 2021. Due to this trend, private jet operators have begun to offer greater accommodations for pets and children.
To appeal to families with small children, operators outfit their planes with booster seats and sleeping areas where a child can nap comfortably. Private jets also invest in on-board entertainment systems designed for children to help them stay occupied on a long flight. Additionally, many private jets also offer toys and books for children to play with or read while flying.
Forward-looking operators also store refreshments that are healthy and appropriate for children. Private jet staff should be trained to handle milk and baby food as well, storing it in appropriate locations that are easy for parents to access while in flight. Private jet travel can offer greater flexibility for parents who need to bring medications on board that might be subject to liquid limits and other restrictions on commercial flights.
9. Managing Costs
Operators and flyers in the private jet charter industry are both going to be looking for ways to manage rising costs. Limited capacity based on new charter clients entering the market, declining private aircraft manufacturing over several years, and aircraft owners taking their aircraft off charter due to health concerns over the virus has placed pressure on the overall availability of flight options. Although costs have increased due to the low supply and high demand for private travel, flyers can take certain measures to manage the cost of their flight. Traveling on off-peak hours and picking up an empty leg flight are a few ways where travelers can reduce their costs on private flights.
Of course, private jet owners still have to deal with several costs related to the operation of their jets. Factors such as insurance, fuel, and a limited number of qualified pilots can all raise costs.
To remain profitable and provide more affordable prices to customers, jet owners will need to source parts and maintenance services at a lower cost. As a result, the industry will likely see jet owners searching out cost-efficient suppliers offering high-quality products and services. Brokers and aircraft managers may also play a larger role in procuring affordable flights for their clients by helping them find the right airports, supplies, and availability.
How the Private Jet Industry Is Poised to Evolve
With all of the likely trends for the rest of 2022, the private jet industry is poised to undergo a significant evolution. This evolution is likely to continue even when the dangers of COVID-19 subside, as passengers will have different expectations for their private flying experience.
Find out more about how the private aviation industry is uniquely equipped to handle the new priorities of clients:
Need for safety and security: While COVID-19 is a more immediate worry for flyers, the desire to reduce one’s exposure to other diseases and viruses could continue to be a big consideration. The private aviation market has a great opportunity to continue to respond to these concerns by working on ways to deliver a more hygienic flying experience.
Desire for flexibility: The private aviation industry is all about flexibility, which is exactly what flyers want right now. With many commercial airlines scaling back the number of flights they are offering and limiting their availabilities, travelers are looking to private aviation to fill that gap and accommodate their schedules.
Demand for personal flying: As business flying has declined, the influx of private flyers on personal trips has increased. Due to the growth of new private flyers, operators may see greater demand from those on personal trips. These new flyers have different requests and concerns than business flyers, with private jets ready to meet their needs.
Change to necessity rather than a luxury: Many flyers have started to see private jet travel as a necessity for safe travel rather than solely a luxury experience. For the rest of 2022, we will continue to see a general shift in passengers’ views of private aviation, as customers see it as a necessary expense to keep themselves safe. Due to this shift, companies will continue to adjust their marketing efforts to promote the benefits of flying on a private jet.
Charter Your Next Flight With Latitude 33 Aviation
At Latitude 33, we’re prepared to offer all of our clients a luxurious and safe flying experience. As we operate the biggest and most cutting-edge fleet of light jets in the United States, we’re able to get you to your destination fast. We understand the safety concerns of our clients, and our crews are trained to observe COVID-19 guidelines. When flying with Latitude 33, you can expect the ultimate in comfort and privacy.
Charter your next flight with Latitude 33 Aviation by requesting a quote. If you have any questions, please contact us, and our concierge charter department will be happy to speak with you about how we can accommodate your needs.
Latitude 33 Aviation Delivers Two Aircraft in One Week
Welcome aboard the two latest aircraft to join our charter fleet – Cessna Citation XLS+ and Embraer Phenom 300
We are excited to announce the addition of two aircraft that were delivered in the same week. Anyone who is casually watching the private aircraft industry or fully engaged in the process of buying and selling private aircraft understands the vast amount of time and energy it takes to deliver an aircraft to a new owner, yet alone to two at the same time. Latitude 33 Aviation’s finely tuned global aircraft sales and acquisition team handles every aspect of the jet acquisition process, starting with a detailed market analysis and ending with aircraft home-base delivery.
The two aircraft to join our fleet are a 2017 Cessna Citation XLS+ and a 2013 Embraer Phenom 300. Both aircraft are based out of Latitude 33 Aviation’s headquarters at McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ) in Carlsbad, CA and are currently available for charter.
The 2017 Cessna Citation XLS+ has a maximum range of 2,100 nautical miles and features seating for 8 passengers. With extra wide, full reclining leather seats, the cabin can transform from a workspace to a comfort lounge. The spacious interior allows for plenty of room for you and your passengers to move around the cabin with ease. This aircraft is Latitude 33 Aviation’s only midsize jet to be available for charter out of McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ).
The addition of the 2013 Phenom 300 makes this the fourth Phenom 300 currently under Latitude 33 Aviation’s management and the third based out of McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, CA. The Embraer Phenom 300 has a range of 2,010 nautical miles and features seating for up to 8 people. The fit and finish of this aircraft is top notch with neutral cool tones and features forward divan seating.
FROM INQUIRY TO FINAL SIGNATURE
At Latitude 33 Aviation, we look at aircraft transactions from an operator’s point of view. We understand that value goes well beyond price and our experts know which details matter. The purchase of an aircraft is a complex process with many pitfalls. Our team achieves better financial results through superior valuations and in-depth oversight of the process. Latitude 33 provides the guidance and expertise to make aircraft acquisitions an enjoyable experience. No matter what stage of private aircraft ownership you’re in, our unsurpassed experience and knowledge of the marketplace make us the one true source for your private jet needs.
Air travel is the quickest method of getting from point-A to point-B, but it doesn’t have to be a purely functional experience. Choosing to travel by private jet offers a wide spectrum of benefits. In short, a trip taken with a private jet can be enjoyable, relaxing, comfortable, and efficient. By flying on a private jet, you are ensuring your travel needs will be met at every turn. You will not need to navigate commercial airport traffic or hassle with security, and private jet services can also be personalized for your individual requirements.
The option of owning your own plane is certainly appealing and there are a few different ways you can pursue ownership. Fractional ownership, for example, is buying a share of a plane and does not require as much of a commitment as full ownership.
