Advancements in small plane crafts, coupled with continuing problems in commercial air travel, have created a breeding ground for the increase in private jet chartering and private pilot licensing. Private air travel used to be reserved for the wealthy elite, but economic troubles along with the pre-existing problems with commercial air travel paved the way for increased popularity in flying on private jets. There are a number of ways to fly privately, from full ownership of your own plane and jet share programs to charter planes and pay as you go.
While flying on a private jet isn't exactly affordable for the general public, it's not as extravagant and high-end as most people think. Because of increases in international business and global markets, private companies and corporations see private jet ownership as a lucrative investment.
There are a number of benefits to flying in a private jet, but one of the greatest arguments for flying privately comes from problems with commercial air travel. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 2007 commercial flights were on time only 74 percent of the time, a statistic that can greatly affect the scheduling and conducting of important business matters. Private jets are a reliable means of transportation, as they leave according to your schedule and allow for flexibility in rescheduling and lengthening stays.
If money is not an option--and it rarely is if you can afford to fly privately--the sky is the limit when it comes to private jet services and features. While almost all private jet packages include the comfort of additional space and privacy, on-board catering and drink services and entertainment, there are a number of additional features for the air traveling elite. Many luxury brand corporate jet leasing services offer clients anything they want in special boutique packages, from in-flight exercise classes, spa services and on-board massage therapists to gourmet catering, state-of-the-art entertainment and full-service Internet and other business services.
Not everyone can use private jet services. In general, large corporations own private jets and lease these planes for private individual air carrier services, but even the leasing of jet services is expensive. Large corporations and some wealthy individuals will usually rent their planes to jet leasing businesses when they are not using the planes to help carry the weight of ownership fees. When renting a plane from a private contractor, be sure to check whether the company is registered with the Federal Aviation Association to ensure that certified air carriers are dealing with the safety and administration of the flight and crew. FAA-registered and certified air carriers maintain the aircrafts and ensure the crew follows FAA flight regulations.
Experts say that private flight travel will become increasingly more available to the general public because of the advancements in small jets and private planes. Several private jet associations are also helping to increase the availability of private jets and private pilot licensing. The Experimental Aircraft Association is an organization that encourages small plane inventions and organizes events and annual aviation trade shows. Light aircrafts on the market also add to the potential for private aircraft travel.
