In our business, we’re well aware of the myths about private aviation. We know that some of these myths have kept smart businesspeople who could benefit from private air travel from considering it as a productivity tool.
This is unfortunate because once people get started with us, many say that they wish they had discovered this option sooner.
Myth #1 – Air Charter is for Corporate Fat Cats
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The Myth |
The Reality |
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Quick! – What kind of person do you think about when you think of private air travel?
Most people think of the “corporate fat cat” in the suit with the gold cufflinks, lighting a Cuban cigar and drinking single-malt whiskey while he reviews his multi-gazillion-dollar stock portfolio.
The Reality
Many of our clients are business teams including customer service people, engineers and salespeople who find that doing business in person is simply more effective than email, phone or videoconferencing. Our clients also include families with elderly parents, small children or pets who want to enjoy their precious vacation and family time enjoying each other, rather than being subjected to long security lines, airport delays and luggage restrictions.
Myth #2 – Charter Aircraft are all Big, Expensive Private Jets
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Quick! – What kind of aircraft do you think about when you think of private air travel?
Most people think of the enormous, luxurious large-cabin aircraft like the Gulfstream V pictured above.
The Reality
Just as ground transportation includes a variety of vehicles, from limousines to luxurious RVs with all of the amenities to smaller, more economical cars; private air travel can include everything from the big business jets to smaller, more economical aircraft that can get three people where they need to go quickly and efficiently. These smaller aircraft are often best for certain trips because they can land at airports much closer to your travel destination. Our travel experts can help you select the best aircraft from our fleet to meet your budget and preferences.
Myth #3 – My Board (Or Shareholders, or Customers) Won’t Approve if I Use Air Charter
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Quick! – What reaction do you expect from your board, shareholders or customers if you use private air travel?
Many businesspeople are concerned that stakeholders or the public will disapprove of the use of private air charter in the course of doing business.
The Reality
Other than a very few highly publicized events, the mode of transportation that you use is of much less importance to intelligent stakeholders than the results you achieve. And it’s been our experience that private aviation can be a very effective tool for achieving more of your objectives in less time.
- Your customer service and sales staff are more effective when they are able to make more sales and service calls in the same amount of time.
- Your engineers and product development staff achieve much better results at the office or at their client sites than in the airport lounge waiting on a delayed departure.
- Your service staff can carry samples, equipment, tools and other luggage on a charter aircraft that are not allowed by the airlines.
- Your customers are happier when you can solve their problems more quickly.
I have been thinking of a neat way to kickoff my honeymoon and heard about air charters for island hopping. At first I thought it would be way too expensive, like you mentioned. However, just like you said, it’s surprising how many affordable options are available.