Chartering a plane is a great alternative to purchasing; it is simply making a reservation to use a jet for your private use. All of the same benefits of flying privately apply to private chartered flights and are quite attractive, but if you have never chartered your own jet before, it can seem a bit daunting. We will review here, in three steps, how to charter a private jet, hopefully simplifying the process for you.
Determining your needs for flying is the first step. This will help to determine what type of company to reach out to, what type of plane you need, and the way you will want to charter (this is addressed in Step 03). Clarifying your private jet needs is easily accomplished by asking yourself a series of questions. You can then relay your specific travel needs to the charter company.
Are you going to be traveling frequently for business, and will your destinations often change, or will you be consistently flying to the same few places?
Are you looking for a last-minute flight?
Are you looking for an international flight?
How many people are you flying with?
How much luggage will you be bringing and will you have specialty luggage such as skis or golf clubs? (Keep in mind that the range is shortened with more weight, so it may be advantageous to ship larger luggage items to your destination ahead of time.)
Do you need a bed to rest in, Wi-Fi, or a larger cabin to fully stand up in?
After you have determined your needs for flying, ask for a detailed quote that includes additional fees (cancellation, overnight, de-icing, taxes, etc.).
02. UNDERSTAND THE LINGO
If you have never flown private before, it helps to know the lingo/keywords the industry frequently uses. Some general keywords to become familiar with are “prop planes,” “turboprop planes,” and “light jets.” Turboprop planes are roomy with seats arranged like commercial business class, while turbojets will be six to eight seaters, fly faster than prop planes, and feel more like a jet. Light jets are sleeker, more streamlined, and better for slightly longer trips.
Some more details to be aware of as you search for the charter jet that meets your needs will be the number of seats and the travel range. Now, instead of learning every single manufacturer and aircraft type out there, you can simply learn the different sizes of aircraft to get a good idea of what you’ll need. Important terms to learn are the frequently used aircraft categories:
Latitude 33 Aviation offers a wide variety of aircraft located throughout the nation. It is important to remember, though, that each jet can be decorated and set up to its owner’s specifications, so you should expect some variety as you do your research.
SAFETY RATINGS
Based on the type of aircraft that fits the needs of your trip, safety becomes your next determining factor. Private jet travel is extremely safe, but not all companies invest in the same level of standards. A key differentiator between charter companies is their safety rating. Wyvern Consulting and Aviation Research Group International, Inc. (ARGUS) are two independent aviation safety organizations. The more reliable charter operators hold the Wyvern Wingman and ARGUS Platinum certifications. Latitude 33 Aviation is part of the top five percent of U.S. private jet charter operators, and the only one in San Diego, to achieve the stringent ARGUS Platinum safety rating. To view the operator registry and their safety ratings, please visit the ARGUS website.
All private jets are regulated by the FAA, which sets minimum standards for maintenance as well as pilots’ experience and training. The best charter operators go above and beyond to exceed those minimum standards. As you are narrowing your search, ask for the operator’s FAA Air Carrier Certificate and D085. A current Air Carrier Certificate proves the company is authorized by the FAA to offer private jets for charter to the public. If they cannot provide this certificate, they are either an illegal charter company or a broker working as a middleman – as a travel agent does with an airline. The D085 is a page from the company’s FAA-approved scope of operations. It lists each aircraft the company operates, with registration (tail) number and serial number. If they quote an aircraft not listed on their D085, they are acting as a broker and another company operates that aircraft. This is normal within industry practice but should be disclosed with the client so the client is able to view the certificate holder.
03. CHOOSE YOUR COMPANY
Once you’ve determined your needs for flying and understand a little more about the industry, you can start looking into different companies that specialize in various types of private jet charters. Here are five different ways you can charter a private jet:
Private jet brokers have a great understanding of the industry and can use their connections to outsource the right plane to fit your needs. Brokers reach out to charter operators and do most of the work for you, in regard to finding an aircraft and arranging the contract details for your trip. (It should be noted that brokers are not required to hold any formal licenses, so it is important to ask about their background and ensure they have qualified knowledge of the industry. Many do belong to professional organizations; however, such as the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA) or the Air Charter Association of North America (ACANA), all of which act to elevate professional standards.) Once hired, a broker is able to walk you through the process and tell you what to expect while booking your chartered flight. Brokers do not own or operate any aircraft; they are essentially just a middleman resource who locate aircraft from operators all over the country or globe.
Like Latitude 33 Aviation, many companies are fixed-fleet operators, which means that the company either owns or manages/operates a fleet of planes that they charter out to people. Charter operators have full control over the aircraft and are the ones that will actually fly the passengers. You can reach out directly to the company and they will help you schedule your flight from their own fleet of planes. The personalized service will often include help scheduling your transportation to and from the airport, as well as any catering or special requests you have while onboard. This is when familiarity with the lingo of the industry comes in handy. Chartering a jet through a fixed-fleet operator is a great option for getaway weekends to exotic locations for the family and won’t tie up any capital or leave you to fret over logistics. In that way, it is very much like renting a car. There may be a repositioning charge, though, which is the cost of paying for the jet to return to its home base. The price you pay will be to charter the entire aircraft, not per passenger, and charged hourly. Ask plenty of questions to ascertain the fees involved, such as daily minimums and taxi fees. Don’t forget to ask about safety: any reputable private jet operator will have safety information readily available (perhaps even featured on their website), and they can also tell you about the possible incident history of their jets and experience of their pilots.
Jet cards are great for high-volume flyers who have repetitive traveling needs. This option allows you to buy a set number of hours (generally starting at 25 hours) from a company and then use those hours towards a specified selection of planes. Essentially, this is similar to receiving a “bulk” discount – purchasing a large number of flight hours upfront in exchange for slightly lower rates. If you travel often for business and need consistent flights, having a jet card would be great for you. Often, you don’t get to choose from a large variety of aircraft, so jet cards work better for consistently similar trips using the same aircraft type. This option for chartering can be a great way to “test run” a few different types of jets, though, to help you discern which you prefer and can be valuable if you are considering private jet ownership.
Another option for those who travel by air regularly is a flight membership. This opportunity will require an initiation fee along with annual dues. Membership benefits range widely by company and program, with some providing access to book aircraft at reduced rates and other memberships providing an unlimited number of flights on pre-determined routes and schedules. A wonderful benefit of having a membership is that you are guaranteed access to a certain fleet of aircraft. Flight memberships, like jet cards, are best for frequent flyers who usually have consistently similar traveling needs.
