Understanding the many different private jet companies, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time private jet flyer, can be increasingly confusing, with each promising the best service and solutions while all are appearing relatively similar in their offerings. There are various players to consider when it comes to flying privately, ranging from brokers to operators. However, as private aviation grows in popularity, more companies are attempting to streamline the process by providing on-demand flights as needed. We’ve identified the largest private companies and what they offer to help flyers understand the different options available and choose the right operator and service for them.
CHARTER COMPANIES AND THEIR BUSINESS MODELS
Jet charter companies come in different forms, but they all have one thing in common: matching customers with available seats.
The difference between the different types of services is in the way they run their businesses. Clients can buy fractional ownership from some providers, for example. In essence, you buy a percentage of the aircraft and related support, and your usage is proportional to your ownership.
Other private jet companies offer pre-determined time blocks for sale. The client determines how much time they will need and buys a block of hours, ostensibly lowering the overall cost.
Pay-as-you-go is another option, though it’s less popular because it requires no upfront investment or ownership, which makes it more difficult to secure space.
Paying a flat rate for unlimited access and usage sounds appealing, but it may be the most difficult to implement. Several businesses have made similar promises and then failed miserably. It’s unclear how a jet charter company could make money using this model, which necessitates a virtually infinite pool of aircraft and pilots, which does not exist. All certified aircraft must be grounded for routine maintenance, and qualified aircrews are in short supply.
Flight Options
Founded in 1973, Flight Options is one of the largest jet companies in the world. A major leader in aviation services, Flight Options purchases fractional shares of aircraft for their clients, which has provided them with a large fleet made up of over 150 planes. The company prides itself on providing reliable and safe transportation solutions throughout all areas of the country as well as across the globe. They have multiple global offices to serve customers worldwide and including offices in Europe and Asia. The company also provides management services for corporations that provide private air travel for their executives’ needs. Through these services, they’ve managed to sell more than $1 billion worth of flights per year since 1992. its
NetJets
Global NetJets is one of the biggest private jet companies. They offer various services to their clients through fractional ownership, charter service, and management services. Their fleet consists of over 150 aircraft, including multiple business jets, airplanes, and helicopters. The company prides itself on having a wide range of choices for customers who may not afford the price tag associated with purchasing a private jet outright and want fractional industry leader in aircraft management, acquisition, and servicing solutions for corporations world wide making since 1964. NetJets specializes in managing all aspects of corporate aviation for large and small businesses, including flight scheduling problems, air travel issues, and even emergencies. NetJets has offices in North America, South America, Europe.
Wheels Up
Wheels Up, a relative newcomer with only seven years under its belt, is an example of a company moving away from traditional “old money” mindsets. Instead, it relies on technology, similar to Uber or Lyft, to schedule flights on short notice. After doing some research on WHEELS UP, it appears that no significant changes have been made since 2018. It’s important to distinguish Wheels Up from Uber and Lyft because an app can schedule rides on short notice. It’s still a jet charter company in the sense that you have to pre-pay for a plan or package.
The Bombardier Group
The Bombardier Group, a commercial aircraft, can, and business jets manufacturer, was founded by Joseph-Armand Bombardier at Valcourt Airport (Quebec) on February 28th, 1942. Today Bombardier ranks among the top three aircraft manufacturers globally based on revenue and number of employees servicing domestic and international customers with 100 to 150 seat airplanes for short-haul, mid-range, regional and long-distance missions. The company’s products include the Learjet (private jet), Global Express family of business jets codenamed “Centurion,” all variants of the Challenger, Canadair Regional Jets, and commercial turboprop turbojet aircraft.
The Cessna Aircraft Company
The Cessna Aircraft Company is an American general aviation manufacturing corporation headquartered at Wichita Mid Continent Airport in Kansas. It produces business jets, airlines transport airplanes, single-engine piston aircraft for military and civilian use, and other aircraft components such as landing gear and avionics. The company was founded on July 22nd, 1927, by Clyde Cessna and Lloyd Stearman. Its headquarters were moved to Wichita in 1973, where it has remained since. In terms of production volume and units sold, Cessna is the most successful aircraft company in history, with an estimated 50,000 civilian aircraft produced for use in 200 different countries over 60 years. It also holds many records for speed and distance that have not been rivaled by any other type of private aircraft to date.
Conclusion
It’s a close competition for the top jet company in the world. These companies have all been around for over 50 years, and each of them has their unique offering to customers. For instance, Gulfstream offers worldwide service while Bombardier knows how to make planes that are both fuel-efficient and luxurious at the same time. If you’re looking for something different from these three offers, then Embraer or Dassault may be your best bet! With so many options out there, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you.
We’ve made things easier by providing reviews on some of our favorite jets from around the globe, as well as information about where they fly most often, so you’ll find what suits you.
If you need to help figure out which jet best suits your needs, do not hesitate to reach out MidAmerica Jet. We will accommodate and cater to your every need.