If you are looking for a last-minute flight, you can check to see if any company has an empty leg/one-way flight for you. One-way flights occur when an aircraft needs to be repositioned, which means they plan to fly empty to a certain location. Most companies will sell these flights at a discount and, although these flights are pre-determined on set days, there could be a flight that works perfectly for your schedule. Some companies offer email notification lists, which you can join to be notified about their upcoming one-way flights. These flights can provide significant discounts when compared to traditional charter flights. For those who are pre-existing members, some companies will even offer unlimited, free access to their empty-leg repositioning flights once you’ve paid your initiation and annual membership fees. One significant drawback to this option is that, if the trip is canceled or changed, you no longer have a way to get to your destination; but if your schedule allows for last-minute flexibility then this is a great bargain, with the bonus of lessening your carbon footprint!
CHARTER A PRIVATE JET WITH LATITUDE 33 AVIATION
Overall, chartering a private jet for pleasure or corporate travel can be a gratifying experience! Your enjoyment of air travel will certainly increase and through chartering a jet you have the opportunity to try various aircraft models, increasing both your familiarity with your preferences, as well as your confidence for future charter bookings. Latitude 33 Aviation’s charter department is available 24/7 for your custom flights and trips. Contact our concierge charter department at 1-800-840-0310.
Whether you are traveling for business or personal leisure, owning a private jet can be one of the best investments you can make when you love to travel in luxury. If you’re unsure if owning a jet is right for you or if you’re looking to lower the overall expenses of your jet, there are several ways you can lessen your ownership costs and even make a profit. For example, many jet owners charter their jet when they are not using it or turn to an aircraft management service.
If you’re interested in reducing your jet ownership costs, here is a look at the differences between fixed and variable costs and some ways you can reduce those expenses.
Fixed vs. Variable Costs of Jet Ownership
You can divide jet ownership costs between variable costs and fixed costs. Variable costs are defined as expenses that are subject to change, while fixed costs stay the same over a specific period. By knowing the differences between these types of costs, you can better plan for the future and manage your overall expenses.
What Are the Fixed Costs of Owning a Private Jet?
When you own a jet, you’ll have a few costs you know will stay the same over time. These costs can vary based on the jet’s size and type, but once you’ve agreed to the terms, these costs won’t be subject to change. Some of the fixed costs of owning a private jet include:
Capitalization costs: Your capitalization costs relate to the amount of money you have to pay to purchase or lease the aircraft, including the interest related to it.
Insurance costs: If you own a jet, you also have to purchase insurance to legally fly it. Your insurance expenses, such as liability and hull coverage, will come at a fixed rate.
Hangar: When you’re not using your jet, you’ll store it in a hangar. This hangar space will come at a fixed fee per month.
Management fee: Many private jet owners will hire a management team to handle various administrative services, such as accounting, record keeping, aircraft scheduling, maintenance coordination, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance monitoring, among other tasks. These services will come with a set fee from the management company.
Flight crew: Your jet needs a crew to fly it, and you’ll have fixed costs related to hiring a company to screen and interview flight crew candidates. A hiring or management company will also conduct a background check on candidates before presenting them to you. Along with paying for the screening and hiring process, you’ll also have fixed expenses that account for a crew’s salaries, benefits, uniforms, drug testing, and communications.
Flight crew training: You may also have expenses from continuously training crew members. These training costs are fixed, as training is conducted annually. Flight crew training ensures your pilots are as well-trained as possible and updated on the latest aviation information.
What Are the Variable Costs of Owning a Private Jet?
In addition to the fixed costs of owning a private jet, there are also several variable expenses. These include:
Parts and maintenance: Since you can’t account for every repair or replacement part your private jet will need, any expenses incurred from maintenance or parts fall under variable expenses. You can usually hire an aircraft management company to facilitate repairs and replacement costs.
Fuel: The costs to fuel a private jet are some of the main variable expenses you’ll have to pay whenever you travel. The price per gallon can change based on market fluctuations and by the location where you’re buying fuel, with some jet owners choosing to negotiate an airport’s fuel price in advance to better plan for their coming trip’s expenses.
Crew meals, travel, and hotels: Whenever you fly, you’ll need to cover the changing costs of your crew’s travel expenses, such as their lodging and meals.
Landing and parking: Whenever your aircraft arrives at its destination, you’ll likely have to pay a parking and landing fee that varies based on the airport. Since airports can charge different fees, it’s a good idea to check the costs of landing fees in various airports before deciding on your route.
Oil and other operating materials: Your aircraft may need materials like oil, nitrogen, aviator’s oxygen, methanol, and TKS fluid for maintenance and proper operation. Since you can’t always predict when you’ll need these items, they’re considered to be variable costs.
Cleaning and upkeep: You can schedule regular cleanings, but your costs can vary at times due to the location of the cleaning service or the need for more in-depth cleanings. Depending on how often you use the aircraft, you may have to pay for more cleaning services to ensure your aircraft is sanitized and always looks its best.
Catering: Whenever you order catering for your flight, you’ll pay for the costs of it, with the expense varying based on the cater’s pricing and the type of options they provide.
Using Charter Revenue to Reduce Aircraft Ownership Costs
With all of the fixed and variable costs related to jet ownership, you may want to reduce your ownership expenses. Many jet owners offset their annual operating costs through charter revenue. When you allow others to charter your jet, they’ll essentially rent your jet for a particular period and pay you whatever price you set. By chartering your jet, you can reduce your fixed costs significantly, such as your capitalization expenses, and even make a profit over time.
To charter your jet to other private flyers, you’ll need to define your scope of operation under the FAA’s 135 Air Carrier certificate. Applying for this certificate and having it approved will allow you to charter your jet to other flyers.
Below are some of the primary factors that influence the amount of revenue you can gain if you decide to use your jet for charter flights:
Age of aircraft: Newer aircraft tend to be more in demand than older aircraft. Due to the higher market demand for newer aircraft, a more recent model can often attract more flyers and increase your revenue as a result. Additionally, newer aircraft typically don’t have as many maintenance needs, resulting in lower variable costs for your jet.
Fixed and operation costs: Different aircraft come with different fixed and operational costs. These expenses can vary based on your jet’s make and model, with some aircraft featuring higher margins between their direct operating costs and the charter rate. Selecting an aircraft with fewer expenses related to private jet operating costs, such as fuel burn, maintenance, and engine expenses, can help you raise the profit you make per chartered flight.
Human capital: When you charter your flights, you can offset the costs of hiring pilots and crews for your personal flights. Instead of hiring individual crews per flight, you can end up hiring a two-person pilot team for around 350 hours a year. If you don’t plan to fly 350 hours on your own, chartering can help you reduce your human capital costs per flight by ensuring you get full use out of your crew and avoiding hiring new crews every flight.
Engine reserves: Typically, engine companies attribute engine reserves to hourly expenses, with many engine companies requiring jet owners to pay for a minimum annual dollar threshold. Even if you don’t fly enough to meet this annual dollar threshold, you’ll still have to pay for it. If you charter your jet, you can more easily meet this minimum and reduce your annual fixed costs as a result.
Should You Select an Aircraft Management Service When Chartering Your Aircraft?
Private jet owners can hire an aircraft management service to handle the chartering of their aircraft. When you hire an aircraft management service, you add your jet to a licensed charter fleet. Since an aircraft manager knows how to optimize your chartering services, you can raise your private jet chartering profits.
An aircraft management service partner will also often have the expertise and industry connections required to help you save on parts, maintenance, fuel, fleet insurance, and hangars. They’ll manage your flight crews and ensure they’re trained appropriately as well.
Aircraft management services can also manage the charter revenue process, reaching out to potential flyers and adding charters that work for your schedule. A great aircraft management partner will have accounting services available that track how much your charter revenue is offsetting your annual costs, too.
Overall, an aircraft management service can reduce costs, increase revenue, and take much of the responsibility of managing your aircraft off your hands.
Other Options to Save on Jet Ownership
In addition to using chartering revenue and an aircraft management service to lower your cost of jet ownership, you can also find a few other ways to reduce your overall expenses:
Co-ownership: One way to lower your costs is to co-own your jet with at least one other person. By co-owning your jet, you save at least half of your money on fixed costs and the initial purchase price. Keep in mind that you’ll have to iron out terms with any of the other co-owners under this model.
Fractional ownership: Through a fractional ownership program, a buyer can purchase shares in a jet. The size of the share you buy translates to the number of hours you can use the jet, helping you get the private jet experience without paying the full costs of ownership. Fractional ownership can be great for buyers who know they’ll only use a jet somewhere between 500 and 400 hours each year.
Cooperative ownership: Similiar to fractional ownership, a cooperative ownership agreement involves a cooperative owner buying a jet and then selling shares of the aircraft to one or more other flyers. Instead of having a fractional ownership program handle the management of the aircraft, the cooperative owner will be responsible for it. If you’re a cooperative owner, you can make money on your jet by charging members for shares, and you receive more control over the terms of the jet’s use compared to a co-ownership or fractional ownership model.
Leaseback agreements: In a leaseback agreement, you allow another organization to lease your aircraft from you. Leasing a private jet to others is often a good choice if you don’t fly your aircraft a lot and want to save money on your operating costs. If you choose this route, make sure the organization leasing your jet has terms that work for you.
Pick an affordable fixed-based operator (FBO): When you own a jet, choosing the right FBO can help you save costs as well. Since an FBO can handle your fueling, maintenance, parking, tie-down, and storage costs, finding the right FBO can help you keep expenses down. Some FBOs offer significant discounts if you sign up to use many of their services.
Should You Own or Charter a Private Jet?
If you’re deciding between owning a private jet or chartering it, the biggest consideration you’ll want to take into account is how often you plan to fly. If you’re not flying more than 200 hours, the costs of owning, operating, and maintaining a private may be too great to justify owning a jet outright. If you only plan to fly occasionally, a private jet charter can be a more financially savvy option, as you get all the luxury of private flying without the costs of owning the aircraft.
However, even if you plan to only fly occasionally, purchasing a private jet can still be a good choice. With all of the options you have to split costs and make revenue off a private jet, it can be an excellent investment opportunity. By chartering the flight to others, you can reduce your overall costs of owning the jet and potentially make a profit.
You might also want to consider the entry costs of purchasing a jet. A newer and more capable jet can come with higher costs that may not make sense for your needs. If you don’t want to pay for entry costs, then chartering a private jet is a great choice.
Buy a Private Jet or Book a Charter Flight With Latitude 33 Aviation Today
At Latitude 33 Aviation, we’re dedicated to helping our clients find the right private flying experience for their needs. We regularly charter flights for our clients, delivering a stress-free, luxurious flying experience.
We also have jet acquisition and jet brokerage services if you’re interested in purchasing an aircraft. If you already own a private jet, our aircraft management services can assist you with various administrative services and help you offset costs via charter revenue.
Fractional jet ownership is perfect for many private flyers who want the luxury and convenience of owning a private jet but don’t want to pay for the full costs of sole private jet ownership. By joining a fractional jet ownership program, you can get the many benefits of private flying without the full expenses of purchasing an entire private aircraft. As a fractional aircraft owner, you can customize how much of the aircraft you own to match your private flying needs and spread costs among other owners.
If you’re interested in fractional jet ownership, learn more about how it works, its benefits, the costs associated with it, and information about when it’s right for you. You may also want to review the main documents required for fractional jet ownership and some popular alternatives to jet sharing.
Fractional jet ownership refers to a form of professionally managed aircraft co-ownership. When someone wants to participate in a fractional jet ownership program, they’ll purchase a share of the jet, giving them partial ownership over the aircraft.
This share gives them an allotted amount of occupied hours per year that they can use to fly the aircraft. The flying time usually ranges between 50 and 400 hours, and most fractional jet shares will come in a multiple of 1/16th.
When you enter into a jet sharing program, you’ll most likely need to sign an aircraft management agreement lasting for multiple years. You should also know that you may not use the plane you specifically own every time you fly. In fact, it’s possible you may not ever step foot in it. Instead, the company running your fractional jet program will usually have a fleet of similar aircraft available for use, bringing you the closest one as needed.
How Do Fractional Jet Shares Work?
If you want to understand fractional jet shares, you should first know that a fractional plane’s operating time is generally a total of 800 hours per year. Since a fractional jet has 800 hours available per year, an owner’s share will represent a fraction of that number. For example, a 1/16h share will translate to the owner receiving 50 hours of flying per year.
Other popular shares include a 1/8 share equal to 100 hours, a 1/4 share equal to 200 hours, and a 1/2 share equal to 400 hours. Usually, you won’t see shares less than 1/16, as anything under 50 hours usually doesn’t justify the cost. Overall, you can expect higher costs for shares that come with higher hours. Additionally, you may find fractional jet ownership shares that go by the number of days you plan to use the jet rather than hours.
Benefits of Fractional Jet Ownership
Compared to full aircraft ownership, fractional jet ownership comes with several advantages that many flyers love. Some of the primary benefits of partial jet ownership include flexible availability, greater privacy, multiple jet options, and personalized investment opportunities. These advantages make fractional jet ownership an excellent travel solution for many flyers.
Here are some additional benefits of fractional jet ownership:
Flexible availability: When you’re a fractional jet owner, you usually have aircraft ready for you quickly. Most fractional providers can have an aircraft ready in only a few hours. If you need flights fast, fractional jet ownership can be a great choice.
More depreciation deductions: If you use your jet for business flights, you may be able to utilize depreciation deductions related to owning the jet that are not available when chartering. This ability to use depreciation deductions can give owners some tax benefits.
Multiple jet options: After purchasing a fractional jet share, you can often use multiple jets of the same type — even if the particular jet you own a share in is at another location while another owner uses it, you still have a jet available for you to fly on. Some fractional jet share programs also allow you to use different jets comparable in size and type to the jet you own fractional shares in.
Personalized investment opportunities: When you know you won’t need a personal jet year-round, you’ll love how customizable jet share programs are. You can choose various share options to purchase the number of hours you know you’ll need during the year, with some plans allowing you to bank unused hours over your contract’s length. This level of personalized investment allows you to see the benefits of jet ownership without the higher costs related to purchasing an entire jet.
Greater privacy: Flying on a private jet gives you the ultimate in privacy whenever you need to travel. Additionally, since the jet is registered under the fractional company’s name, your travel will stay out of the limelight, as your name won’t be attached to your flight activity on publically available data sources.
Reduced flying costs: Fractional jet ownership provides owners with the comfort, convenience, and time-savings of flying private without as many expenses related to owning a full jet. As a fractional jet owner, you won’t have to pay for an entire jet, and you’ll avoid paying the full costs associated with a jet’s services, maintenance, and crews. These reduced financial responsibilities make fractional jet ownership very cost-effective for many flyers.
What Are the Costs Associated With Fractional Jet Ownership?
While you’ll see reduced costs when you choose fractional jet ownership instead of full jet ownership, you’ll still have some expenses you should be aware of. Before you decide to purchase a share of a jet, it’s crucial to understand what costs you’ll be responsible for.
To give yourself more information on the expenses associated with jet sharing, review the main fractional jet ownership costs below:
1. Acquisition Cost
When you first purchase a share in a jet, you’ll have to pay an acquisition cost, otherwise known as a capital fee. These fees will be directly tied to how large your share in the jet is and the type of aircraft you’re purchasing.
For example, a share in a smaller jet will often cost less than a share in a larger one. You might find that a 1/16 share in a smaller jet may only cost a few hundred thousand dollars, while a 1/4 share in a larger business jet might come with a cost in the millions.
2. Monthly Management Fees
Management fees include fixed costs related to owning a jet, such as insurance, comprehensive pilot training, aircraft subscriptions, and administrative expenses. They also include paying for hangar space while the plane is not in use and is being stored.
As a partial jet owner, you won’t have to pay for the full amount of management fees related to owning an entire jet. The cost of your monthly management fees will come down to your share’s size. So, someone with a 1/4 share will pay more than an owner with a 1/16 share of the same jet.
3. Occupied Hourly Fee
Along with management fees and acquisition costs, you’ll also have to cover an occupied hourly fee. This fee includes costs related to in-flight catering, the crew’s wages, fuel, maintenance, and engine reserves. Essentially, the occupied hourly fee relates directly to any expenses incurred while using the jet. Since you may take shorter or longer trips and have different in-flight catering needs, these fees vary based on your particular requirements.
When Is Fractional Jet Ownership Right for You?
Knowing if jet ownership is right for you often comes down to how much you plan to use a jet per year. The general rule of thumb across the industry is that fractional jet ownership is only cost-effective if you use a jet at a minimum of 50 hours a year.
Essentially, using the jet less than 50 hours wouldn’t justify the jet’s cost, and it might be better for these types of private flyers to charter flights instead of purchasing shares. Of course, if you need to use a jet for more than 50 hours a year, fractional jet ownership is likely an excellent option.
You should also be comfortable with the jet type you purchase. Private flyers who often travel with different sized groups may want to avoid buying a fraction share, as the jet you purchase a share in may not have the capacity you need for larger groups. Fractional shares are often a better option for people who don’t plan to have much variance in the number of passengers they normally fly with.
How Do Fractional Jet Agreements Work?
When you enter into a fractional jet agreement, you’ll have a few documents you’ll need to sign and agree with.
1. Binder or Deposit Agreement
A binder agreement, or deposit agreement, refers to a provider’s document requiring a buyer to place a deposit before they hold the buyer’s share. A binder agreement guarantees the owner’s pricing won’t change, states a firm delivery date, and identifies the particular aircraft the buyer is purchasing a share in. The agreement should also let the buyer know when their deposit becomes nonrefundable.
2. Purchase Agreement
The purchase agreement is a document the buyer uses to purchase their fractional shares from a provider. This agreement covers the provider’s warranties and representations related to the aircraft’s condition and title. It also lays out how the provider will repurchase your share after the agreement, as well as terms and fees related to leaving your agreement early.
3. Master Dry Lease Exchange Agreement
A master dry lease exchange agreement dictates the relationship between the aircraft’s fractional owners. This agreement usually has every owner sign off on other owners using their aircraft. By signing this document, owners also receive the ability to use the provider’s fleet in place of the aircraft they own a share in.
4. Management Agreement
In this agreement, the buyer agrees that the provider will serve as their aircraft’s manager and fractional program’s administrator. The agreement covers how many hours the owner can fly, their flying costs, and when they can fly. These agreements can also stipulate how rollover hours work, the owner’s right to interchange, where owners can fly, and peak travel days when the owner will have more restrictions. Additionally, it will explain how the provider calculates flight time and how far in advance you have to reserve the aircraft.
Are There Alternatives to Fractional Jet Ownership?
For some buyers, fractional jet ownership isn’t right for their flying requirements. Luckily, buyers can choose from several alternatives that may fit their needs more closely. Find out more about the alternatives to fractional jet ownership below:
Purchasing a jet: If you fly frequently and don’t want any restrictions on your flying, purchasing a private jet is a great investment. When you own a private jet, you can fly as much as you’d like and change your schedule at any time. Many buyers also enjoy owning an entire jet, as it can be an investment opportunity. They can sell it back later and even rent it out to other flyers to make a profit.
Private jet leasing: When you’re not sure if you want to own a jet, a private jet lease is an excellent choice. With a lease, you essentially rent the aircraft for a specified period of time and sell it back to the leasing company at your contract’s end. Leasing a private jet can give you plenty of information about whether you want to eventually own a jet and help you make an informed buying decision. Private flyers also enjoy leasing because they can switch to another plane when their contract ends.
Jet cards: Another popular alternative to fractional jet ownership is purchasing a jet card. These cards allow you to buy a set number of flight hours in bulk, allowing you to save on costs compared to individually purchasing a flight every time you need a private jet. If you purchase a jet card, you’ll prepay for a number of jet flights, with the card’s terms guaranteeing availability and a fixed hourly rate. Hourly rates for jet cards are higher than fractional ownership, but they do not require as large of an upfront capital outlay.
Aircraft charters: When you only fly occasionally and don’t want any long-term commitments, chartering an aircraft is a great decision. Since an aircraft charter is only a one-time expense, aircraft charters don’t require you to place a large sum of money down up front, and you won’t pay ongoing fees. Additionally, aircraft charters allow you to choose various types of jets each time you fly, giving you the flexibility to select the right size and type of jet for your needs.
Explore Jet Chartering and Transaction Services From Latitude 33 Aviation
At Latitude 33 Aviation, we’re ready to give you the ultimate in private flying luxury. We regularly provide our buyers with jet acquisition and brokerage services, as well as extensive aircraft management and private jet charter services. We also have a premier aircraft fleet made up of light, midsize and heavy jets, with every charter aircraft option offering an upscale and lavish experience.
Request a quote to charter a private jet today. If you’re interested in owning a jet, please feel free to inquire about our sales services.
Latitude 33 Aviation Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary
The start of 2021 marked Latitude 33 Aviation’s 15-year anniversary.
With tremendous thanks to clients, aircraft owners, partners, and employees, Latitude 33 Aviation was able to reach this milestone and continue the trend of exponential growth year over year since its start in 2006.
Look back on the first ten years of Latitude 33 Aviation and how two owner-pilots with an intense passion for aviation came together to create a successful, industry-recognized private jet charter, management, and sales company that has grown to manage a wide fleet of aircraft across the nation.
See the accomplishments that were achieved during the first ten years and how Latitude 33 Aviation celebrated its success in 2017.
Over the past five years, Latitude 33 Aviation has continued to exceed expectations and meet company goals despite the many challenges the aviation industry faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some accomplishments over the past five years:
Evolved fleet composition with the needs of clients to include 34 aircraft additions – 16 of those in the midsize, super-midsize, and heavy jet categories
Diversified fleet with additions of new aircraft types including Global 5000, Pilatus PC-24, Praetor 600, and Legacy 500
Hired 26 new employees and expanded operations to 4 new U.S. cities
When asked what he was most proud of over the past five years, Casey Miller, President & Owner of Latitude 33 Aviation, said, “The discipline we have as a company. We’ve been fortunate to experience significant growth over the last five years, but we have managed to keep our service at a high level. We’ve passed on several aircraft management opportunities that would have been profitable for the company but were not in line with our long-term strategy of continuing to provide a high touch service from the top down. As with every other industry, COVID had a major impact on our business. The business basically went to zero at the start of COVID, then immediately increasing to record levels. I’m incredibly proud of the way we have balanced the added business and workload, while not losing site of our core values.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Our pilots were very professional, helpful, and friendly. They worked hard to ensure we were comfortable for the entire flight!”
– Charter client, San Diego
“Thanks again for your superior service. All the way around, Latitude 33 is the best I have seen in the private jet charter business. I’ve been around charter now for 25 years. Kudos to the whole team.”
– Charter client, Los Angeles
“Efficient, knowledgeable and professional. I trust the experts at Latitude 33 with all my aircraft management and aviation needs.”
Latitude 33 Aviation, a private jet management, charter, and sales and acquisitions company, based at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, CA is an industry-recognized expert in delivering professional, full-service management programs while maintaining a safety, security, and customer service record that its clients can count on. Founded and run by current, professional pilots, Latitude 33’s leadership has the unique perspective of the private jet industry’s pulse from the front lines, not from behind a desk.
We manage one of the newest and largest fleets of light, midsize, super-midsize, and heavy jets in the United States. Our team of professionals specialize in creating private charter flights that make luxury travel your new standard, and they likewise assist with aircraft acquisition, management, and brokerage services in order to make aircraft ownership a smooth and stress-free process.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 15 years. We look forward to future flights!
Latitude 33 Aviation is proud to announce the addition of a 2015 Cessna Citation Sovereign+ to its charter fleet. This jet offers increased capacity in the super-midsize aircraft category and provides even more availability for true transcontinental flights while still being excellent on short-range performance. The powerful, range-enhancing winglets on the Sovereign+, combined with the powerful engines, allow the aircraft to whisk charter clients off to even more locations like The Bahamas, New York City, and Miami from its home base in Carlsbad, California. This state-of-the-art super-midsized aircraft will join Latitude 33 Aviation’s fleet of managed and chartered aircraft, bringing the total fleet size to over 30 aircraft, nine of them falling under the super-midsize category.
ABOUT THE CESSNA CITATION SOVEREIGN+
The Citation Sovereign+ was designed with a maximum range of 3,200 nautical miles. At high-speed cruise, the Sovereign+ delivers a premium passenger experience featuring a completely restyled interior with more fluid cabinetry and enhanced LED lighting to brighten up the cabin. Optimizing cabin comfort for passengers and crew alike, the cabin volume for the Citation Sovereign+ is 571 cubic feet with a layout configuration that features comfortable seating for up to nine passengers. The aircraft’s wireless cabin management system equips each passenger with productive connectivity and entertainment through their personal electronic devices. Clarity cabin-management system integrates the cabin electrical system, avionics, and communications through a fiber-optic backbone. All this to ensure passengers will enjoy every nautical mile in luxurious comfort where the journey becomes as enjoyable as the destination.
FLY NONSTOP IN OUR 2015 CESSNA CITATION SOVEREIGN+
As a center of fashion, finance, creative expression, music, food, and entertainment, New York City is truly unique. Experience “the City that Never Sleeps” with a trip on our 2015 Cessna Citation Sovereign+.
The Bahamas
Fly to the tropical islands of The Bahamas in our 2015 Citation Sovereign+ and explore the most beautiful destination in the Caribbean region. Spend the day on a luxurious beach or try out some fun water actives like snorkeling.
Well-known for its glamorous beaches and beautiful sunny weather, Miami, Florida is the perfect vacation destination year-round. Start your Miami trip with a flight on our 2015 Cessna Citation Sovereign+
SUPER-MIDSIZE SOVEREIGN+ MEETS HIGH TRAVEL DEMAND
This aircraft is a welcomed addition, as Latitude 33 Aviation has seen massive growth in the demand to fly privately. This super-midsize aircraft enables Latitude 33 Aviation to supply that demand, fulfill more charter requests, offer more backup options for when travel plans changes, and reach more locations to service clients.
Solomon Short, Owner and Director of Operations at Latitude 33 Aviation, added, “The hourly price point of this aircraft is the perfect addition to the Latitude 33 Aviation fleet as it offers long range capabilities at a rate well below some of its competition. With the private jet travel industry seeing record demand and limited supply, the timely addition of this Sovereign+ allows Latitude 33 Aviation the ability to offer another industry leading solution to our charter customers.” From pre-arrival and in-flight amenities to one-of-a-kind destination experiences, Latitude 33 Aviation curates memorable and customized journeys for passengers.
There are many reasons why you or your company may be considering aircraft ownership if you are flying more than you anticipated this year. Summer travel continues to be a hot topic with all the uncertainty as the world opens back up. Major airlines continue to change schedules and drop routes. Commercial flights are fully booked with hundreds of passengers and thousands of touch-points you come in contact with during your entire flight process. Private jet charter welcomed many first-time flyers during 2020. Brokers, operators, and jet cards are introducing more blackout days, fully booked schedules on peak charter days, and higher fees. Increased booking windows and less availability of select aircraft are making an impact on the type of plane and experience you have come to expect. As the demand for travel significantly increased, so have private aircraft sales.
As a private jet owner, you are in control of the schedule, destination, and passengers on board – all without the wasted time waiting in long queues or navigating through crowded major airports.
Your aircraft is available whenever you want it, on your schedule.
BENEFITS OF OWNERSHIP
Tax Benefits
Potential for significant tax savings, including up to 100% bonus depreciation.
Privacy/Safety/Accessibility
Enjoy minimal touch-points, travel with only the passengers you choose, and have control over your aircraft’s schedule and availability.
Cost of Ownership
Managing your asset and planning for the future.
Tax Benefits
If your plan is to use your jet primarily for business, there are some potential tax benefits that can help offset the costs of the initial investment. On average, these deductions go above and beyond to help justify the sizable upfront purchase price.
Previously, businesses were able to recover up to 70% of a factory-new jet’s initial cost within three years time, based upon a disparity between the asset’s real-life rate of depreciation and accounting. In addition, a “bonus depreciation” was possible to speed up defined depreciation rates upwards of 50%. However, tax reform passed in late 2017 allows the potential for 100% bonus depreciation for the aircraft in the first year and applies to both new and used aircraft – a key benefit to those who can take advantage of the change. This means that after a business purchases a private jet, it can potentially depreciate the full purchase price of the aircraft immediately. Keep in mind, these potential tax deductions don’t apply to recreational/personal use of the aircraft. It is uncertain how long these tax incentives will remain in place, so many would-be aircraft buyers are choosing to take advantage of these current benefits before they go away.*
Privacy/Safety/Accessibility
Privacy
With the purchase of your own private jet, you can ensure a level of confidentiality and security above all other forms of personal or business travel. Whether it’s required due to your industry or a personal preference, owning your own aircraft places you in control of your personal and private travel requirements. Normally common among high-profile business professionals and celebrities, private jet travel is now becoming more widespread as privacy and personal information concerns are on the rise.
Safety
Private jet travel is extremely safe, but not all companies invest in the same level of standards. You want to work with a company like Latitude 33 Aviation who is among the top five percent of U.S. private jet charter operators to achieve the stringent ARGUS Platinum safety rating. However, safety concerns expand beyond the aircraft. You may have allergies or want to ensure a completely risk-free environment. You may experience sensitivities to perfumes or strong odors or have a compromised immune system. Perhaps you are concerned about your pet’s safety during flights or wary of not having the freedom to bring them along with you when traveling. Private jet ownership offers you the safety and convenience of controlling your surroundings by traveling consistently on your aircraft which is important for those with health concerns.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a huge deciding factor and an added plus for private aircraft owners. Are you having a difficult time securing an aircraft for your private charter flights? Are your charter rates or jet card rates continuing to climb? Are holiday and peak travel period surcharges exceeding your planned budget? Then ownership of a private aircraft is a perfect solution to remove limitations of accessibility for your personal or business life. Whatever your reason, owning a private aircraft will always supply the greatest opportunity for privacy, comfort, and flexibility. These preferences are major factors influencing the decision for many clients to move from chartering to private jet ownership.
Cost of Ownership
Attempting to become a jet expert overnight and purchasing an aircraft unassisted alone can be risky. Latitude 33 Aviation will help you select the perfect aircraft for your specific needs and introduce you to the latest aircraft models by industry-leading manufacturers. Whether you are looking for an all-new private jet or pre-owned aircraft for sale, our aviation company based out of Southern California walks you through the selection process to maximize your investment and minimize your risk. In some cases, the cost of ownership could possibly cost less than chartering or being a jet card member depending on your amount of travel.
When purchasing an aircraft, there are five primary categories of planes to choose from. The category is determined by factors like maximum range and passenger-carrying capacity:
Determining which aircraft category is right for you depends on various factors of your travel requirements. Are you traveling for business or pleasure? How many passengers do you normally travel with? How far away are your frequently traveled destinations?
For example, if you fly shorter local trips between 100-600 miles, a turboprop is a good choice. However, if you travel with a larger party of 11 or more passengers and want to cover longer distances nonstop, then a heavy jet is best-suited for that mission.
If you are thinking about buying a jet to charter out or for personal use, it’s best to include the following in your thought process: average trip length, typical and maximum number of passengers that will be flying, potential savings from chartering, factory-new or pre-owned aircraft, desired acquisition budget, etc.
Finding a private jet to purchase can be a daunting task to pursue alone. It will most likely have you wondering if you’re vetting out all the best aircraft on market or getting a good deal as there are few aircraft valuation tools that are easily accessible. Latitude 33 Aviation makes the entire aircraft purchase process seamless and enjoyable for a buyer. Our dedicated in-house aircraft market intelligence team will build a custom aircraft market report with curated jet options aligned to your specific needs and preferences. Our data is based on a proven mix of real-time market updates, industry trends, market reports, realistic cost of ownership, aircraft history, and comprehensive investigative research. This allows you to make an informed and confident decision on the purchase of a factory direct acquisition or a pre-owned private jet. Information in these reports include the aircraft’s manufacture year, serial number and registration, aircraft location, total number of airframe hours, days on market, condition of paint and interior, pricing expectations, and more. Our experts are upfront about the condition of each aircraft for sale, as we closely analyze maintenance history and inspection reports for a sound purchase. We will also assist with negotiations, inspections, FAA documentation, closing, and delivery of your new aircraft.
After purchasing an aircraft, there are ongoing costs for managing your private jet. These costs include but are not limited to hangar fees, fuel, landing fees, catering, hull insurance, liability insurance, crew and/or crew training, and average maintenance for parts and labor. When purchasing an aircraft, it is important to understand the total cost of ownership by evaluating not just the acquisition cost but also those for ongoing operations.
PARTNERING WITH AN EXPERT IN PRIVATE AIRCRAFT SALES
Latitude 33 Aviation is a fixed-fleet operator – not a broker, jet card, or app on your phone. We manage one of the newest and largestfleets of light, midsize, super-midsize, and heavy jets in North America. With over 120,000 hours of operational experience, we leverage our expertise to help you acquire the right aircraft that aligns with your mission profile and helps you gain the most out of your private jet asset for your business, family, and lifestyle. Deploying our management services will simplify the ownership experience and reduce your costs with fleet discounts, significant buying power to save on fuel, maintenance, subscriptions, and more. We understand details matter at each phase of the process – cash flows, account reporting, fuel savings, training, maintenance, and a flight crew that allow you to focus on what matters most to you. Let Latitude 33 Aviation help you make the most of your valuable time.
Ready to purchase an aircraft?
At Latitude 33 Aviation, we are glad to help you through this process. Leverage an industry-recognized group of experts delivering professional, full-service private aircraft sales and acquisition services. Latitude 33 will handle every aspect of the private jet acquisition process for you including market analysis, aircraft selection, contract negotiations, legal and tax referrals, facility selection, on-site pre-buy representation, and jet pilot mentoring. We will gladly answer any questions and help you through the acquisition process. There has never been a better time to start the buying process than right now.
The Fourth of July calls for friends, family, barbeques, and of course, fireworks. As we start to transition back to normal life after spending more than a year indoors, people are becoming more eager to celebrate holidays the way they did pre-pandemic. This Independence Day marks the beginning of summer celebrations with friends and family.
Whether you plan on celebrating locally or taking a trip to California, we put together a complete guide to make your Fourth of July celebration memorable. From exclusive cruises to spectacular fireworks shows, California has numerous events and activities to enjoy on the Fourth of July. Looking for other special destinations this Fourth of July? Contact our charter department and they will gladly arrange any accommodations you may need.
SAN DIEGO
With five-star hotels and amazing beaches, San Diego is a great destination to spend the Fourth of July. Hosting various events, there is something to do on the Fourth of July for everyone. Here is a roundup of the best places to enjoy fireworks and celebrate the Fourth of July in San Diego:
SeaWorld San Diego – Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular – Starting at 9:30pm, SeaWorld San Diego will put on a special fireworks show for the Fourth of July. View for free from Mission Bay Park, or spend the day at the park and end the night with a fantastic fireworks display.
LEGOLAND California – Red, White & BOOM! – The only fireworks display that magically transforms into bursts of LEGO bricks. View for free from some of the local businesses or spend the day at the amusement park with the family.
San Diego’s Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show – View one of the largest fireworks displays in California from a location of your choice. The show starts at 9pm, so sail your private boat out on the bay during the firework show for an exclusive and up close experience. Enjoy the show displayed from four barges on San Diego Bay.
San Diego County Fair Fourth of July Celebration – Located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the best view of the fireworks display will be from the West Avenue and West Gate area. Keep in mind that viewing is limited because the fair is open by reservation only and there will be no seating at the Grandstand area.
La Jolla Fireworks – A local favorite – the annual fireworks show in La Jolla has been a beloved attraction for over 25 years. The best view is from Ellen Browning Scripps Park overlooking the La Jolla Cove. Arrive early to claim your parking spot or spend the day at the beach or nearby parks to ensure you get the closest view.
SAN FRANCISCO
Charter a private jet to San Francisco and enjoy one of the largest fireworks displays in the country with unmatched views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Two sets of synchronized firework displays ensures you get the best view no matter your location. Get even closer to the action with a cruise on the bay. There are numerous cruise options to choose from that depart from Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy other summertime attractions in SF like an Oakland A’s baseball game or a free concert at Stern Grove Park.
LAKE TAHOE
Escape the city with a vacation to Lake Tahoe for the 4th of July. With sandy beaches, water activities, all-day barbecues, and more, it is no surprise Lake Tahoe is a popular attraction on the Fourth of July. Bring your boat out on the lake and enjoy Lights on the Lake. Lake Tahoe hosts the largest synchronized fireworks display in the western United States. Looking for something romantic to do on the Fourth of July? Several restaurants on the lake have exclusive tables open for reservation with special arrangements to view and dine during the show.
LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles has endless fun for your Fourth of July weekend. Attend a concert at the Hollywood Bowl for a summer concert series or enjoy some great views while watching a rooftop movie. Marina del Rey’s 4th of July Fireworks Show starts at 9pm and can be seen from virtually anywhere in Marina del Rey, Venice Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach. Hop on a city cruise, or charter a private yacht to get the ultimate close-up view. One of the biggest fireworks shows in Southern California can be found at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium – The 95th Annual AmericaFest. Parking opens at 3pm, doors to the stadium open at 5:30pm, and the festivities start at 7pm.
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest travel days of the year. Add extra time to your vacation by chartering a private jet to one of these locations. If you are interested in chartering a private jet for the Fourth of July, please contact our charter department today. For a spontaneous summertime adventure, hop on a one-way flight. View our one-ways page for the most up-to-date list of empty leg flights.
